**This is the second semester of English II; however, newbies are welcome!**

In this semester-long course, students will continue building a strong set of foundational skills to be successful in high school and college English. The primary goals of Sophomore English (English II) are to write analytically and persuasively, master complex usage of different parts of speech, learn advanced techniques for using commas and other punctuation, and analyze rhetorical strategies and fallacies used in persuasive texts. Students will continue to work to understand nuance, symbolism, author's purpose. Additionally, they will be able to critically analyze the elements of fiction and non-fiction. 

Students will read fictional drama, informational texts, and poetry. Most literature will be presented via class readings so that students can see and learn critical thinking strategies for upper-level reading; however, students will be required to read one book independently each semester. This course will include weekly guided writing practice as well as independent writing. 

This class will meet live 2 times per week; however, there will be one hour of required homework between each class. Some outside studying may be necessary. This means that students will spend at least 4 hours per week on this class: 2 live hours and 2 flexible hours. 
Live classes will include lecture-style instruction, class discussions, group work, and some fun games and activities. 
Required homework assignments will vary but may include: online quizzes and tests, workbook activities, projects, and pre-recorded classes. Students will take tests and quizzes using Google Forms. 
Students will receive a class calendar at the beginning of the semester. This calendar will include all of the homework assignments and major grades. Students should be diligent to turn in their homework assignments by the due date. Students who turn in late work will earn a 50% penalty on that assignment.
The semester is broken into three units. Parents may receive progress reports at the end of units one and two upon request. Parents will receive final exam scores and report cards at the end of the semester. If you would like to receive progress reports and/or a transcript, please notify me at the beginning of the semester or as soon as possible. Thanks! 


Course Outline:
UNIT ONE (Weeks 1-5):

Vocabulary- Research Terminology
Grammar- Identifying Fragments and Run-ons; Combining Sentences; MLA Conventions	
Literature- Peer-Reviewed Texts; 12 Angry Men
Writing- Research Papers

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UNIT TWO (Weeks 6-10):

Vocabulary- Lord of the Flies Vocabulary
Grammar- Sentence Structures, Specialized Punctuation
Literature- Lord of the Flies
Writing- Literary and Rhetorical Analysis of a Text; Answering Open-Ended Response Questions 

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UNIT THREE (Weeks 11-15):

Vocabulary- Poetry Terminology
Grammar- Revising and Editing for Clarity and Rhetorical Effect
Literature- Classic Poetry
Writing- Poetry

***We will have two spring breaks during the 2025 spring semester. Break one will be the week of February 10-14. Break two will be April 21-25. Both breaks are tentative and may be subject to change.***