English 9
A ninth-grade English course focused on close reading, literary foundations, analytical writing, grammar, vocabulary, research, and discussion.
5 units and 20 lessons, for Grade 9. Free on Slate.
Unit 1: Close Reading and Literary Foundations
Build the core habits of annotation, evidence gathering, and literary analysis.
- Active Reading and Annotation (10 min)
- Plot, Conflict, and Setting (10 min)
- Characterization (10 min)
- Theme and Textual Evidence (20 min)
Unit 2: Genres and Literary Elements
Read short fiction, poetry, drama, and nonfiction with genre-specific tools.
- Short Fiction (10 min)
- Poetry Basics (10 min)
- Drama Basics (10 min)
- Literary Devices (10 min)
Unit 3: Analytical Writing
Move from paragraphs to thesis-driven essays about literature.
- Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning (10 min)
- Thesis Statements (10 min)
- Essay Organization (10 min)
- Revision Workshop (10 min)
Unit 4: Language, Grammar, and Vocabulary
Build sentence control, standard English conventions, and academic vocabulary.
- Sentence Basics (25 min)
- Comma Usage (10 min)
- Verb Tense and Agreement (10 min)
- Academic Vocabulary in Context (10 min)
Unit 5: Research, Media, and Speaking
Introduce source evaluation, research writing, presentation, and media literacy.
- Evaluating Sources (10 min)
- Integrating Quotations (10 min)
- Media Literacy (10 min)
- Discussion and Presentation (10 min)