Integrates the study of writing and literature through the examination of a variety of genres. Students identify the elements of composition in the reading selections to understand their function and effect on the reader. Practice is provided in narrative and expository writing. Topics include comparison and contrast, persuasion, and cause and effect essays, as well as descriptive and figurative language. Lessons are supplemented with vocabulary development, grammar, and syntax exercises, along with an introduction to verbal phrases and research tools.

English is the study of the creation and analysis of literature written in the English language. In English 8A, you will explore the features of different forms of literary writing such as diaries, memoirs, informative essays, and fictional narratives. You will also improve your writing by learning about persuasive writing techniques. You will compare and contrast a literary piece across different mediums, including drama. You will engage in a dramatic reading of poetry and learn how to give multimedia presentations. In the latter part of the course, you will analyze informational texts to understand the history of the Civil War. You will also analyze various types of literary works to better understand literary elements such as point of view, conflict, theme, structure, and setting.

English 9 introduces the elements of writing poems, short stories, plays, and essays. Grammar skills are enhanced by the study of sentence structure and style and by student composition of paragraphs and short essays. Topics include narration, exposition, description, argumentation, punctuation, usage, spelling, and sentence and paragraph structure.

This course focuses on using personal experiences, opinion s, and interests as a foundation for developing effective writing skills. Skills acquired in English I are reinforced and refined. Literary models demonstrate paragraph unity and more sophisticated word choice. A research paper is required for completion o f course. Topics include grammar, sentence and paragraph structure, organizing compositions, and the research paper.

English 11A explores the relation between American history and literature from the colonial period through the realism and naturalism eras. English 11B explores the relation between American history and literature from the modernist period through the contemporary era, and presents learners with relevant cultural and political history. Readings are scaffolded with pre - reading information, interactions, and activities to actively engage learners in the content. The lessons in both semesters focus on developing grammar, vocabulary, speech, and writing skills.

In keeping with the model established in English 11, these courses emphasize the study of literature in the context of specific historical periods, beginning with the Anglo - Saxon and medieval periods in Britain. Each lesson includes tutorials and embedded lesson activities that provide for a more engaging and effective learning experience. Semester B covers the romantic, Victorian, and modern eras. End of unit tests ensure mastery of the concepts taught in each unit, and exemptive pretests allow students to focus on content that they have yet to master.

Supports independent reading practice and the three key instructional shifts being emphasized in the Common Core: more nonfiction reading, mo re reading of complex texts, and the ability to cite text evidence.