English 2

In the tenth grade, students interact with the curriculum at a more sophisticated level. Studies include a review of English grammar and current usage, punctuation and capitalization. A formal vocabulary-development program continues. Students will write moderately long pieces on topics that touch their lives as well as essays in response to literature. Continuing with the writing process, students will focus on more sophisticated prewriting techniques and gain further practice in revising, editing and proofreading. Students will learn to assess their audiences and to produce appropriate texts. Students will be given practice in the three modes of writing: personal narrative, persuasive writing, and informative writing. Students will continue to practice timed writing and to learn the techniques of formal research. Students will continue to advance their skills in oral communication through formal reports, panel discussion, and debate.

Required/ Recommended Units:

*Summer Readings – to be announced

Journal writing

Grammar and Usage

Multi-cultural Literature (e.g. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings)

The Writing Process; Multi-paragraph brief essays using transitions (several per report period); practice in revision, editing and proofreading

The Short Story (e.g. works by Poe)

Modern Drama (e.g. Piano Lesson)

Vocabulary (from context or more formalized)

A Shakespearean Comedy (e.g. Twelfth Night)

Continuation of research process in preparation for formal project in 11th grade

Oral Presentations (memorization suggested)

Satirical Works (e.g., A Modest Proposal)

A Shakespearean History Play-Julius Caesar and/or The Merchant of Venice

The Rime of the Ancient Mariner

Great Expectations (or other appropriate novel by Dickens, e.g. A Tale of Two Cities and/or a novel

by Charlotte Bronte or Emily Bronte, e.g.Wuthering Heights)

The Iliad (The following books may be omitted: 2, 5, 7,8, 10, 11, 13-15, 17-19, 21, 23)

Biography and/or Autobiography (e.g. Frederick Douglass)

Home Reading (at least five selections such as Jane Eyre, The Good Earth, The Old Man and the Sea, Black Boy. To Kill a Mockingbird, Animal Farm, All Quiet on the Western Front, Night)