Welcome to
English 2DI!
HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW!
Essential Course Components (as
defined by the Ministry of Education)

Listening: Listen in order to understand and respond
appropriately in a variety of situations for a variety of
purposes.

Speaking: Use speaking skills and strategies
appropriately to communicate with different audiences
for a variety of purposes.

Reading: Read and demonstrate an understanding of a
variety of literary, informational, and graphic texts, using
a range of strategies to construct meaning.
Essential Course Components,
cont’d

Writing:
Recognize a variety of writing forms, and
demonstrate how they help in communication.
 Use
knowledge of form and style to develop and
organize content by generating, gathering, and
organizing ideas and information to write for an
intended purpose and audience.
 Use
editing and proofreading and knowledge of
language conventions, to correct errors and refine
expression.
Essential Course Components, cont’d

Media: Understand a variety of media texts and
techniques and how they create meaning; create a
variety of media texts for different purposes and
audiences, using appropriate forms, conventions, and
techniques.

Metacognition: Reflect on and identify your strengths,
areas for improvement, and strategies you find most
helpful throughout the course.
Unit 1: Short Stories
 We
will read a number of stories together
as a class, and you will also select a
number of stories to read from a variety of
sources.
 We
will analyse elements of short stories.
 You
will write a diagnostic paragraph
about one story.
 You
will write your own story.
Unit 2: Grammar
 We
will briefly review parts of speech and
types of sentences (yes, you did this last
year!)
 We
will examine correct forms of
punctuation and sentence structure, and
look at common sentence errors.
 Grammar,
punctuation and spelling will be
marked on rubrics for written assignments.
Unit 3: Informal Essays and
Speeches
 In
this unit we will read several informal
essays and view a variety of speeches
relating to the topics of identity and
diversity.
 You
will talk about the ideas presented in
the essays and speeches.
 You
will write a speech and perform it in
front of the class.
Unit 4: To Kill a Mockingbird
 This
is one of my favourite novels I have
ever read!
 We
will read the novel, complete reading
quizzes, participate in group and class
discussions examining issues within the
novel’s setting and dilemmas facing
characters.
 You
will write a formal literary essay
responding to the issues in the novel.
Unit 5: Poetry
 We
will read and analyse a variety of
poems.
 We
will look at structure, images, poetic
devices and themes.
 You
will complete a poetry test.
 You
will write some poems!
Unit 6: Literature Circles
You will read one of the novel choices presented
for this unit. The theme continues to examine issues
around diversity.
 You will complete literature circle tasks, a media
project, and a summative essay.
 Novel titles:
 The Curious Incident of the Dog
in the Night
 Flowers for Algernon
 The Girls
 Secret Life of Bees
 Life of Pi
 Indian Horse

Unit 7: Drama: Romeo and Juliet
 You
will examine various components of drama.
 You
will respond with various writing and media
activities.
 You
will write some quizzes for comprehension
and knowledge of literary devices.
 The
final exam will be on this play.
Classroom Expectations:
1.
Arrive on time.
2.
Attend class regularly.
3.
Bring essential materials: binder, paper, pen,
textbook (highlighters are useful as well).
4.
Be respectful of each other’s opinions.
5.
Be organized. Strive to always complete
homework and assignments on time. Manage
your time so you can do this.
Practical Stuff…

Keep the classroom tidy! Healthy snacks are acceptable,
but please put garbage in the can.

Washroom breaks: 5 minutes, one at a time

Cell phones: off your desks, in backpacks, on silent mode
 From
time to time, I will ask you to use your cell phones for
class activities, such as quizzes, forms, google, etc.
 Work
 If
time: you may listen to music quietly
your cellphone is used irresponsibly, you will be asked to
take it to your VP.
And so…

Let’s have a great semester together!

Here are some ways to help you be successful:
 Be
attentive
 Do
your homework
 Complete
your assignments, on time
 Contribute
 Ask
to the class experience!
questions