Writing with Confidence

Writing with Confidence

Course Title: Writing with Confidence

Full Name of Teacher: Angela Ferrell

Semester or Full Year: Full Year

Age Group/Grades: 9th-12th grades

Day:  Wednesday

Time: 2024-2025 2:00 PM CST

Class Description: 

Writing with Confidence is a year-long one-credit course that counts toward required high school-level language arts. This college preparatory English writing course is well-suited for upper-level High School students, as they will be undertaking an in-depth research paper as the culmination of their coursework. This skill is essential for students who plan to attend post-secondary education, especially those pursuing careers in the sciences, research, writing, law, the humanities, or any field requiring exemplary writing skills.

Students will explore the craft of writing, beginning with a review of the introductory five-paragraph essay, advancing to a compare and contrast paper, and culminating with a scholarly research paper. Guided by the instructor, they will investigate research methods, such as how to locate reliable sources and avoid plagiarism, along with proper use of academic writing formats like MLA and APA. The course will foster proficiency in essay organization, style, and mechanics that will carry into their educational and vocational futures. Along with building writing skills, this class emphasizes the importance of diligence, initiative, and critical thinking, all essential life skills.

The lion’s share of students' grades will come from completing their weekly writing assignments, which progress from outline to essay, so the workload varies from light to moderate to heavy depending on the week. There will also be semester-end presentations.   Access to the world wide web for basic internet searches, proficient typing skills, and a cursory understanding of word processing software such as Google documents is a prerequisite.

Required Resources: 

•  TNHA Writing With Confidence Study Guide