Honors English I

Honors 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. Students will participate in a mock trial and complete other projects that promote collaboration with peers. 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

Final year average of an A in 8th grade English

Special Purchases

In-class titles: Julius Caesar, The Odyssey, Animal Farm, Lord of the Flies; Outside Reading: four titles (selection permitted); Composition Book - college- ruled

Major Concepts Covered

30-45 minutes

Insider Information

Grammar (review of major concepts covered in middle school curriculum); Vocabulary; Literature (genre approach); Writing (five-paragraph literary analysis, journals); Expository speeches

The amount of reading and writing required in Honors English I is significant. Students should budget their time wisely, balancing both in-class titles and outside reading.

A goal for this course is to teach students to manage long- term assignments independently.