The Using the Standards: Building Grammar and Writing Skills Series was developed to help students achieve the goals outlined in the IRA/NCTE Standards for the English Language. These standards encompass all types of language skills--reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing, and visually representing. Since this book focuses on grammar and writing, it emphasizes the standards most directly applicable. However, since reading and writing are inextricably linked, aspects of all 12 standards are included.