English II is a year-long course for grade 10 students designed to strengthen skills in reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking through a diverse set of literary and informational texts. Students engage in close reading, analytical and narrative writing, collaborative discussions, and research projects that prepare them for college and career readiness.
The course is organized into thematic units, beginning with goal setting and reflection on assessments, followed by in-depth study of dystopian literature, the influence of technology on society, themes of justice and identity, and Shakespearean tragedy. Core texts such as Fahrenheit 451, A Lesson Before Dying, I Am Alfonso Jones, and Macbeth are paired with contemporary articles, documentaries, and multimedia sources to deepen connections between literature and real-world issues.
Students will:
Analyze how authors use structure, language, and perspective to develop theme, character, and argument.
Write across genres, including literary analysis, narrative, argument, and research papers, with emphasis on revision and evidence-based reasoning.
Participate in book clubs, Socratic seminars, and performance tasks to strengthen oral communication and collaboration.
Explore ethical questions about power, identity, technology, justice, and human behavior through literature and media.
Assessments include reader response journals, literary analysis essays, research writing, Socratic seminars, creative projects, and performance-based tasks. The course aligns with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for English Language Arts (Grades 9–10) and integrates Career Readiness, Life Literacies, and Key Skills as well as Computer Science & Design Thinking standards.
English II Resource:
This small-group version of English I provides targeted, explicit instruction and individualized support to help students access the ninth-grade English Language Arts curriculum and develop essential literacy skills. Students will engage with the same core texts, themes, and standards as English II while receiving additional scaffolding in reading comprehension, vocabulary, writing, organization, and communication. Instruction will incorporate differentiated materials, modeling, guided practice, repeated opportunities to apply skills, and accommodations aligned with students’ IEPs. The course emphasizes building confidence, independence, and academic skills while preparing students for success in future English courses.