By taking this class you can expect to:

• improve your writing both technically and stylistically

• sharpen your word processing skills

• develop your desktop publishing skills

• expand your vocabulary

• hone your critical reading skills

The project you'll work on represent some sophisticated, yet attainable, journalistic writing because the process will be broken down into manageable steps.  Here are some of the types of writing projects you will complete.

• The Representative Profile

• Informed Opinion

• Personal essays and column writing

• Photo essay

• Judge History Project

• Informational Graphics

• Podcasting collaboration with student in New York City

As in the other ninth grade English classes the goal of this course is to help you to become a better writer.  In the process of becoming a better writer, you will become a better thinker and learner, and that will help you in high school and beyond.  At the end of the year, you will be familiar with many different approaches to writing—from short personal pieces to an extensive research project, and from creative writing to more objective, journalistic writing.

For this class, the section of your  binder should be divided into five parts: vocabulary study, your drafts of writing, language study, writing about literature, and your revised writings.

A word about academic honesty.  The work you do for this class must be your own.  If you cheat or plagiarize, you fail that assignment. 

How to do well in this class

• Prepare to learn.  Bring your binder, paper, assignments, and books.

• Act appropriately.  In whole group activities, raise your hand to speak, and listen actively.  In small groups, function as a team member.  For individual work, read and/or write silently.

• Respect everyone and everything in the room.