English IP Syllabus
Mrs. Ostwalt
This syllabus is a basic outline of the what I expect to accomplish this year. It may change if I see a need to alter the order
of works covered or the time allowed for each.
Textbooks:
McDougal Little – The Writers Craft – Orange Level
Glencoe Literature – The Reader’s Choice – Level 4
Course Description:
English is a required core subject. The objective of the year is to build on
the already established foundation of grammar, writing, the mechanics of writing, and literature.
In addition, the curriculum will focus on preparation for the English II End-of-Instruction test in
writing and English skills and the AP Language and Literature tests they will take as juniors and
seniors. Literature units will include fiction and nonfiction, short stories, drama, the novel and
poetry. The freshman anthology includes literature of all genres. Besides The Giver, other works
we will study include The Outsiders, The Hobbit, Romeo and Juliet and The Odyssey. If time
permits, we may read A Raisin in the Sun and The Bean Trees.
Each quarter:
Daily sentence and journal writings
First 10 minutes of class several times per week.
Weekly Silent Sustained reading
1st 9 Weeks
Days 1 -2
Classroom procedures
Course syllabus
Textbook checkout
Student handbook
Weeks 1-2
Novel: The Giver
Persuasive essay
Standard 2 – 3 Literature
Weeks 3 - 5
Short Stories
Plot, characterization, conflict
Figures of speech
Unit Test
Standard 2 Literature
1-4
Weeks 6 - 9
The Outsiders
Drama, dialogue, setting, character,
Plot elements
Body Biography
Unit Test
Standard 3 Literature
1-4
Nonfiction
Thesis, argument, compare/contrast
Book Report (Nonfiction)
Unit Test
Standard 3 Literature
1-4
Poetry
Theme, tone, voice
Imagery, figures of speech
Unit Test
Standard 2, 3 Literature
2nd 9 Weeks
Weeks 1 - 2
Weeks 2-4
Weeks 4 – 7
Epic and Myth
The Odyssey
Narrative Essay
Unit Test
Standard 3 Literature
Weeks 8 - 9
Sentence Structure, Usage
Unit test
Book Report (Fiction)
Semester test
Standard 3 GUM
1-3
Research Paper (Epic Hero)
Standard 4 Research
Note taking
Standard 4 Research
Drama/Shakespeare
Romeo and Juliet
Unit Test
Standard 2 Comprehension
Standard 3 Literature
Genre Fiction
Mystery, Sci Fi
The Hobbit
Book Report – (Fantasy/Mystery/detective fiction)
Unit Test
Standard 3 Literature
Weeks 5 -7
Test Prep and Practice
Book Report (fiction)
Standards 1- 3 Reading
Standards 1 – 3 Writing, GUM
Weeks 8 – 9
Review literary terms
Expository Essay
Semester Exam
3rd 9 Weeks
Weeks 1-5
Weeks 6-9
4th 9 Weeks
Weeks 1 -4
Grading Breakdown:
Daily/Homework: 25%
Vocabulary/Reading Quizzes: 25%
Essays/Tests: 40%
Participation: 10% ( This will be a grade I give weekly based on class discussion, being prepared, etc)
Classroom Procedures:
The first place you should look if you want to know my rule about something is the student handbook. I will follow it to
the letter. Additionally I have a few things that are relevant to this class.
Leaving the classroom: You are expected to stay in class. You have plenty of time between classes for restroom and drink
breaks. Bring all your materials to class every day. You will not be allowed to return to your lockers for forgotten
assignments. If you forget to bring an assignment to class, it will be as if you simply didn’t do it and will be handled as
late work.
Late work: I believe everything should be handed in on time. I will mark your late work down 10% if one day late, 20% if
two days late and so on. I will call your parents if late work or missed work is an issue. If you are absent, it is your
responsibility to get the work missed from me. It is not my responsibility to remind you. You will have time to make up
work if the absence was excused.
Tardies: You must be in your seat, ready to begin work by the time the late bell rings. This does not mean running
through the door just as the bell rings. I will give a tardy slip for the first tardy. Zero tolerance. You will be expected to
take out your journal the minute the bell rings and begin to write on the topic. If you are talking after the bell and not
writing in you journal, this too will be considered a tardy.
No student has a right to interfere with the learning of another student. Any behavior which does that will be dealt with
immediately.
Materials needed for class: Bring to class daily – your literature book unless otherwise instructed, your journal, paper, a
pen – black ink and a pen (red ink). You may not use all of these every day but bring them anyway.
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I have read and understand the requirements for Mrs. Ostwalt's English 1P class.
Students signature: ____________________________________________________
Parent signature:
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