English Language Arts 20
Introduction
Very Important
Information
Inside
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Introduction
English Language Arts 20
The following introduction to English Language Arts 20 includes important
information about the themes and organization of the course. It also gives you
information about what to do before you begin the course (ordering materials and
choosing books to read), and how to complete the course. Read this introduction
before beginning English Language Arts 20.
Before You Begin …
For this course you will require the use of an audio cassette player and recorder as
well as a video cassette recorder. You will also need certain print, audio, and video
materials which your instructor will give to you.
one video cassette (Bordertown Café – NFB
two audio cassettes
 one listening cassette/cd and one speaking cassette
English Language Arts Ready Reference
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Choosing Which Books to Read
Reading summaries of books is helpful in selecting the books you want to read. You
will read two books in English Language Arts 20. Choose one novel or book
identified in the summaries in Lesson One, “Looking Forward, Choosing a Novel or
Book.” Choose another book identified in the summaries in Lesson Seven,
“Choosing a Biographical Book.”
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Themes
English Language Arts 20 links recollection to youth, and anticipation to the future.
Youth is a time of innocence and experience, laughter and tears, security and
uncertainty. Looking at our youth helps us to get a sense of our roots and gives us
an opportunity to understand who we have become, as well as who we would like to
be. English Language Arts 20 divides this cycle of growth in two large themes:
recollection and anticipation. Each theme is further divided into smaller units.
Recollection
 Innocence and Experience
 Family and Peer Relationships
 School and Education
Anticipation
 Roles and Responsibilities
 Choices and Commitments
 Values and Goals
Lessons Fifteen and Sixteen focus entirely on revision and study skills rather than on
a particular theme. In Lesson Fifteen you will complete a portfolio and in Lesson
Sixteen you will complete a practice exam.
Organization
A group of “Virtual Students” and their teacher will participate in English Language
Arts 20 with you. The Virtual Students are a group of imaginary students whose role
is to model many of the skills you will learn in the course. At many points in the
course, you will listen to them speaking (on your English Language Arts Listening
tape) and view samples of their writing.
This graphic will appear every time you are to read or
to listen to material about the “Virtual Students.”
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As you work through English Language Arts 20 you will notice that several visual
icons have been provided to help indicate different kinds of material.
This icon will appear every time you are required to refer to your English
Language Arts Ready Reference. A Comprehension Check activity
follows to help you verify your understanding of what you have just read.
This icon will appear every time that you are required to listen to material
on your English Language Arts Listening tape.
This icon will appear every time you should note an important definition.
This
icon signals that you are to read a particular literature selection.
This icon will appear every time you are required to view material on video
cassette.
This icon will appear every time you are required to record material on your
blank audio cassette.
This icon signals that you are required to telephone your Technology
Supported Learning teacher. The toll-free telephone number is 1-800-6677166. The Regina area telephone number is 787-6024.
This icon will signal the beginning of all activities that must be
submitted in the assignment.
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In the interests of saving space and preventing awkwardness, the generic he or she
will be substituted for he/she, in alternating lessons.
Completing English Language Arts 20
Read the content in the lessons and the instructions in the assignments carefully;
highlight important parts of the lessons; mark key words in the questions; complete
the “Remember What You Read,” “Comprehension Check,” and other self-checking
exercises. These practices will help you to stay attentive while you read and to find
information easily when you review.
Write in ink so that your assignments are clear and easy to read.
If you use paper of your own
 write, type, or word process on only one side of the paper; and
 leave adequate margins on all sides of each page, and space between each
answer so that there is room for teacher comments.
Organize your lessons and assignments. Use the checklist page at the end of every
assignment to verify that you have included all required material in every assignment
package that you send to your instructor.
Fill in all required information on the cover sheet for each assignment so that your
assignments will be received by your instructor and returned to you as efficiently as
possible.
Send in your assignments on a regular basis so that you will not be rushed at the
end of the term. You may find that creating and following a schedule will help you to
submit assignments regularly.
Keep all your corrected assignments. You will need them for revision and for
studying.
Some assignments require you to submit your recorded
answers on an audio cassette and send them in with your
written assignment. Please record the exercises from only
one assignment at a time on the tape. Print your name,
course name, and lesson number on the cassette box and on
the cassette itself. Always rewind the tape to the beginning of
the assignment you are submitting. Listen to your instructor’s comments on your
audio cassette when it is returned to you.
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All assignments will be marked for content, grammar, style, punctuation, and
sentence structure. Both what you say and how well you say it are important for
effective communication.
Refer to your English Language Arts Ready Reference for helpful information about
communication strategies, spelling, commonly confused words, punctuation,
grammar, special forms of writing, poetry, reference books and technological
resources, documentation, and definitions of terms used in English courses
(glossary). Your instructor may refer to the English Language Arts Ready Reference
as ELARR.
Your teacher wants to help you succeed in your studies! You may contact your
teacher by telephone, via e-mail, by letter, or in person. Please keep in touch.
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