BELLE VERNON AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

GENERAL SYLLABUS OUTLINE

**This syllabus is subject to change**

Course Name:

English

Grade:

7

1.)

Course Description:

This general outline is tentative and dependent upon the needs and skills level of the students in any

given school year; therefore, it is subject to change.

This course may focus on assisting the students in developing language skills in reading, writing,

speaking, and listening skills.  Students may read, interpret, and analyze written materials such as in

functional documents.  Students may compose written documents including narrative, descriptive,

persuasive, and research.  Vocabulary will be broadened via writing assignments.  Grammar mechanics

and usage will be taught in conjunction with writing assignments.  Students may also be required to

develop oral communication skills through class presentations and speeches.

2.)

Learning Standards:

1.4

Types of Writing (narrative, informational, persuasive)

1.5

Quality of Writing

1.6

Speaking and Listening (including discussion and presentation)

1.7

Characteristics and Functions of the English Language

1.8

Research

3.)

Student Objectives:

1.4.8     Types of Writing

v

Write short stories, poems, and plays.

v

Write multi-paragraph informational pieces (e.g., letters, descriptions, reports, instructions,

essays, articles, [and] interviews).

v

Write persuasive pieces.

v

Maintain a written record of activities, course work, experience, honors[,] and interests.

1.5.8     Quality of Writing

v

Write with sharp, distinct focus.

v

Write using well-developed content appropriate for the topic.

v

Write with controlled and/or subtle organization.

v

Write with an understanding of the stylistic aspects of composition.

v

Revise writing after rethinking logic [or] of organization and rechecking central idea, content,

paragraph development, level of detail, style, tone, and word choice.

v

Edit writing using the conventions of language.

v

Present and/or defend written work for publication when appropriate.

1.6.8     Speaking and Listening

v

Listen to others.

v

Listen to selections of literature (fiction and/or nonfiction).

v

Speak using skills appropriate to formal speech situations.

v

Contribute to discussions.

v

Participate in small and large group discussions and presentations.

v

Use media for learning purposes.

1.7.8     Characteristics and Functions of the English Language

v

Describe the origins and meanings of common, learned foreign words used frequently in

English language (e.g., carte blanche, faux pas).

v

Analyze the role and place of standard American English in speech, writing and literature.

v

Identify new words that have been added to the English language over time.

1.8.8     Research

v

Select and refine a topic for research.

v

Locate information using appropriate sources and strategies.

v

Organize, summarize, and present the main ideas from [the] research.

4.)

Course Text:

v  Prentice Hall Grammar and Composition, Grade 7, Simon and Schuster--Fourth Edition, 1990

5.)

Major Units or Themes:  (Include the following)

v     Grammar

v     Usage

v     Mechanics

v     Composition

v     Speaking and Listening Skills

v     Literature

6.)

Teaching Methods:

v     Cooperative Learning

v     Demonstration

v     Lecture/Discussion

v     Experiential/Inquiry/Learning

v     Use of Multi-Media (When Appropriate)

7.)

Assessment:

Tentative and dependent upon the needs and skill level of the students in any given school year.

v     Tests/Quizzes

v     Daily Homework

v     Oral Presentation

v     Group Discussions

v     Student Projects

v     Research Evaluation

v     Student Projects