ENGLISH 10 Honors
Mrs. Thompson
kathleen.thompson@lcps.org
Stone Bridge: 571-252-2200
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The English 10 Honors course is a survey of literature with a focus on British authors and
culture. We will explore a variety of genres, analyzing the development of literature, cultural
archetypes, critical perspectives, and cultural themes. You will engage in daily reading and
daily writing with a focus on reading and writing for enjoyment while enhancing those skills.
Vocabulary enrichment, grammar, critical analysis, technology integration, writing, and team
collaboration are also major components of this course.
LITERATURE:
The English 10 Honors course guides us along a journey of self-discovery as we explore the
nature of humanity through classic literature. In the 10th grade, there is an emphasis on
British Literature, but we will also read works from other cultures and time periods to better
understand the nature of man. As we examine the multifarious ways language is used, we
explore the power of language, the impact language has on civilization, and the
beauty of storytelling.
MAJOR LITERARY WORKS may include:
Beowulf (in text)
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (in text)
o The Canterbury Tales – Chaucer (in text)
o Macbeth – Shakespeare (in text)
o Out of the Silent Planet - Lewis
o Animal Farm - Orwell
o 1984 – Orwell
o A Brave New World--Huxley
o Night – Wiesel
o Lord of the Flies – Golding
o A Christmas Carol -- Dickens
o A Tale of Two Cities—Dickens*
o Frankenstein – Shelley*
o The Importance of Being Ernest – Wilder*
o Additional Selections -TBD
o
o
In reading great literature, I
become a thousand men and yet
remain myself.
--C. S. Lewis
Additionally, we will read a variety of poetry and excerpts from other works throughout the
year. Poetry will include sonnets, ballads, pastorals, poems of metaphysical poets, Romantics,
and modern poets (in text).
You are encouraged to purchase any/all of the novel selection so that you can mark them as
you read. Annotation is essential to devouring a book, and it’s important that you OWN your
books beyond just your purchase of them.
SSR
This year we will all participate in Sustained Silent Reading (SSR). The focus of SSR is to
foster a love of reading – it is a time during some class periods when you read strictly for
pleasure—how cool is that?! During this time, you must read. You may not engage in
homework, writing, or napping. Occasionally you will be asked to reflect upon your reading
through written and oral responses.
WRITING
You will write on a daily basis, again with the emphasis being on enjoyment, clarity, and style.
We will experiment writing in a variety of modes for a variety of purposes.

Research:
During the course of the year we will also work on at least one research paper. Here the
focus is on developing a question and exploring its answer through thorough research
and avoiding plagiarism by using proper documentation.
CLASS RULES:
 REsPect yourself, others and the school.
 Come to class PrepaREd, on time, and ready to learn.
 Be pOsitIve.
 Be a COntRibuTing member of your learning
community.
CLASS PROCEDURES and POLICIES:
You are expected to be in your seat when the bell rings and to
begin the warm-up activity.
Please remember the importance of your word, your name and the integrity that should
accompany it. I will respect your honesty and the courage it takes as opposed to the cowardice
that comes with cheating and any other form of dishonesty.
All assignments are expected on time.

Major Assignments
Major assignments turned in late will lose 10% per class day.

Homework Assignments
Homework is usually assigned as practice or as preparation for a class, so it may not be
accepted after the class it was due. When late homework is accepted, it will be worth
50% of the earned value up until the lesson or skill has been assessed summatively.
For example, a late homework assignment that was worth ten (10) points will receive
only five (5) points, but once the class has taken the quiz, etc., the missing work may
no longer be submitted for credit.
All missing assignments and late work must be turned in one week before the end of the
quarter to receive credit.
CLASS PROCEDURES and POLICIES (continued):
It is your responsibility to make up work after you’ve missed class. You may ask any
questions about the missed work before or after class. Missed assignments/tests and quizzes
due to absences must be turned in/completed by the next class period unless arranged
otherwise with me.
Use block scheduling to your advantage—if you are absent, see me on the day of your
return for the work you missed rather than waiting until we meet the next class.
This way you can avoid falling behind.
CLASS MATERIALS:
***You are expected to bring these materials to class EVERY DAY!!***
For this class you will need:
 a three-ring binder with loose-leaf paper
 pocket dividers or tab dividers—vocabulary, literature, grammar, writing, miscellaneous
 a pencil pouch/case which holds
o highlighters—very specifically yellow, pink, and blue
o No. 2 pencils
o pens
o glue stick
o White Out® or similar correction fluid/liner
o flash drive!
o sticky notes
 teacher-issued textbook
 any teacher-assigned ancillary works
***You are expected to bring these materials to class EVERY DAY!!***
Please bring the following for class supply:
Last name A-M: a box of tissues
Last name N-R: a package of markers
Last name S-V: Clorox® or other antibacterial wet wipes
Last name W-Z: a package of construction paper or a pair of scissors
If you have ALL of your supplies by Monday, Sept. 9/Tuesday, Sept. 10, you will
receive a homework pass!!
I am really looking forward to spending a wonderful year
of learning with you!