Essay Writing

**Please note that our curricula are under constant review and may be adjusted to suit the needs of our students. These changes may take place more quickly than can be reflected on this site at a given moment in time. We will update periodically.

Course Description:

This course is designed to address the specific skills necessary in good essay writing. The course will focus on overcoming any general “class-wide” weaknesses as identified by diagnostics and the grade 8 MCAS tests and on strengthening writing skills. Students will focus on the literary essay, persuasive short/long pieces, synthesizing information from multiple texts, practical/real-world writing skills, and on a research project. Final evaluation in the course will be determined in part by progress and growth in writing skills. This course fulfills the essay requirement for graduation.

Critical Thinking: Since this course focuses on the development of the essay students must analyze texts, synthesize information from multiple texts, develop thesis statements, and create logical arguments to support their thesis statements.

Course Enduring Understandings:

1) An essay is a short piece of writing which gives an opinion about a subject.

2) An essay consists of an introduction containing a thesis; body paragraphs filled with concrete details and commentary, connected by transitions; and a concluding paragraph.

3) A good essay effectively employs clear sentences built into cohesive paragraphs that communicate a unified idea.

4) Always consider the audience in determining the best way to construct your written piece. This applies to email, speeches, letters, etc.

Intro to Essay Writing and Process

Literary Essay

The Research/Synthesis Paper

Persuasive/Compare-Contrast Essay/Editorial Writing

Personal Essay/Letter Writing/Speech Writing

Practical Writing/Writing for Life

Open Response Practice (MCAS/PAARC)

Grading Weights:

Homework 10%

Classwork/Quizzes/Informal Writing 20%

Essays/Formal Writing 70%

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