Proper study skills, listening and speaking skills are reviewed. Vocabulary studies stress context clues. Students read, discuss and analyze short stories, novels, drama, and poetry on the theme of Coming of Age. Author styles and literary techniques are covered. Placement in the class is dependent upon grades in eighth grade coursework and entrance examination scores.
Students work on organizational, study, and test-taking skills.
Homework mastery is emphasized. It also examines in detail the theory and practice of effective writing with a focus on exposition, narration, comparison and argumentation. This writing culminates in the writing of a literary analysis research paper. Vocabulary focuses on the preparation for college entrance examinations. Speaking and listening skills continue to be improved.