9th+Language+Arts+I


 * Language Arts I**
 * D Dilworth**
 * Chinquapin Preparatory School**


 * Essential Questions:**


 * What is good writing?**
 * How can I write an effective sentence?**
 * What are the benefits of learning grammar, memorizing vocabulary, and reading books for pleasure?**


 * Purpose:** To develop a better understanding of how a sentence reads, and how to write a more effective and coherent sentence.


 * Activities/Skills:**


 * Mastering the argumentative essay
 * Organization of an argument
 * Crafting an effective and original thesis; providing supportive evidence
 * Reviewing and mastering language errors
 * Using grammar and punctuation for style through fictional works
 * Building vocabulary for sophisticated reading and expression
 * Reading and understanding point of view/perspective (especially in nonfiction and journalism)
 * Reading and understanding nonfiction forms
 * Effectively employing the writing process: prewriting, drafting, revising, proofreading
 * Writing stories to enrich vocabulary (//The Weighty Word Book// and “Paradox”)
 * Use of //Sentence Composing for High School//
 * Use of //Vocabu-Lit// workbook


 * Assessment:**


 * Grading.** I work on a points system, but basically you should expect the following breakup:

Homework – 15% Participation – 15% Quizzes – 20% Essays, Projects, Writing – 50%


 * Homework**: Your homework assignments are due at the **beginning of class** each day it is assigned. Do not turn in homework at the end of class! Late homework will be counted 50% off for one day late, 0% after one day.
 * Projects**: All projects are due **at the beginning of the class** of the date assigned. 15% of your grade will be deducted for the first day it is late (which starts 1 minute after the beginning of class), 25% the second day, and a “0” will be given after two days. If there are problems with turning in an assignment, talk to me. I am known to be reasonable from time to time.
 * Tests, Quizzes**: If you are absent, you will need to see me about taking the quiz/test the day you return to classes (if you anticipate being out longer, see me beforehand and we will work out a reasonable time for you to take the quiz/exam). If you do not seek me out because you were sick and we had a quiz/exam in your absence, you will receive a “0”. Expect “pop” quizzes from me (thus it is essential you ask a reliable student if we had a quiz the day you were absent). Any talking, eye movement, or cheating of any kind during a quiz or a test will constitute a “0”.
 * Papers, compositions**: If you cannot print an essay because you didn’t have access to a printer, you need to send it to my Chinquapin email as an attachment **before** the assigned due date. **You will still need to print it**, but it will not count as a late assignment if sent to me prior to the due date. The same reduction of grade applies to late papers as projects (15% for the first day, 25% for the second day, “0” after two days). Be sure to double space all written assignments.
 * Participation**: Now that you are in high school, you will be expected to participate more. It is now worth 15% of your grade. Basically, if you don’t contribute to the class discussions, expect an F or a D; occasional comments, a C; regular comments, insights, a B; consistent comments, questions, insights, an A; I will need to be “blown away” for you to earn an A. Talking out of turn will bring your grade down; consistent distractions in class will be cause for a student-teacher conference, and likely a call to a parent. (Please see the Student Handbook for other behavior issues; my class will be consistent with it). Not knowing what we’re doing or discussing will also earn point reductions.


 * We will work a lot with vocabulary words, but you will also spend a lot of time in this class writing and editing. We will also read short stories to incorporate what you learn in the text to the classroom and to your writing.