English 10 – Class Outline

Mr. Neal | VPHS

Class Description___________________________________________________
Honors English 10 is structured to have students develop a deeper understanding and
demonstration of reading, writing, and communication skills. The class is organized around the
Missouri Learning Standards representing word analysis/vocabulary, reading comprehension,
literary response and analysis, various writing strategies and applications, grammar, and listening
and speaking practice. I will utilize a variety of instructional methods designed to meet the
multiple learning styles of all students.

Students are required to read several Honors English 10 books outside of class. Quizzes are
used to verify students are keeping up with the readings. Class time will be spent to ensure
students are comprehending the texts and connecting with them on a thematic level. As honors
students, I expect you to keep up with the reading. If it is apparent that you are not; you
will be moved into the regular English 10 class where you will be able to be more
successful.

Upon leaving Honors English 10, students will be able to:

 apply reading skills to demonstrate the ability to integrate key ideas and details
 interpret and analyze the craft and structure of texts
 evaluate the knowledge and ideas found in literary texts
 demonstrate the ability to produce a variety of text types and purposes
 demonstrate a command of the conventions of standard English
 demonstrate a command of the appropriate grade-level acquisition of vocabulary

More specifically:
 analyze elements of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry
 understand elements of voice, figurative language, symbolism, and irony
 identify and analyze major literary devices/techniques
 increase writing fluency through journals
 understand and use essay format, including movement beyond the 5-paragraph essay
 writing error analysis (run-ons, comma errors, verb tense errors, parallelism)
 develop vocabulary through word association and context, in addition to drill and practice

Grading______________________________________________________________________
Grades are earned and recorded on a cumulative point system based on tests, projects and
quizzes; classwork; vocabulary homework; and semester exam.
Grades are determined by the following breakdown of assignments and activities:
Tests, Projects, Quizzes 70%
Classwork and Practice Work 10%
*Final 20% of 1st and 2nd semester grade

Scores will be entered by percentage according to the following point and grade system:
A 90-100
B 80-89
C 70-79
D 60-69
F 59 or Below
Class Materials__________________________________________________________
TEXTBOOK (provided; kept in class)
Holt Elements of Literature – Fourth Course

BOOKS (provided; to be read outside of class by student, on a to-be-determined basis)

Night, Elie Wiesel
Lord of the Flies, William Golding
To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee
Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger
Death of A Salesman, Arthur Miller
The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, William Shakespeare (read in-class)
Hamlet, William Shakespeare (Honors)
1984, George Orwell (Honors) – Summer Reading
Brave New World, Aldous Huxley (Honors) – If time permits

SUPPLIES (your responsibility):

A three-ring binder with room for notes (SUGGESTED)
Lined loose-leaf paper
#2 pencils for class assignments and tests; pens for editing (blue or black)
Colored Pencils (editing)
Highlighters (at least two different colors)

Keys to Success______________________________________________________________
Reading – This is an English class, and it is expected and required that you keep up with the
outside reading. Your quizzes will come from your independent reading.
Absences – Daily class attendance is essential to your success. It is expected and required that
you make up any and all work missed due to your absence(s).
Late Work – Although it is suggested that students turn work in on time, in certain instances
students are allowed to submit assignments after a deadline with a 50% reduction of the
assignment’s grade up to two weeks after it’s due – except at the end of the semester when a “no
more submissions” date will be announced.
Plagiarism/Cheating – If you plagiarize or cheat on any assignment or test, you will receive
zero credit for the assignment or test. Your parent(s) will be contacted, and you’ll be required to
attend after – and/or before-school sessions, during which you’ll be required to work on the
assignment, and upon completion, will receive credit based on grade earned.
Classroom Behavior – Electronic devices are to be kept away (on silent) during class time
unless you have been given permission or instructed to use them; no hats indoors and hoodies
must be down not up; profanity, rude behavior, and degrading or disrespectful comments will not
be tolerated. There is zero tolerance for bullying or disrespect towards teachers or students.
Discipline – Violations of classroom policies or norms – whether written or otherwise – will
result in 1) Separation from classroom 2) Contacting parents and Dr. Luhning 3) Removal from
classroom, and/or detention 4) Suspension, or other district measures. The order of the discipline
will be based on the demonstrated behavior.

Class Website______________________________________________________
My class website is organized with information needed for students and parents. My site
includes class outline, important links, schedules, and contact information. Please email me if
you have concerns or questions.

Please check out the class website frequently for information: http://mrnealsclass.weebly.com