Writing for Middle School (English 1 and 2 Writing Prep)

Course Catalog ID:

4486

Subject Categories:

English Language Arts, Summer Course, Writing and Composition

Description

This course uses a workshop approach to help students with crafting a strong expository essay at the middle school level. The course focuses on six writing elements (content, organization, word choice, sentence fluency, voice, and conventions). Students will start the course by writing a multi-paragraph essay from a prompt. Beginning with thesis building and body paragraph development, moving to the introduction, and finishing with concluding paragraphs, students will edit, refine, and polish each paragraph in response to teacher and peer feedback. During class time, students will practice revision of provided essays to develop their eye for weaknesses and strategies for improvement, then applying those skills to their own essay revisions. The final assignment is to complete the polished version of the original essay. This enjoyable interactive course is ideal for helping middle school students gain a better understanding of the the self-edit and revision process which plays such an important role in effective writing.

Prerequisites

Grade Levels*:

7, 8

* Enrollment restricted based on Date of Birth and Grad Year (whichever is more limiting). Enrollment outside these levels requires written concurrence from TPS Support.

Readiness

• Concurrent approval for TPS English 1

━ OR ━

• Concurrent approval for TPS English 2

━ OR ━

• Successful completion of Readiness Test

Notes and Conditions

Relaxed: TPS Summer classes are relaxed in attendance and assignments are optional. Enjoy your summer break while preparing for the next school year.

Transcript Planning: This course provides weekly practice, evaluation and feedback in writing skills related to the level of the course. The course is valuable for strengthening foundational skills to smooth out rough patches from the prior school year or give a head start for the next school year. Individual assignments receive feedback and a grade, but the course has no final grade or credit. The course is not a prerequisite for and does not provide placement approval for any TPS course.

“I enjoyed this TPS middle school writing class. This class stands out from others because the teacher personally helps you revise your sentences and gives amazing recommendations to improve your writing.”

Bella L

Student

“English is not my mother language, so sometimes I am crushed by any writing assignments, especially essays. After taking this class, I learned lots of useful writing tips and strategies. The teacher’s high standard helps me to get ready for my future writing class, and her comments on my draft help me a lot on revising my final copy.”

Cynthia Y

Student

“This class helped me to learn how to write essays and other creative writing in a short period of time. I used to have a really hard time starting on essays, but after taking this class I could start without all the stress.”

Heidi C

Student

“I’ve learned so much in just a short period of time and looking at my accomplishment in this course makes me feel satisfied.”

Xuan Yuan Z

Student

“I would recommend this course to others because it taught me a lot about organization, proper grammar, and other important writing skills.”

Aaron L

Student

“The instruction was very helpful. My teacher was very upbeat during class and gave great advice. My word choice skills have improved since taking this class.”

Jake T

Student