by Theresa Rohlfing
Gentry Middle School, Columbia, Missouri

This course will help you to become an active reader through the study of narrative, looking at the elements of literature and the features of narrative nonfiction. You will learn techniques like marking up the text and using graphic organizers to understand and remember what you have read. Finally, you will read nonfiction articles and learn how to tell fact from opinion and how to recognize bias.

To help you become a better writer, you will learn about the parts of speech and punctuation. You will also look at techniques such as imagery, tone, and symbolism. In your writing practice, you will complete description, narrative, persuasion, and constructed responses. The study of vocabulary will help you to become a better reader and writer.