English 9

Introduction to Week 9

You will need a copy of To Kill a Mockingbird by the start of next week--but it'd be better to begin reading it this weekend! If you don't have your own copy, please check it out immediately from the library or purchase a copy.

In Unit 1 we will cover two main topics. First, we will be reading and discussing a classic of modern American literature: To Kill a Mockingbird. We will read the book over four weeks, and finish with a "Courage Letter" (persuasive writing assignment). As we read, there will be reading guides, discussion boards, blog posts, and reading comprehension quizzes to show your understanding.

If you like to listen to the book as you read, audio files are posted in this subfolder; download the mp3 files and enjoy! (Note: Most people read nearly twice as fast as recordings speak; so reading will generally get you through the material faster. However, if you have a reading disability, or simply want to hear the book, use the audio files as you read along.)

Second, you will find and interview an "interesting" person. More details about this will follow!

In addition, just like last semester, you will learn more about grammar and punctuation. More specifically, in this unit you will learn about colons, parentheses, adverbs, and more.

Throughout this semester there will be sections marked "Additional Information" and "Sources." Additional Information sections are a list of websites or documents that provide more information about that lesson. You will not be tested on any information in Additional Information sections. The list of sources at the end of each section are the websites or documents used to create the section. You are not required to follow these sources either, but you can if you are curious or want to learn more.