The concept of good sentence writing is extended to paragraph development and encouraged through the development of a portfolio that includes the student's collection of academic, journal, response, creative, and contest writings. Literary models are studied for setting, plot, character, and theme. The novels are also used for the integrated study of grammar and writing and vocabulary development. Short stories, plays, and poems are studied as well. The concentration in composition is on writing a paper of at least three paragraphs.
Journals serve as a means of self-expression and practice in writing.
Vocabulary study is an extension of that at Level 8. In addition, students examine and interpret literary devices and themes from selected short stories, novels, plays, and poems. These works will include The Odyssey, A Tale of Two Cities, Great Expectations, Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Les Miserables, Animal Farm, and Of Mice and Men. Students should have above-average reading skills and grammar skills. Above all, they should enjoy reading.