Critical Thinking:

• Distinguish the multiple senses of a text (literal, metaphorical, symbolic, etc).
• Identify and understand assumptions, theses, and arguments in a text.
• Evaluate and synthesize evidence in order to draw conclusions consistent with the text. Seek and identify confirming and opposing evidence relevant to original and existing theses.
• Ask meaningful questions and originate plausible hypotheses.
• Critique and question the authority of texts, and explore the implications of those texts.

Written and Oral Communication:

• Recognize and compose readable prose, as characterized by clear and careful organization, coherent paragraphs and well-constructed sentences that employ the conventions of standard written English and appropriate diction.
• Recognize and formulate effective written and oral communication, giving appropriate consideration to audience, context, format, and textual evidence.
• Analyze arguments so as to construct others that are well supported (with appropriate use of textual evidence), are well reasoned, and are controlled by a thesis or exploratory question.
• Use discussion and the process of writing to enhance intellectual discovery and unravel complexities of thought.

Shared Inquiry:

• Advance probing questions about a common text or other objects of study.
• Pursue new and enriched understandings of the texts through sustained collaborative inquiry.
• Reevaluate initial hypotheses in light of evidence and collaborative discussion with the goal of making considered judgments.
• Engage in reflective listening, inclusive, respectful conversation.