This English class concentrates on developing skills in written expression, critical thinking, and literary analysis using poetry, drama, fiction, and nonfiction. Written expression is emphasized throughout the year, with the goal of enabling students to write essays with an analytical, interpretive, and persuasive thesis using textual support for the claims and inferences in their essays. The course also stresses systemic vocabulary building, the development of oral expression, and grammar review. Differentiation will be provided, and an honors option will be offered. The teacher will provide grades and feedback throughout the year with final grades in December and May. NOTE: care is taken to select quality literature, but we cannot guarantee that all literature will be free of inoffensive words or ideas.  Nothing that will be assigned will be more than a "PG" rating in terms of language or content, and we encourage parents to read along with their students if they have any concerns or questions.