However, major emphasis on these mechanical skills begins to shift from drill to applied composition. English II students write personal, descriptive, and persuasive essays throughout the year to develop their thinking skills and to refine mechanical skills learned in lower grades. The literature portion of English II uses an anthology and novels to explore the concept of man's and woman's relationship to themselves, others, and their environment. An anthology of American authors is used, along with separate volumes of novels and dramas. Linguistics, spelling and traditional grammar are taught largely through composition, which includes critical analysis and research papers.
Major emphasis is placed on vocabulary and critical reading, both on the college preparatory level.
Expositive and creative compositions with emphasis on applied spelling, vocabulary, and mechanics are pursued as college preparatory studies. Further, each semester includes a major writing project on an assigned topic, and this project is designed to imitate a college freshman composition requiring independent research, footnoting, bibliography, logical thought, and valid conclusions. It is designed to help improve basic skills acquired in ESL I, and further study of the English language with more emphasis on reading and writing. This course is taught for one hour per day and is basically a writing course for students who possess a workable knowledge of English but need to improve their writing skills. The Language Arts program for 7th and 8th grades includes grammar, usage, mechanics, composition, vocabulary, and literature.