(1) The benchmark for communication arts writing content standard 5 for a student upon graduation is the ability to:

(a) apply the steps of the writing process to develop, evaluate, and refine writing;

(b) independently select topics and generate complex thesis statements that indicate the writer's purpose for writing;

(c) generate, develop, and elaborate upon main ideas using relevant and specific supporting details;

(d) organize writing using a logical progression of ideas and transitions to effectively convey the relationships among them;

(e) demonstrate knowledge of language choices and their impact on writing by showing purposeful control of voice, sentence fluency, and word choice;

(f) apply conventions of standard written English (e.g., usage, punctuation, and spelling) appropriate for purpose, audience, and form;

(g) articulate and evaluate the purpose and audience and select and use appropriate format and tone in one's own writing;

(h) write using a variety of forms and genres and evaluate one's own and others' writing for effectiveness of form and genre;

(i) compose a variety of written works utilizing complex ideas and detailed support that demonstrate the ability to maintain a sustained focus;

(j) use an information problem solving process to effectively synthesize information to research a topic;

(k) follow copyright laws and fair use guidelines when using the intellectual property of others, including that of Montana American Indians, and appropriately credit ideas and words of others;

(l) set goals, seek feedback, and evaluate writing progress; and

(m) select and use forms of writing to clarify thought, extend learning, and reflect on experience.