Semester at a Glance
Unit 1
Short Stories
Timeline: 3 Weeks
Focus Text(s):
- The Most Dangerous
Game by Richard Connell
- The Necklace by Guy de
Maupassant
- Lamb to the Slaughter by
Roald Doahl
Focus Writing:
Argumentative
1 Argumentative Essay
Routine Writing
Notes, summaries, process
journals, and short
responses across all
genres
Language/Speaking and
Listening
-Study and apply grammar
-Use and understand both
general academic and
domain specific vocabulary
-Engage in collaborative
discussions
-Present findings
-Evaluate a speakers
claims, rhetoric, and
strategy
- Incorporate multimedia
components
Unit 6: Research
MLA Formatting
Annotated Bibliography
Unit 2-3
Poetry/Epic/Mythology
Timeline: 3 Weeks
Focus Text(s):
Odyssey by Homer
- The
Shakespearean Sonnets
Ballads by Numerous Authors
Focus Writing:
Analytical Expository
1 Analytical Expository Essay
Routine Writing
Notes, summaries, process
journals, and short responses
across all genres
Language/Speaking and
Listening
-Study and apply grammar
-Use and understand both
general academic and
domain specific vocabulary
-Engage in collaborative
discussions
-Present findings
-Evaluate a speakers claims,
rhetoric, and strategy
- Incorporate multimedia
components
Unit 6: Research
MLA Formatting
Works Cited
Thesis Statements
Unit 4 Unit 5
Drama Novel
Timeline: 4 Weeks Timeline: 6 Weeks
Focus Text(s): Focus Text(s):
and Juliet by
- Romeo
- To Kill a Mockingbird by
William Shakespeare Harper Lee
Focus Writing: Focus Writing:
Argumentative Analytical Expository
1 Argumentative Essay 1 Analytical Expository Essay
Routine Writing Routine Writing
Notes, summaries, Notes, summaries, process
process journals, and journals, and short responses
short responses across all across all genres
genres
Language/Speaking and Language/Speaking and
Listening Listening
-Study and apply grammar -Study and apply grammar
-Use and understand both -Use and understand both
general academic and general academic and domain
domain specific specific vocabulary
vocabulary -Engage in collaborative
-Engage in collaborative discussions
discussions -Present findings
-Present findings -Evaluate a speakers claims,
-Evaluate a speakers rhetoric, and strategy
claims, rhetoric, and - Incorporate multimedia
strategy components
- Incorporate multimedia
components
Unit 6: Research Unit 6: Research
MLA Formatting MLA Formatting
Organizational Structure In-Text Citations
Rough Draft Final Drafts
Peer Reviewing Proofing
 Unit Descriptions

Unit 1: Narratives: Students will be working on reading a variety of stories to discuss and analyze structure, plot,
characterization, and conflict. Students will build their own writing techniques to write personal narratives and utilize their
knowledge of grammar usage, mechanics, and style to complete their own story.

Unit 2: Poetry: Students will get to combine information from previous units in this plan of study. Student will write,
research, and compile some of their pieces from different genres. Students will work to create a portfolio of poetry using
knowledge of structure, poetic devices, and narrative conventions. Students will also be able to work collaboratively to edit,
fine tune, and present their works and findings.

Unit 3: Epic and Mythology: Students will study figurative language and the conventions of an epic. They will also look at
allusions, the role, and change of language and symbolism as it is used in the epic, particularly The Odyssey.

Unit 4: Drama Students will focus on reading Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet to visualize conventions of drama, stage
directions, and social influence. Students will participate in discussions, acting, writing and research to determine the
authors decisions and impact.

Unit 5: Novel: Students will read To Kill a Mockingbird and related material. This book is rich in discussion materials and will
give the opportunity to discuss narrative writing, symbolism, and moral dilemma. This unit will give students a strong
background for annotating texts and making connections.

Unit 6: Research: Students will conduct research to complete a persuasive paper. Students will also bridge the connection
between persuasive writing and argumentative writing for classroom discussions. The main focus will be on formatting,
following MLA writing style, relevant sources, and presentation of information.