ENGLISH 1 SOL and COMMUNICATION APPLICATION SOL

ENGLISH 1 SOL is the freshman English course. It uses the regular text and covers the state mandated TEKS.

First semester Mrs. Ojobaro uses a reading/writing interaction to both analyze the short stories and develop skill in writing using the eight rhetorical modes. Grammar and sentence structures are studied in relation to the students' compositions. Vocabulary is taken from the literature and studied in the context of the story in which it is used. Films are used alongside some of the literary works to distinguish the adaptations which filmmakers must make to appeal to their audiences.

Second semester there is a progression to short novels, drama, and an epic poem. Students must also write a compilation of essays for the state of Texas TOP assessment, prepare for the state TAKS TEST, as well as the RPTE state reading test for English Language Learners and finally Texas' End-of -Course Exam for English. At the last six weeks of each semester, students prepare a short research report using the Modern Language Association Style Sheet.

Students who successfully complete English one will have a basic general knowledge of simple literary structures and organizational structures for basic composition as well as an increased academic vocabulary.

Communication Application

Oral Interpretation is offered during the fall semester, and the spring semester course is Communication Applications. Oral Interpretation is focused on understanding and producing spoken English. The program SCIENTIFIC SPELLING is used as a basic structure for the course. Poetry, conversation, short readings, and phonics review provide oral practice. Students progress in ability to speak English with standard pronunciation and pacing. Communication Applications, second semester, moves to basic presentations of speech as impromptu, formal, and extemporaneous structures. Then Lincoln-Douglas debate and also drama are introduced after spring break. Some continued practice in everyday vocabulary and conversation is blended into the second semester. The goal of the year is for each student to gain confidence when communicating in English .