Reading Selections:

• Nonfiction,short stories, and poetry
• At least one class novel, such as Othello, Breathing Underwater, Kindred, Montana 1948
• Several independent choice novels
• Supplemental texts, such as additional poems, stories and articles related to class studies
• Researchmaterials for debate

Writing Assignments:

• PersonalNarrative using sensory details, an element of conflict or tension, dialogue, and reflection
• Position Paper demonstrating arguments in response to literature
• Researched Debate to introduce a topic, organize ideas, and take a stand

Other Assignments:

• Masteryof reading strategies, such as making inferences, author’s purpose, finding the main idea, questioning strategies, paraphrasing and annotation, fact andopinion
• Analysis of complex characters, style, setting, etc.
• Various types of creative writing
• Frequent journaling
• Vocabulary development through context clues, word parts, and reference materials
• Frequent discussions

Types of assessments:

• Multiplechoice reading comprehension quizzes
• Vocabulary assessments
• In-class timed writings