English 7

In this class, students will develop the ability to analyze literature and informational writing in terms of structure, argument and figurative language. Students will learn how to make sound inferences that allow them to read "between the lines" of what is written in serious literature and primary/ secondary sources. Students will read some novels as a class, including The Giver, Beowulf, The Samurai's Tale, and The Canterbury Tales, but will also read numerous smaller selections from larger sources, including the Koran as well as Reformation,Renaissance, and Enlightenment thinkers. Additionally, students will participate in and lead Literature Circles and Socratic Seminars, where they will be responsible for leading discussions on shared texts. Writing will focus on narrative (1st quarter), informational/ explanatory (2nd quarter), and argumentative (3rd/4th quarters). Vocabulary will be studied and assessed frequently, with an emphasis on academic vocabulary, content specific vocabulary, and roots. Grammar will be interspersed throughout the year, with a focus on sentence structure and punctuation.

Informal and formal research will be on-going. Students will learn how to incorporate multiple sources, avoid plagiarism and cite information accurately.

Students will be expected to read an outside novel at all times. In addition, students will complete reading logs and book projects, and participate in reading groups, and these will constitute the majority of the homework scores in this class. However, all students will also read, annotate, and analyze articles (Newsela.com, newspaper, etc...) and turn them in regularly.