In this college preparatory class, literature assignments include:
To Kill a Mockingbird, The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, Night, excerpts
from Homer’s Odyssey, as well as poetry, short stories and essays.
Developmental writing and essay assignments include the autobiographical,
observational and literary analysis essays. Autobiographical essays
focus on sensory details to enrich the narrative, and the observational
and literary essays focus on effective thesis sentences in the introduction
paragraph, cohesive body paragraphs with supporting details, cited quotations
followed by commentary that reveals and extends conclusions. The ninth
grade year includes an introduction to research and Modern Language
Association documentation as well as attention to oral presentations.
Ninth graders are encouraged to purchase the Handbook of Written English,
an extensive resource that lists grade-level requirements in literature,
essay types, and reading speed to be on college preparation track. The
handbook provides valuable instruction with examples of all required
essay types, and specific sections devoted to writing skills.