Composition

Composition is a writing class that will focus primarily on reviewing Language Arts skills, as well as writing a compare/contrast essay, an argumentative essay, and a well thought out research paper. In this course, you will learn, in depth, each task that goes into writing different types of essays. This will be a slow process that takes place over several weeks. 

All students are to adhere to rules and expectations set by the Pittsville Student Handbook. In addition: 

• Students must arrive to class on time every day ready to give their best effort. This means having all materials, as well as a good attitude. 

• Students have 2 days after an excused absence to make up work. Once that time has passed, and for all other late work, students must fill out a “late work request” form. 

• Make-up tests will be offered to students who fill out the “re-teach, re-do, re-take request” form and complete all necessary components. Make up tests and assignments should be requested within the same week as the assignment is handed back.

• Cheating will not be tolerated. This includes plagiarism. Cheating/plagiarizing will result in having to re-do the assignment as well as disciplinary action. 

• Students are expected to be respectful of all people, spaces, and materials.

• Students are to follow the Academic Integrity Policy

Unit 1: Writing: Purpose, Types & Styles

Students will explore the purpose of writing, types of writing, and various styles of writing. They will create ideas about those topics in small groups and as a class.

Unit 2: Creating Your Thesis & Intro to Research

Students will practice crafting a well written thesis, and spend time learning how to research effectively 

Unit 3: Research & Position Paper

Students will select a topic, craft a well written thesis, and research their topic to support their position.

Assessments (including essays, tests, quizzes, and projects)………………………….……….……..100%

Note:  All other work, while not ‘graded,’ is designed to help students build and practice knowledge and skills that are necessary for the skills being assessed. Assessments will not be administered until other work is completed satisfactorily. If students wish to retake / retry assessments, they must follow the classroom retake policy which will be in the “Important Documents” section of Google Classroom.

1. W.1: Write arguments to support claims using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence

2. W.1a: Introduce claims, be able to tell the significance of the claims, have claims for the opposing side, and be able to provide claims in order, as well as counterclaims, reasons, and evidence 

3. W.1b: Develop claims and counterclaims, be able to provide evidence, including strengths and weaknesses, for each claim

4. W.1d: Be able to keep a formal style and objective tone while writing a research paper

5. W.1e: Provide a concluding statement for each argument presented

6. W.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas clearly and accurately through selection and organization

7. W.2a: Introduce a topic; organize complex ideas so that each new element builds on that which precedes it to create a unified whole. You may provide pictures, graphs, or headings if necessary.

8. W.2b: Be specific with the topic by selecting the most significant and relevant facts, extended definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples appropriate to the audience's knowledge of the topic.

9. W.2f: Provide a concluding statement or section that supports the information or explanation presented (e.g., articulating implications or the significance of the topic).

10. W.8 Gather relevant information for sources, integrate the information properly, avoid plagiarism, and cite properly

11. L.1: Demonstrate understanding of English grammar and usage when writing 

12. L.2: Demonstrate understanding of English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing