Hello Parents!
English 9 requires that students read, write and speak proper English on a ninth grade level.
In this class there will be numerous opportunities to practice and refine all of these skills.
While English 9 will be challenging, this usually results from inadequate preparation on the
part of the student. In order to attain everything possible from the course, parents need to
discuss their child's schoolwork with him/her. Please take the time to explore the resources
that are available to your child on this site and in the school so you too can be aware of all
that is offered. Below are some of the items that will be covered this year.

Vocabulary is very important to your child's studies. The majority of the vocabulary words
that will be used in class are already defined at the bottom of the textbook pages. At times
there will be words that the student needs to look up in a dictionary. Students will be
required to keep a running list in their notebooks for quizzes and tests. In addition, Honors
students will have biweekly SAT vocabulary assignments, activities and quizzes.

Writing skills will be refined. As the year progresses the students' writing assignments will
be longer, more elaborate in detail and accurate in grammar. Some writing topics will be
assigned and some will encourage students to be creative with their own ideas. The writing
portion of the SOL test includes an assigned essay.

Students will be reading a great variety of literature this year. In the pieces covered they
will analyze meaning, social relevance, structure and style. Students will examine these
concepts in their own writing as well. Students are expected to read assignments before they
come to class to facilitate discussion, and once again after class for reflection.

The importance of good note taking cannot be stressed enough. The semester and final exams are
based on cumulative skills. By the end of the year, the student will have read several works
of literature. In order to be able to distinguish among the different works, students are
instructed to take notes during class discussions and during reflection readings. This
encourages students to refine their note taking skills and organize their work. These skills
will be beneficial for all their classes now, for the remainder of their high school years, and
even on to college.