"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." - William Butler Yeats
The goal of this English class is to produce critical thinkers. Students are not only reading for comprehension but for meaning and relevancy of the work as a whole. Literature is also an example of good writing. The writing improves when a student reads. Vocabulary also improves because the student is learning to read in context. We want successful students who can think critically and communicate effectively.
Academic English 9: The students will complete Act I of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. They will be responsible for reading, comprehending, analyzing, and applying the literary elements and devices used by Shakespeare to show the flaws of human nature and how society influences individuals. Act I Notes and Study Guide will be due on Tuesday, November 12th. Students will begin writing the play in a modernized vernacular version to demonstrate comprehension of content and form.
Practical English 10: Students will be responsible for identifying, analyzing, and applying the elements of the movie review through the viewing, evaluating, and critiquing of a movie. Their use of persuasion and opinion will be necessary for completion of the written review. Students will be required to use active voice.
English 11: Students will begin reading Arthur Miller's The Crucible. They will be responsible for completing an accompanying study guide to help with their comprehension. Discussion will be necessary for application of relevant issues found in the play. Their study of the Salem Witch Trials, Puritanism, and McCarthyism will aid in understanding themes of individualism, conformity, and the abuse of power. Vocabulary 6 Test on Friday. Students should be able to answer the following question: Why is discipline better than punishment?
Public Speaking: Students will be responsible for reading and taking notes on the Persuasive Speech from their textbook in preparation for the third speech. They will need to complete the process of speech preparation necessary for the utilization of good public speaking skills. Research will aid in the process of picking a topic. Students will need to pick a topic and convince the audience to "do something". Fact and Policy Worksheets due on Monday, November 11th. Chapter 17 notes due on Tuesday, November 12th.
