9th Grade English and Composition

Available at the standard and honors levels, this 9th grade English course is broken into two distinct semesters. The first semester is designed to immerse students in academic writing, which is centered on articulating a strong argument through the development of a clear, concise thesis and effective, compelling support. The purpose of this scope and sequence is to better prepare students for the descriptive, expository, narrative, analytical, and persuasive writing they will be expected to produce across all disciplines over the rest of their time in high school.

The second semester includes the study of novels, stories, and poems from cultures other than our own, both ancient and modern. As literature is reflective of its historical context, these stories expose students to generational and cultural shifts, as well as to a plethora of worldviews and experiences that students analyze via the themes and motifs employed by the authors. Grammar, vocabulary, usage, and stylistic skills are integrated throughout the course.