English Composition Syllabus
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English Composition / PSAE Prep – Syllabus

Mrs. Marks – Room 10

 

General Introduction  

The one semester course is going to focus on writing and grammar and preparation for the ACT and PSAE tests which are given to all juniors in May.   We will work on prewriting, drafting, proofreading/editing, evaluating, and publishing.  The majority of the class will focus on the persuasive style of writing.  This class will focus on how to improve writing not just for the PSAE and ACT, but also on writing for college courses.  In addition to writing you will be taking numerous practice tests for the English and Reading tests as seen on the ACT. 

 

Expectations

A lot of time goes into preparation for any course, with English being no exception.  Many hours will be spent by the teacher not only in teaching the lessons, but when writing each lesson and grading all of the assignments.  I will be putting forth a lot of effort, and I will expect the same from each of you.  I will expect you to come to class on time every day.  I will also expect you to bring all of your materials.  This includes books, paper and pen/pencil.  I also expect you to turn in all assignments when they are due.  This will not be a class where you can wait to the last minute to do the work.  Writing is a multiple step process and for us to work as a class you must do the work when it is assigned.  Getting behind (even just a step) could costly.  If you have a problem completing an assignment you need to talk with me.  Finally, if you have a question, please ask it.  If questions are not asked, then I will assume that you know the material and I will move on to another lesson.  There is no such thing as a dumb question!!!  I want for you to be successful in this class, but your successfulness will depend on the effort you put in to the class.

Classroom Procedures

  • Be in your seat when the bell rings  (excessive tardiness will result in detentions)
    • see student handbook for further description
  • Have all materials out and ready to go (do not forget things in your locker)
  • Listen and follow directions carefully
  • Keep working until directed otherwise
  • Stay in your seat unless given permission to be up

 

Grading

Homework/Rough Drafts (25%) – Completing your homework and giving your best effort is one easy way to be successful in my classes.  If I am going to take the time to grade the homework, then I expect you to do the homework.  Failing to complete your homework can easily cause your overall grade to drop.  Not all assignment will be graded based on the number of correct answers.  Some assignments will be graded on whether or not you completed the assignment. 

Journals (15%) – For every story/article we read, you will be asked to respond in your journal.  You must write for the entire time period.  Typically, you will be given 5-10 minutes to write in your journals.  Since I will be providing you with the journals, they are not to leave the room.  Also, you are not to tear pages out of them or draw in them unless directed to do so

 

Projects (10%) – Each quarter, you will be given a project assignment for the quarter.  We will try to provide some class time to work on these projects, but you will need to do some outside work as well.  The main focus for the projects will be writing, but you will also have an opportunity to be creative as well.   

Tests/Quizzes/Essay Final Drafts (50%) – Each test will vary in format.  We will have a review for each test, and at that time I will tell you the format of the test.   I will use different types of questions on the tests.  If the test contains an essay question, you must answer the essay question in order to get credit for the rest of the test.  This means that if you do not answer the essay question, you will get a zero on the test.

Extra Credit

During each quarter, there will be different opportunities for you to earn extra credit.  In order for you to get the credit, the directions must be followed exactly; otherwise no extra credit will be given. 

Homework

We will do a variety of assignments that will be considered homework.  Some of the assignments will be done in class and some will be assigned to be completed at home.  If you do not complete the assignments, there will be consequences.  Turning in a late assignment will result in a loss of points.  If the assignment is not turned in when it is asked for, it is considered late.  If you are absent for any reason, it is your responsibility to get with me about the work you have missed.  I will not track you down to give you the assignments!!!  Unexcused absence work is worth 50%.

All assignments must contain the following in either the left or right hand corner of your paper:

                        First and last name

                        Class and hour

Title of the assignment and/or page number

                        Date assigned

Failure to include this information will result in a zero for the assignment.