English 4 A
Course Description
In this course, students will cultivate flexibility in their writing by engaging in the creation of both shorter and longer pieces tailored to a range of tasks, purposes, and audiences. A key focus of the course will be on reading and interpreting nonfiction texts, equipping students with the skills to navigate and extract meaning from complex literary works spanning a variety of genres, cultures, and perspectives. Emphasis will also be placed on the art of word choice, as students learn to wield language to convey nuances of meaning and establish tone in their writing. In addition to written communication, students will explore oral and digital forms of expression, gaining insights into effective communication strategies across various mediums.
Inquiry Process
Learn this: I will learn how to gather information and present my findings in a format of my choice.
Do this: I will create a project that shows that I know how to:
Conduct research by gathering information.
Organize my findings into a structured essay, report, infographic, or other format of my choice.
Cite my sources using in-text citations.
Create a Works Cited page in MLA or APA format.
Proofread my work to ensure it is free of errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Grow from: I will respond to teacher feedback.
Word Building
Learn this: I will learn how words and phrases provide meaning or a nuance to the meaning of the text.
Do this: I will create a project that shows that I know how to:
Choose a text that I find interesting and want to analyze.
Identify key words and phrases that contribute to its meaning or nuance.
Present my findings in a format of my choice: essay, report, slideshow, infographic, video, etc...
Use in-text citations and create a Works Cited page using MLA or APA format.
Grow from: Responding to teacher feedback.
Literature and Nonfiction Text
Learn this: I will learn to analyze text and pay attention to details.
Do this: I will create a project that shows that I know how to:
Choose a text that I am interested in.
Focus on the main ideas, characters, arguments, and claims made in the text.
Write an analytical piece that addresses characters and their development, theme, conflicts, claims, and arguments.
Proofread my work to ensure it is free of errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Grow from: Responding to teacher feedback.
Deep Reading to Build Knowledge
Learn this: I will learn to read and comprehend literary and informational texts.
Do this: I will create a project that shows that I know how to:
Create a reflective writing for each of at least four (4) different texts that I have read including:
What insights have I gained?
What lessons have I learned?
What impact did each piece of text have on me?
Use in-text citations to credit my sources.
Create a Works Cited page using MLA or APA format.
Grow from: Responding to teacher feedback.