The course is designed to provide all students the opportunity to challenge themselves by enhancing their skills in reading, writing, speaking and critical thinking while also preparing for the New York State English Regents Exam. Subject areas to be addressed in class include the development of voice and argument in nonfiction writing, the rhetorical skills utilized in persuasive writing, the exploration of literary merit within a text, and the complex role of fiction in today’s ever-changing society. Students will examine different genres of literature as well as compose multiple writing assignments throughout the course including a research project and short oral presentations.