Focus: Read, interpret, and analyze literature through short stories, novels, newspapers, and other media.

Requirements:

· Read a variety of short stories and identify literary elements and techniques.

· Read novels and take part in discussion and projects focusing on the selected text.

· Students will be expected to do additional outside reading in the following genres: historical fiction, short story, drama, biography, autobiography, newspapers, etc.

Focus: The writing process, 6 Traits of Writing, formal and informal writing, and writing for a specific audience.

· Write a short narrative

· Write a persuasive essay

· Write a research paper

· Write a short story

· Write detailed descriptions

· Write creatively

· Compose multiple forms of poetry

· Use life skills in resume writing

· Form an opinion for a movie review

Focus: Discussion skills and formal and informal speaking presentations.

· Extemporaneous speaking

· Drama presentations

· Read and/or listen to one and three act plays

· Book talks

· Research presentations

· Discuss short stories and novels read in class

Focus: The structure of the English language will be explored to strengthen student writing and verbal skills.

Requirements:

· Explore the 8 (eight) parts of speech/grammar

· Study and use different types of sentence structure

· Practice good mechanics and display correct spelling

Focus: Proper research techniques, writing research papers, and emphasizing original thoughts.

· Find appropriate sources

· Work on note taking and outlining

· Demonstrate paraphrasing

· Use work cited/consulted

· Explore test taking strategies and ability appropriate study skills

Focus: Word processing and electronic resources

Requirements:

· Word processing is expected on all formal papers

· Internet skills will be used as part of student research

· View lesson-enhancing videos