English @ CCHS
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senior composition: mastering the basics

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
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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

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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.
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The Mission of Chaffee County High School

“We engage and empower our society through innovative education to make a more positive and peaceful world." 

Contact Us

  • Home
    • About
  • Caper with the Classics
  • State of the Union
  • Reading & Writing
    • All-American Boys
  • Recent Modules
    • Connect >
      • Board Games & Blogging
      • CCHS Powtoon
      • Coco!
      • Creative Writing Seminar
      • Dragon Post
      • Editorializing
      • E-mail Etiquette (Star Wars)
      • English Skills
      • HONY and Narrative Essays
      • Personal Essay & Resume
      • Persons, Places, Things
      • Photo Essays
      • Teach Me Something
      • Virtual Reality-ing
    • Construct >
      • 2018 in Review
      • Book Censorship
      • Live Anywhere
      • Picture Book Inquiry
      • PSA Powtoon
      • Rant to Reason
      • Who Cares?
    • Be Curious >
      • CCHS Librarians
      • Emma: Friend or Foe?
      • Fahrenheit 451
      • Found Poetry
      • Google Expeditions
      • Hero's Journey
      • Irreverence
      • Macbeth
      • Poetry
      • The Lottery
    • Senior English >
      • Research
      • Senior Analysis
      • Senior Composition