Course Description
FIRST SEMESTER || SECOND SEMESTER
This course concentrates on reading comprehension, writing, speaking, and listening skills.
LITERARY TERMS are introduced that prepare students to be successful in the remainder of their high school years.
Basic parts of English speech are stressed to help students understand the fundamentals of formal English as a means of communication: written and spoken. Summary, descriptive, comparison contrast, and literary analysis paragraphs are taught throughout the year.
FIRST SEMESTER
LITERATURE: several short stories and a novella, Animal Farm, immerse students into the arena of analyzing written works. From these exposures several paragraph formats are introduced. Also, two reading assessments provide students with preparation for the Sophomore WASL (Washington Assessment of Student Learning), and feedbacks to the teacher in order that further lessons may be adjusted to classroom needs.
DISTRICT WRITING ASSESSMENT: We begin the semester with three days of writing. This district assessment provides students with a base paper that is placed in their Culminating Project portfolio. It also allows the student to demonstrate their current writing abilities.
PROFICIENCY REQUIRED ASSIGNMENTS: A student must complete the following assignments in order to receive credit for Freshman English at the end of the first semester.
(1) Sentence Manipulation Paper (75% to pass)
(2) Descriptive Paragraph (75% to pass)
(3) Summary Paragraph(s) (75% to pass/COE)
(4) Literary Analysis Paper (75% to pass/COE)
(5) Personal Experience Narrative (70% to pass)
(6) Informative Speech (7o% to pass)
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SECOND SEMESTER
Curriculum moves beyond the basic skills taught in first semester. More precision is expected of students in their reading comprehension and writing skills. Literary terms and their applications find their way into many lessons.
LITERATURE: Three major works compose the framework around which many assignments find expression.
The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare, guides students to understand the applictions of irony and tragedy within literature.
The Odyssey, by Homer, exposes students to the long-lived depth of writing techniques. The epic pattern and extended metaphor introduce students to details that are currently utilized in writing and film production today.
One novella may be chosen to explore specific writing techniques: either I Heard the Owl Call My Name, The Sky Fisherman, And Then There Were None, or The Old Man and the Sea.
Short stories round out the curriculum, and are used to highlight various themes or literary techniques presented during the Freshman year.
PERFORMANCE WRITING: A literary analysis paper is an extension of one of the major literary studies and is a requirement of the course. Summary and comparison contrast paragraphs are also taught to help students remain on top of their writing skills.
Grading Rubric: Six Traits of Writing with an exclusive use of present tense active verbs.
ASSESSMENT:
All assignments have due dates. Students are responsible for obtaining and completing all assignments. 20% reduction in grade for papers turned in one day late. Excused absences do not extend due dates. Pre-arranged absences will require students to make up adjustments in their class work schedule in advance. Quiz and Test make up for excused absences must be completed in a timely manner (2-3 days) and requires an appointment with Mr. zobel before or after school.
Grades for assignments and quizzes/tests are posted in the room on a regular basis (2-3 weeks). Grades are also posted on the Wenatchee High School web site.
Printed progress reports will be provided to students or parents/guardians upon request. Quarterly progress reports are mailed home by the school.
The following descriptors are available on Mr. Zobel's "Classroom Expectations"
Assistance for Learning
Parental Contact with Mr. Zobel
Emergecy Situations
Classroom Management
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