Course Name: Freshman Composition and Critical Reading
Credits: 5
Grade 9
Course Description
How do audience and purpose impact the writing process and structure? During the first
semester of the freshman year, students will answer this essential question and focus on
writing strategies and the writing process. Students will explore author’s craft as they engage
in close reading of a variety of short stories, poems, and nonfiction articles. These models will
be used to improve their own writing of pieces within these genres. Students will progress
through the stages of the writing process to hone their writing skills, sharpen their grammar
and usage skills, and expand their vocabulary. Throughout the semester students will write
for multiple purposes: to convey information, to develop an argument, and convey
experiences. Students will gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources
and integrate the research into their own writing.
During the second semester of this course students will engage in close reading of a number
of mentor and supplemental texts, examining central ideas or themes and the effect of
author’s craft on the reader. Through these texts students will also learn and apply new
vocabulary and literary terminology. Students will continue to build on the composition skills
acquired during the first semester, with a focus on literary analysis. Students will also share
and express ideas effectively in classroom discussions and other oral presentations.
Essential Questions:
What do we learn from the "masters" about how to write well? How can you use these tools to
make your own writing "masterful"?
How does genre impact the author’s delivery of theme?
Instructional Objectives
Students will…
• Utilize the stages of the writing process (pre-writing, outlining, drafting,
editing/revising, publishing, reflection)
• Write for various purposes and audiences
• Analyze and imitate author style
• Write in multiple formats, including creative, persuasive, personal
narrative/memoir, poetry, and reading reflections
• Utilize the steps of the research process to produce multiple short researchbased papers and presentations
• Demonstrate knowledge of correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation
• Utilize various forms of technology for research, writing, editing, and publishing
• Use proper MLA format when appropriate
• Read and analyze themes across a variety of genres
• Connect themes in a range of texts across genres
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Provide critical analysis, both written and oral
Identify and analyze key literary terms and elements
Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and phrases based on Grade 9
reading, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies
Develop speaking and listening skills through Socratic seminars and oral
presentations
The English Composition and Critical Reading course is based on the MA Curriculum
Framework Standards, including the Common Core State Standards (CCSS).
Thematic Concepts (writing process)
Audience
Purpose
Style
Thematic Concepts (literary)
Coming of Age
Journeys
Relationship Dynamics
Required Anchor Texts and Instructional Materials
Semester One:
• Of Mice and Men
• Various Memoir: Hole in my Life, Tuesdays with Morrie, No Excuses
Semester Two:
• Romeo and Juliet
• To Kill a Mockingbird
Yearlong
• Short Stories and Poetry from Adventures in Reading and The Language of Literature
• PPS High School Writing Guide
• Writer’s Inc.
• Sentence Composing
Supplemental/Choice Texts
• The Glass Menagerie
• The Hobbit
• The Secret Life of Bees
• A Separate Peace
• The Odyssey
• The Old Man and the Sea
• The Five People You Meet in Heaven
• Ethan Frome
• Farewell to Manizar
• The Chosen
• The Perfect Storm
• The Contender
• Watership Down
• The Fellowship of the Ring
• Endurance
• The Light in the Forest
Plagiarism Policy (excerpts taken from Plymouth Public Schools Student Handbook)
9.0 Plagiarism and Copyright Infringement
Existing copyright law will govern the use of material accessed through network. The
user will not plagiarize works found on the Internet. Plagiarism is taking the ideas or
writings of others and presenting them as if they were yours. All copyrighted material
used must have the express written permission of the person or organization that
owns the copyright.
Cheating/Plagiarism
Any student who has cheated on any academic exercise will receive no credit for that
exercise. Plagiarism is a form of cheating. A parent/guardian will be notified by the
involved teacher in all instances of cheating. The investigation of the claim of cheating
and plagiarism will involve the student, teacher, and administration.
Grading Policy and Assessment
Grades will be based on the following components:
80%
• Formal Writing Pieces (as determined by Plymouth High School Writing Guidelines)
*Prewriting, outlines, drafts, and revision assignments fall under this category
• Tests and Quizzes
• Projects
• Formal Presentations
20%
• Class Work and Homework (reading responses, notes, language practice, etc.)
• Participation (Socratic Circles, Informal Presentations, Think, Pair, Share, etc.)
The final year average will be calculated as follows:
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Term 1 Grade
Term 2 Grade
Term 3 Grade
Term 4 Grade
Final Exam
20%
20%
20%
20%
20%
Additional Information (to be teacher specific)
• Required Course Materials
• Student Expectations/Responsibilities
• Course Policies/Procedures
• Contact Information
Note: Each high school may choose to add their “School-wide Learning Expectations” as
appropriate.