2023-2024

English

 

WRITING WORK TIME

 This year, the students will compose essay, including expository, persuasive, and narrative, as well as speeches.  

 

Essays

Students should follow the general writing process while composing essays. 

1.  Pre-write by completing lists, webs, or outlines to gather ideas.

2.  Write the rough draft.

3.  Edit the draft yourself and make changes.

4.  Have a peer edit/proofread your draft.

5.  Complete the final draft to be turned in. 

 

When essays are turned in, they need to be in the following format:

1.  Title page, displaying the title of the paper, your name, class period, and date.

2.  Final draft, which needs to be double-spaced with writing only on one side.  It may be typed or written in cursive.  The pages need to be numbered.

3.  Rough draft

4.  Peer edit sheet

5.  Pre-write

All of this needs to be stapled or bound together.

 

 

Expository/Persuasive Writing

Expository writing supplies the reader with information, while persuasive writing convinces the reader of your opinion.  Both essays, however, are set up in the same fashion.

 

I.  Introduction

A.  Start it off with a question, quote, or something startling.

B.   Preview your three reasons.

C.  End with your thesis statement or topic sentence.

II.  Body

A.  It should consist of 3 paragraphs (remember that each paragraph should have 3-5 sentences).

B.  Set them up with one reason in each paragraph.  After stating this main idea first, explain it in more details with examples.  Have transitions between paragraphs, such as next and then.

III.  Conclusion

A.  Start it with the reworded thesis.

B.  Summarize your main points.

 

Narrative Writing

Narrative writing tells the reader a story, and is set up in this fashion:

 

I.  Introduction

A.  Start it off with a question, quote, or something startling.

B.  State how the general topic is important..

C.  End with your thesis statement or topic sentence.

II.  Body

A.  It should consist of 3 paragraphs (remember that each paragraph should have 3-5 sentences).  Arrange them in sequential (time) order.

B.  Make sure the who, what, where, when, and why are clear.  Use descriptive language so the reader can see and/or hear it.

C.  Develop the plot and bring it to the resolution in the paragraphs.  Have transitions between paragraphs, such as next and then.

III.  Conclusion

A.  Start it with the reworded thesis.

B.  Summarize the story.

 

Speeches

When delivering a speech, there are several factors to consider:

1.  Body Language = Make sure that you have the proper posture.  Your shoulders should be back and your legs straight.  Maintain eye contact with the audience; consider them supportive, not threatening.  Do not fidget with your hands but do gesture.

2.  Articulation = Speak clearly and with enthusiasm. Say each word; do not slur.  Also, avoid “fillers,” such as “you know” and “um.”

3.  Pitch = Do not speak in monotone; have some highs and lows to your voice.

4.  Pace = Do not talk too fast or slow.

5.  Pause = To emphasize a word or point, add in a pause.

6.  Volume = Speak loud enough to be heard.  Take into consideration outside noise.

7.  Relaxed confidence = This can be obtained by practicing.  Rehearse both alone and in front of people; try to be conservational.  This will make you appear truthful and earnest. 

8. Visuals = Have an aid to accompany your words.

9.  Length = Mind the allotted time you are given.

 

Besides speaking skills, when writing your speech, consider:

1.  Content = The material is clearly stated and reasons are provided.  Quotes are great to include as sources in speeches as well as periodicals, books, and interviews.

2.  Organization = It flows well, with transitions.

3.  Creativity = Does it capture the audience’s attention?

4.  Word choice = Are the words appropriate and positive?

5.  Set-Up = Make sure you include an introduction, body, and conclusion.

 

Grammar

 1 :  Choosing end marks/Noun identification
 2 : Proper/Common Nouns -Capitalization

 3 : Subject/Predicate-Comma between City, State

 4 : Simple/Compound subjects-dates, months, days
 5 : Friendly Letters
 6 : Forming complete sentences-subject + predicate
 7 : Plurals- add -s and -es/Caps. 
 8: Forming plurals for nouns ending in -y
 9 : Identifying action and linking verbs
10: Subject-Verb Agreement 
11: Contractions-Homophones: your / you're
12 : Commas used with words in a series
13 : Subject/Verb agreement w/ matching tenses

14 : Commas-direct address, after intro.

15 : Modifiers: Adjectives-ID / Correct placement

16 : Possessives /Commas after sequence words

17 : Possessives vs. Plurals 
18 : Modifiers: Adverbs 

19 : Comparative Adjectives
20 : Superlative Adjectives
21 : Common Homophones
22 : Business Letters / Envelopes-Abbreviations
23 :  Action and Linking Verbs
24 : Review:  Comma Usage
25 : Review:  Singular Possessives vs. Plurals
26 : Introduction:  Paragraphing Conversation