English I

English I encompasses literature, grammar, vocabulary, and writing. Students are challenged to read short stories, nonfiction, poems, and novels. An emphasis is placed on critical reading and thinking skills. Students will learn literary devices and author’s intent. Students will also explore diverse topics about life, beauty, and the role of mankind. An emphasis is placed on defining words through context clues for vocabulary study and students use vocabulary.com for vocabulary practice. Writing is another component of the course. Students experience formal and informal writing assignments and are challenged to analyze and report on complex issues. Students write an expository essay that will later become their speech. Focus is placed on practicing MLA format, writing thesis and topic sentences, and developing paragraphs with textual evidence.

Prerequisite

None

Special Purchases

No Fear Shakespeare Julius Caesar; Animal Farm; The Lord of the Flies Composition Book - college ruled

Homework Estimate

30 minutes, but varies

Major Concepts Covered

Vocabulary; Grammar - parts of speech; Literature - short stories; poetry; drama (Cyrano de Bergerac, Julius Caesar); mythology; 4 outside reading books; Research Project; novel (Animal Farm); literary terms and their application for each genre; speeches

Insider Information

Students must write in response to a journal prompt three times per week. There is a cumulative vocabulary test once per quarter which cover all words studied from the beginning of the year.