Middle Level

I.  Writing, Grammar, and Usage

Writing - Students will:

• practice the four types of writing (expository, narrative, descriptive, persuasive)

• gather information from reliable sources

• organize information into a logical sequence

• understand the basic parts of a paragraph and essay

Grammar - Students will:

• understand the parts of a complete sentence and be able to create complete sentences consistently

• understand the parts of speech and utilize them to understand a word

• be able to utilize synonyms and antonyms

• use prefixes and suffixes

• know the difference between problematic homophones (e.g. your/you’re, there/their/they’re)

II.  Poetry

• Students will be encouraged to enjoy poetry at this level.  Technical analysis will be reserved for upper levels.

• The Core Knowledge suggested list of poetry will be used.

III.  Idioms

• Students will understand common idioms used in the English language.

IV.  Reading

• Students will read popular and classic novels from various genres.

• Students will learn to respond to discussion questions with thought and information from the text to support their responses.

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Upper Level

Holt McDougal Literature

Literary Elements

Unit 1: Weaving a Story

1. Plot, Conflict, Setting, and Character 

2. Argumentative: Supporting an Opinion

Unit 2: Personality Tests

1. Analyzing Character and Point of View

2. Informative: Comparison-Contrast Essay

Unit 3: Lessons to Learn

1. Understanding Theme 

2. Narrative: Short Story

Language and Culture

Unit 4: Finding a Voice

1. Mood, Tone, and Style

2. Informative: Literary Analysis

Unit 5: Picture the Moment

1. Appreciating Poetry

2. Structure, Sound Devices, Imagery, Figurative Language

Unit 6: Timeless Tales

1. Myths, Legends, and Tales

2. Characteristics and Cultural Values of Traditional and Classical Literature

Nonfiction with Purpose 

Unit 7: Writing a Life

1. Characteristics of Biographies and Autobiographies

2. Personal Narrative

Unit 8: Face the Facts

1. Information, Argument, and Persuasion 

2. Structure, Purpose, Text Features, Graphical Aids, Main Ideas and Supporting Details, Organizational Patterns 

3. Argument: Persuasive Essay

Unit 9: Investigation and Discovery

1. The Power of Research

2. Reference Materials and Technology, Evaluating Sources

3. Informative: Research Paper

Technology for the Upper Level

Students are required to bring a laptop computer to class with Gmail for class communication, Google for online research and resources, and Google docs for writing and editing essays. Students are not required to be proficient with Google Education programs; they will learn how to use them in class. Their computer is used for educational purposes only.

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