ENGLISH 9A SYLLABUS
MR. BADER
K105
Grammar Unit
Throughout the semester students will continue to work on mastery of grammar, mechanics, and usage. During the semester students will be able to identify all parts of speech, phrases and clauses, run-on sentences, and sentence fragments. Students will learn the proper use of the apostrophe and punctuation, and will be able to write all types of sentences (simple, compound, and complex).
Vocabulary
Vocabulary study will consist of studying specific words (mainly through the WOW (Words of the Week) school initiative, prefixes, suffixes, Latin and Greek roots, and from practicing understanding new words using context clues.
Writing
Each unit will include several writing assignments.
Non-Fiction Unit
This unit focuses on the elements of persuasive writing, the difference between facts and opinions, denotation and connotation, and the various forms of non-fiction writing.
Short Story Unit
We will read several short stories, discussing the elements of story structure, including plot, inciting incident, conflict, character development, and story arc.
Novel Unit
The class will read Animal Farm. We will discuss the historical context of the novel, the use of allegory, and the role of literature in politics and social change.
Final Exam
There will be a comprehensive final exam at the end of the semester, covering all topics. We will review for the test for two weeks prior to the exam.
EVALUATION PROCEDURES
I will employ a variety of assessments during the year. Students should be prepared for frequent quizzes on the assigned readings. Other assessments include a participation grade, short assignments, in-class worksheets, formal written assignments, projects, oral and written exams, and departmental exams.
There are no make-ups for missing work. If a student has an excused absence on the day an assignment is due, that student will be allowed to turn in the required work one day after the day of their return to class for full credit. All class work and homework will be turned in on Friday. Attendance in class is extremely important. Every piece of work assigned is worth a certain number of points, including all work done in class. If a student is absent, it is his or her responsibility to check with the teacher to see if there is any required work to make up.
Cheating and plagiarism is a serious offense. Any writing assignment that is plagiarized will be given a score of zero, without a chance to make up the grade. Cheating on an in-class assignment or test will also be given a score of zero without a chance to make up the grade.
The grading scale is as follows:
· 90-100%=A
· 80-89%=B
· 70-79%=C
· 0-69%=F