Intro. to Essay Writing (9th-10th grades)
(This course is self-paced . Students watch the lessons and complete assignments at their convenience.)
This course is open between these dates:
Fall semester: Sept. 8, 2026-Dec. 11, 2026 and the spring semester: Jan. 3, 2027 - May 14, 2027
Instructor: Renee Metcalf
Course Description:
In every field of endeavor, clear writing is a necessity, in both college and the business world. In this introductory essay writing course high school students learn a system of clear thinking and writing. Using the six components of writing, students compose essays block by block. They learn how to write a precise and compelling thesis statement followed by strong supporting examples. Students will write three basic essay types: expository, narrative, and persuasive, including an engaging introduction and conclusion. Correct practice makes perfect and students have plenty of opportunity to finesse their writing under the guidance of an experienced and patient instructor who knows how to give the kind of feedback that helps students improve. They will also enhance their writing through the use of "SAT" vocabulary. Finally, practicing the skill of writing an essay under a time constraint prepares students for high-stakes writing.
Tuition
Texts:
Precisely! An Introduction to Essay Writing for the Modern Writer by Renee Metcalf
Goals and Objectives:
(This course is self-paced . Students watch the lessons and complete assignments at their convenience.)
This course is open between these dates:
Fall semester: Sept. 8, 2026-Dec. 11, 2026 and the spring semester: Jan. 3, 2027 - May 14, 2027
Instructor: Renee Metcalf
Course Description:
In every field of endeavor, clear writing is a necessity, in both college and the business world. In this introductory essay writing course high school students learn a system of clear thinking and writing. Using the six components of writing, students compose essays block by block. They learn how to write a precise and compelling thesis statement followed by strong supporting examples. Students will write three basic essay types: expository, narrative, and persuasive, including an engaging introduction and conclusion. Correct practice makes perfect and students have plenty of opportunity to finesse their writing under the guidance of an experienced and patient instructor who knows how to give the kind of feedback that helps students improve. They will also enhance their writing through the use of "SAT" vocabulary. Finally, practicing the skill of writing an essay under a time constraint prepares students for high-stakes writing.
Tuition
Texts:
Precisely! An Introduction to Essay Writing for the Modern Writer by Renee Metcalf
Goals and Objectives:
- Organize ideas effectively before writing using pre-writing strategies.
- Plan and structure essays by taking notes and creating outlines.
- Use formal, academic language to communicate ideas clearly and persuasively.
- Develop strong, focused thesis statements that guide writing.
- Write coherent expository, narrative, and persuasive essays.
- Support claims by selecting and applying multiple types of evidence.
- Apply transitions to create smooth connections between ideas and paragraphs.
- Format a Works Cited page correctly, according to MLA conventions.
- Craft introductions and conclusions that make essays engaging and memorable.
- Prepare for timed writing situations by practicing winning strategies.
