English I provides the fundamental skills needed to prepare scholars for success in later English courses. Scholars strengthen their abilities to write clearly, concisely, and grammatically following the Schaffer Method to create effective paragraphs and short essays. In the process they learn to write thesis statements and topic sentences and provide support for both. Writing tasks include giving helpful descriptions, telling true stories, and making good arguments. Scholars learn to give oral presentations. Daily emphasis is placed on frequent short writing of notes and paragraphs that provide material for discussions, presentations, and writing projects.

 

Scholars read and respond to a variety of literature inside different genres with engaging themes helpful to their learning, language, and culture.  Scholars analyze literary elements, themes, and historical contexts of literature in English from around the world and begin to read Shakespeare.  Readings assist scholars in developing a broader vocabulary and writing and speaking more fluently.