what do you really need to master to communicate effectively?

Now that you're a senior, you've earned oodles of English points. But there are still some basic principles of communication that you need to master; if you don't master them in high school, I am doing you a disservice. So let's get to it!

Module summary:

• introduce: shake hands with mechanics with a pre-test
• expose: re-visit mechanics rules and basics of writing e-mails, cards, and letters
• practice: write e-mails and cards, and familiarize yourself with an issue you can contact an official about
• create: prove your understanding of e-mails, handwritten cards, and a formal letter
• reflect: demonstrate mastery with a post-test

driving questions

• How do we write clearly and directly?
• Why is it important to become a writing ninja, especially in an age of texting and Snapchat?

goals

• The student will master clear and direct writing.
• The student will develop and employ their ability to revise and edit personal writing.
• The student will be able to analyze and discuss their writing using grammatical language.

c-tachs

• Writing
  • Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence
  • Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to the task, purpose, and audience
  • Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach
• Language
  • Demonstrate command of conventions of standard English grammar when speaking and writing
  • Demonstrate command of standard capitalization and punctuation
  • Spell correctly​

---

activities

INTRODUCE

• Warm-up: complete writing mechanics pre-test
• Review syllabus and expectations for the week

EXPOSE

• Review mechanics basics:
  • Phrases and clauses
  • Punctuation
  • Capitalization
  • Homophones
• Discuss format and content of e-mails, cards, and letters
  • Completing this part independently? Print and read the following three articles. In each article, highlight 4-6 key points to remember, then confer with Christine
    • Business e-mails 
    • Handwritten cards
    • Letter to an elected official

PRACTICE

• Exchange e-mails with Christine until e-mail evaluation scores a 5 in all categories
• Compose handwritten cards until card evaluation scores 5 in all categories
• Read about local, statewide, and/or national issues that you care about
  • Outline a letter (in Google Docs) to an elected official reflecting on one of these topics
    • How does the issue affect you?
    • What would you like to see the official do about it?

CREATE

• E-mail Mike about your remaining requirements for graduation without need for revision
• Compose a thank you card and address an envelope without need for revision
• Write and mail a typed, formal letter to an elected official about the topic you read up on

REFLECT

• Complete writing mechanics post-test (pass with 80%)
• Engage in discussion about the week; why is it important to be proficient with these writing styles?

---

resources

Senior Composition Syllabus
Reference articles:

• Composing business e-mails
• Composing handwritten notes
• Composing a formal letter

---

reading and writing handbook

Click on the thumbnail to access a PDF of the Reading and Writing Handbook.
​
If, somehow, you lost your handbook, please DO NOT print one yourself... let me know, and I'll get you another one. The handbook is here just for added reference.