Honors / AP English
ENGLISH 9 HONORS
Course Description: This is an accelerated English class geared toward preparing students for the indepth study of the English language and literature found in English 10 Honors, AP English 11 and AP
English 12. The class revolves around reading non-fiction and literature, with an emphasis on regular
vocabulary development and writing for various purposes. Please consider the points below when
discussing enrollment in English 9 Honors with your child.
Successful English 9 Honors students will:
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read challenging non-fiction and literature, often independently as homework, and discuss
ideas and themes from the reading in class;
compose analytical essays about literature with increasing independence;
build arguments using outside sources and present those arguments in well organized and
well written essays;
articulate thoughts and ideas in class discussions;
deliver speeches and other oral presentations;
complete approx. 1 hour of homework most nights, including weekends and breaks; and
be self-disciplined and self-motivated, exhibiting crucial time management skills.
If your child has a strong work ethic, is an avid reader and appreciates writing instruction, s/he should
enjoy this class.
ENGLISH 10 HONORS
Course Description: This is an accelerated English class geared toward preparing students for AP
English 11 and AP English 12. The class revolves around reading literature with an emphasis on nonfiction integration. Please consider the points below when discussing enrollment in English 10 Honors
with your child.
Successful English 10 Honors students will:
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read and annotate challenging non-fiction and literature, often independently as homework,
and discuss ideas and themes from the reading in class;
develop research skills in preparation for the AP 11 synthesis exam;
compose analytical essays about literature with increasing emphasis on developing individual
prompt ideas;
compose argument essays in a timed writing environment, similar to SAT prompts;
read newspaper and magazines, and possess an interest in current events
connect readings to our larger world;
articulate thoughts and ideas in class discussions;
deliver speeches and other oral presentations;
complete approx. 1 hour of homework most nights, including weekends and breaks; and
be self-disciplined and self-motivated, exhibiting crucial time management skills.
If your child has a strong work ethic, is an avid reader and appreciates writing instruction, s/he should
enjoy this class.
AP LANGUAGE & COMPOSITION
Course Description: This intensive, college-level course focuses exclusively on the application of
rhetoric. Your student will learn to think about and analyze the English language in a completely new
way. The class focuses primarily on exploring the ways words are used to communicate both explicitly
and implicitly, and the strengths and weaknesses of both approaches. Consider each of the following
points below when helping your student make enrollment decisions. A successful AP Language and
Composition student will:
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Adapt quickly to thinking about words and language;
Write a minimum of 15, 2-3 page timed essays over the course of the school year;
Take a minimum of 10 timed, multiple choice tests, featuring 50+ questions about the way
language is used in 5-6 college-level, non-fiction passages;
Participate in classroom discussions;
Complete a minimum of 45 minutes to 1 hour of homework per night, including weekends
and over breaks, involving reading and writing components; and
Be self-disciplined and self-motivated, exhibiting crucial time management skills.
As long as your student is dedicated and up for the challenge, s/he will find our classes educational and
worthwhile. – Mr. Dennis & Ms. Mullen
AP ENGLISH LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION
Course Description: Advanced Placement literature and Composition necessitates focus and
perseverance on the part of the students and keeps the pace and standards of a freshman college English
class. Students will be exposed to some of the world’s finest literary traditions. They will cultivate an
interest in and perspective about literature as well as develop those skills of written and verbal expression
needed to express those interests and perspectives.
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This course involves reading critically with understanding, learning to ask pertinent
questions about literature and recognize assumptions and implications.
Students will read a literary work analytically, especially seeing the relationship between
form and content.
AP English emphasizes essay writing skills. (Writing as a process)
Classroom participation in discussion and seminars is expected.
While we aim to exercise all the needed skills to successfully complete the AP Literature
and Composition exam, there are parallel skills imparted which stimulate critical
thinking and analytical insights.
The course aims at providing a mind set for analysis and insight on various issues. The
methods endorsed by the College Board for achieving such skills are close reading and
extensive writing