English

English 9 Honors*

English 9 Honors engages students in challenging writing and reading, including a broad selection of literary genres, including epic and conventional poetry, drama, short stories, and novels. Within the course, students practice close reading and literary analysis, strengthen grammar and vocabulary, and refine their writing through an emphasis on the writing process. They demonstrate their learning through analytical writing, projects (both individual and collaborative), traditional assessments (reading quizzes, tests, finals, etc.), and discussions, with regular opportunities for creative expression through writing, artwork, and short presentations.

Is English 9 Honors right for me? English 9 Honors is intended for motivated, self-directed students who are ready for the pace and expectations of advanced coursework. Students should come in able to write clear, fluent, well-organized paragraphs. Independent reading is a significant component of the course, and students should enter reading at or above grade level. Because learning builds day to day through reading, writing, and discussion, regular attendance is essential. 

Though summer reading is not required, students will find that establishing a reading habit over the summer helps them get a head start on the reading experience they will have during the year. In addition to recreational reading over the summer, we recommend the following titles both as a preview of Honors English 9 rigor and as a way for students to enter the course more prepared: Michael Zusak’s The Book Thief, C.S. Lewis’s Out of the Silent Planet, Jean Wakatsuki’s Farewell to Manzanar, and/or John Knowles’ A Separate Peace. Parents may wish to have students read at least one of these titles, as doing so will help them enter the course better prepared for its pace and expectations.

*Though internal honors credit is given, the UC does not calculate an honors grade point for this course. Other colleges may assign honors credit.