R. Reese Fuller is a writer who lives in Lafayette, Louisiana, and teaches English and American history at the Episcopal School of Acadiana in Cade, Louisiana.
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8th grade English
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PDF itShareThisWhat is effective writing?
What makes a piece of writing effective? Throughout the year, we will practice our own writing, and read poems, short stories, plays, novels, and nonfiction. We will study the mechanics and structure of these different kinds of writing. We will also analyze, discuss, and assess which pieces of writing we believe are effective.
Materials:
Required novels and collections
Notebook (composition or 3 subject)
1½” binder with loose-leaf paper
Manila folder
Pens or pencils
Required novels and collections
Notebook (composition or 3 subject)
1½” binder with loose-leaf paper
Manila folder
Pens or pencils
Structure:
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FreewritingAn important part of this class will be your daily freewriting exercises. At the beginning of each of class, we will write in our freewriting journals for 5 minutes. You will write on the subject of your choice and in a manner which you feel is appropriate. You will be graded not on what
you write or how you write it but on whether or not you participate in this daily exercise.
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ReadingYou will be quizzed on assigned readings to determine whether you understand the material discussed in class.
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WritingAnother way to gauge our understanding of the subject matter is through our own writing. We will write both formally and informally about the materials we study, as well as other related subjects.
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VocabularyYou will be quizzed on vocabulary words taken from our readings to determine whether you understand their meaning.
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GrammarWe will address the fundamentals of grammar and be quizzed on them on an as-needed basis.
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Supplemental materialThroughout the course of this class, we will take a look at art, music, and film as it relates to our studies.
Ground rules:
Assignments are due at the the start of each class. Work turned in late earns a C to start. Work received after the beginning of class the following day receives an additional 10% off the grade. Work will not be received after 48 hours from the original deadline and receives no credit.
Assignments are due at the the start of each class. Work turned in late earns a C to start. Work received after the beginning of class the following day receives an additional 10% off the grade. Work will not be received after 48 hours from the original deadline and receives no credit.
Hats will not be worn in the classroom.
Readings:
Here’s an outline of the major works we will read this year. Other readings will be provided to you as needed throughout the year.
Here’s an outline of the major works we will read this year. Other readings will be provided to you as needed throughout the year.
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1st quarter
Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury
Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck
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2nd quarter
Lord of the Flies, by William Golding
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3rd quarter
The Once and Future King, by T.H. White
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4th quarter
Romeo & Juliet, by William Shakespeare