Page last revised 08/2025

Course Descriptions

English IV

This course is a study of British literature designed to develop higher level reading, research, and cooperative problem solving skills, SAT/ACT preparation, analytical and expository writing skills, multimedia skills, and public speaking.

English IV Honors

Students in Honors English IV will integrate all the language arts skills gained throughout their education.  Students will focus on British literature.  The emphasis in English IV is argumentation by developing a position of advocacy through reading, writing, speaking, listening, and using media. There is a required research paper/presentation for this course. 

A Note on Honors English Courses: Honors/AP English courses require students to work as self-directed and reflective learners. These courses entail extension, acceleration, and enrichment of the NC Standard Course of Study. As students interact with increasingly complex texts, they approach course material with greater depth and rigor, accelerated pacing and complexity, and higher expectations for creativity. These courses are expected to challenge students beyond the expectations for standard level courses. Higher level thinking skills, collaboration, and project-based learning are emphasized, as well as student performance in oral and written language, and interaction with media/technology.

Why Do I Need This Class?

The simple answer? You probably won’t need the reading we do in this class to succeed in life. However, the goal of an English class is not just to make you a reader of texts; rather, the content and assignments in this course are designed to help you to become better critical thinkers and communicators (both written and spoken) who are able to defend a stance and explain the why instead of the what. It is my hope that you will take the skills you learn in this class and apply them to your lives beyond the classroom. 

Course Standards & Objectives

This course is guided by the North Carolina Standard Course of Study, which establishes standards and objectives for reading literature and informational texts (RL/RI); writing (W); language (L); and speaking & listening (SL). I have structured this course to ensure that each student has an opportunity throughout the semester to demonstrate mastery and understanding. A complete list of the standards for this course is available on the Department of Public Instruction website. 

The following are our “Power Skills” for English IV, aligned to the specific standards

• Cite textual evidence to support claims and make inferences (RL1, RI1, W9) and cite sources (W8)

• Participate in collaborative discussion (SL1)

• Identify the theme or central idea (RL2/RI2)

• Identify key elements of a text (RL3)

• Explain the impact of word choice (RL4, RI4)

• Identify and explain text structure (RL5, RI5)

• Identify the point of view / perspective (RL6/RI6)

• Write clearly and coherently for purpose, task, & audience (W4) and develop writing through process (W5) 

• Determine or clarify words; context clues, word patterns (L4)

• Identify, explain, and use figurative language; connotation / denotation (L5)

The Essential Question

The study of English is focused on the ability to communicate (through writing, speaking, and viewing) and interpret (through reading, listening, and viewing) ideas. 

How does the author use language (X) to create meaning (Y)?

• X = device / technique

• Y = Mood (What does it make you FEEL?) / Theme (What does it make you THINK?)

Grateful nod to Mrs. Shannon Hanson, a colleague and friend, for sharing this Essential Question with me many years ago. 

Units, Texts, & Areas of Study

Note: Though we will modify the course of study for our class needs, the following are the typical units of study for English IV. We may add or omit texts as needed. Additionally, depending on class and individual needs, we may conduct a Book Club or book of choice study.