English 11 @Peddie (PJClements)
English 11
Writing Techniques
English 11 will focus on four kinds of writing this
year, each with its own stylistic and intellectual requirements.
·
The Expository Essay
This form of writing is a traditional academic
format, useful across the curriculum at Peddie and in college. Proficiency in
this sort of analytical writing is necessary for success in English 11. Built
on the “five paragraph essay” model with an introduction and thesis
followed by a series of ordered paragraphs that develop the thesis, the
expository essay will
be the tool to use for sustained analysis and explanation.
·
Significant
Passage Commentary
Exploring and writing carefully about the meaning
and significance of an important passage or phrase is an important skill not
only in the study of literature but in a variety of disciplines. The
“significant passage commentary” format, a robust paragraph which
first establishes the literal significance of the passage in question and then
extends to an exploration of its figurative and abstract elements, is helpful
in seeing the concentrated power of language and art.
Reflecting on and articulating one’s past,
present, and hope for the future is a powerful way to understand and take
firmer control of one’s life. Through a series of autobiographical
pieces, students will explore their own lives and begin to establish a
direction for their future.
·
The “Twenty Minute
Essay”
The ability to take a challenging idea and respond
to it thoughtfully and quickly in writing is an important intellectual and
academic skill. These brief essays, three to four paragraph responses to
writing prompts that can come from readings or from current affairs, will be
composed extemporaneously.
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