Language Arts 10 Honors
SY 1998-99
Mrs. Shiroma
Welcome to LA 10 (H)--one of your first honors classes this year! This class focuses on world literature. You will notice that in your social studies class you are probably taking World Geography or World History. Thus sophomore year tends to focus on our world in general. This is an "honors" class and the purpose of this class is to give college experience to college-bound students. This is a fast-paced class designed to give disciplined, motivated, serious 10th graders of the level of language and literature skills and knowledge needed to succeed in college, and in standardized college entrance tests.
Please keep this handout in your LA 10 files at all times. You will need a binder or a folder to keep all your LA 10 papers such as homework, tests, quizzes, etc.
Textbook: (literature) World Masterpieces by Prentice Hall; (vocabulary) Vocabulary for College by Diederich, Carlton
First Quarter
Vocabulary
*Assignements from chapters 1-4
*Prefixes, suffixes, Greek & Latin roots
*Words from literature selections
Grammar
*Review eight parts of speech
*Worksheets: Grammar in Action, Usage & Mechanics
Writing
*Journals: topics to be given on a daily basis
*Creative writing (some involve projects)
*Various essays/compositions related to literature
*Book reports
Literature
Reading selections from
*Sumerian, Egyptian, and Hebrew literature
*Persian and Arabic literature
*Indian literature
Novel
*3-4 novels (selected from list given)
*The Giver: Lowry
Tests/Quizzes:
*Words from chapters 1-4, literature selections
*Prefixes, suffixes, roots
*Novels
*Literature selections
Second Quarter
Vocabulary
*Assignments from chapters 5-8
*Prefixes, suffixes, roots
*Analogies
*Words from literature selections
Grammar
*Glossary of Usage
*Self/peer revisions of writing assignments
*Worksheets: Grammar in Action, Usage & Mechanics
Writing
*Journals
*Essays related to literature
*Descriptive essay
*Book reports
*Poems
Literature
*Poetry
*Chinese literature
*Japanese literature
*American literature
Novel
*The House on Mango Street
*2-3 novels selected from list given
Speech
*Speech activities/games
*Oral presentations for novels
Tests/Quizzes
*Words from chapters 5-8, literature selections
*Prefixes, suffixes, roots
*Glossary of Usage
*Literature selections
*Novels
Third Quarter
Vocabulary
*Assignments from chapters 9-12
*Analogies
*Words from literature selections
*Idioms
Grammar
*Subject-verb agreement
*Self/peer revisions of writing assignments
*Worksheets: Grammar in Action, Usage & Mechanics
Writing
*Journals
*Book reports
*Expository essay
*Poems
*Various writing activities related to literature
Literature
*Shakespearean drama: "The Tempest"
Novel
*3-4 novels selected from list given
Tests/Quizzes
*Words from chapters 9-12
*Novels
*"The Tempest"
Fourth Quarter
Vocabulary
*Assignments from chapters13-17
*Prefixes, suffixes, roots
*Analogies
Grammar
*Worksheets: Grammar in Action, Usage & Mechanics
*Self/peer revisions of writing assignments
Writing
*Journals
*Persuasive essay
*Book reports
Literature
Reading selections from:
*The Modern World
*Contemporary World
Novel
*The Lord of the Flies: Golding
*1-2 novels selected from list given
Tests/Quizzes
*Words from chapters 13-17
*Prefixes, suffixes, roots
*Novels
*Literature selections
Grading System: All assignments given are graded and recorded on a point system. At the end of each quarter, all the points are added and then converted into percent.
Make-up Test/Quizzes: All make-up tests/quizzes will be taken during lunch time only. You may bring your lunch. Make-up should be done immediately upon return from an absence.
Class Participation: This is absolutely important in this class. You will be asked to answer questions or ask questions. We will cover a vast amount of literature and your communicate, contribute, argue, and discuss both orally and in writing the thoughts that come to your minds.
Corridor Passes: I will issue corridor passes only when it is extremely necessary for you to leave during class time. Please drink water and use the restroom during passing time, break, or lunch. I will not allow any student to go to his/her locker for anything during class time.