1. Welcome to Pre-AP/IB English!!!!!!! Ms. Jessica Boyce Information can be found on my website. Don’t forget to sign up for my parent newsletter by emailing me at jboyce@nsd.org. Please put your student’s name and class period in the subject line.jboyce@nsd.org

2. Year Long Units of Study Vocabulary: We will be doing vocabulary each week, beginning next week. Students do not need to purchase a vocabulary book, but should have a spiral or separate composition book for vocabulary. Grammar: throughout the year, we will be doing different grammar and conventions assignments and practices based on need.

3. 1 st Semester

4. Reading Non-Fiction texts: students will be reading a variety of non- fiction texts including, but not limited to, US historical documents and speeches, news articles, academic journal articles, etc. Independent Reading: students are expected to read 3 novels outside of class- the first is a coming of age novel, the second a biography, and the third an “AP” novel. Peace Like a River- in this unit students will do much of the reading independently, with activities in class to analyze the style and symbolism connected to coming of age.

5. Writing First semester will include a variety of writing: Narrative: students will begin the year by writing an interview narrative- focusing on how to transcribe an interview into a fluent and thoughtful piece. This will require them to conduct a formal interview with an adult in his/her life. Argumentative writing: students will understand the format, content, and purpose of argumentative writing- including the basics of rhetoric. Analysis: students will work to understand the requirements for writing analytically: the organization and structure as well as content. The focus of our writing will be on analyzing and explaining the choices an author, speaker or director makes and why he/she makes those choices.

6. 2 nd Semester

7. Reading Second semester will have more of a focus on literature/fiction: To Kill a Mockingbird Romeo and Juliet Poetry Independent Reading: 3 novels: one “social awareness” novel, an “AP” novel, and a free choice- must be approved by me. Continuation of Non-Fiction reading throughout second semester as well. Students will have more practice with reading a variety of non-fiction texts including, but not limited to, US historical documents and speeches, news articles, academic journal articles, etc.

8. Writing Continuation of Literary Analysis: will follow the AP style prompts and essay expectations. This will push students beyond the basic persuasive and into literary analysis and argument. This will build on the writing from first semester. Poetry- Students will create a poetry anthology focused on a specific theme.

9. Grade book Each assignment will be given a score on either: Effort: Formative and skill building assignments will be given points based on the completion of all parts of the assignment, and for following directions. Rubric: Essays will be scored using rubrics: they will be available online for each assignment. Above Standard (AS) or AS- Standard: S+, S, S- Approaching Standard (AP+, APS, AP-) Below Standard (BS+, BS)