Frequently Asked Questions for Students
Each test, composition, homework, classwork, research, and presentation assignment will be given a point value on the web page for the particular week it is assigned. The average will be the percentage of the number of points you earned divided by the total number of possible points.
The three major tests will consist of objective (multiple choice, matching, true/false) questions, short answer questions, and/or essay questions. Consult the quarter schedule for your track for specifics.
The tests will cover the readings, background, and class discussion/presentation of the material.
The quarter exam will cover the grammar, vocabulary, and literature for the quarter.
Short written homework assignments are worth 10 points each. At my discretion I may give a short 10 point unannounced quiz on any homework assigned. These quiz grades become part of the homework grade. It is to your advantage to complete all homework assignments The total homework assignments/quizzes count as two major grades. Do the homework carefully. On occasion I may do a textbook check to insure that students are prepared for class. These checks are worth 10 points each.
The quizzes will consist of multiple choice questions in the format of the PSAT/SAT vocabulary questions. Analogy questions may also be included. Vocabulary will be drawn from the class text Vocabulary Workshop. Students in the Honors class will write original sentences using the new vocabulary effectively. Students are responsible for the spelling and correct use of the vocabulary words. The first four quizzes of each quarter will be on a unit in the vocabulary book. Quizzes will be cumulative.
The quizzes will cover the assigned material from the Cliffs Verbal Review, worksheets, and class exercises. The grammar quizzes will be similar in style to the Test of Standard Written English format used in the writing section of the PSAT. Some questions will require the student to rewrite sentences.
Specific requirements for a composition will be found on the schedule. However the following requirements are universal for all composition assignments:
What research assignments will be given?
There will be short assignments given to individuals and/or groups, dealing with materials which are, or will be, discussed in class. Research assignments will include use of the Internet and hard copy in the library. There will be a major paper due the second week of the fourth quarter. The topic will be selected for the students and will follow correct format for references and bibliography.
What speech assignments will be given?
During the year each student will be given: two expository presentations of five minutes each.
What will the supplementary reading tests cover?
The supplementary reading ("book") tests, consisting of objective, short answer, and/or essay questions, will cover the who, what, when, where, and how of the book. Additionally, in the Honors class, there may be questions on characterization, theme, and imagery as well. Book tests precede discussion.
On what is the participation grade based?
The participation grade is determined by the student's involvement in the class.
Grade Expectation
| 100 | textbook, notebook, daily participation (i.e., every day) |
| 90 | textbook, notebook, frequent participation (i.e., 3 to 4 day a week) |
| 80 | textbook, notebook, occasional participation ( i.e., 2 day a week) |
| 70 | no textbook, notebook, rare participation (i.e., 1 day a week) |
| 60 | no textbook, no notebook, no participation |
* Textbooks must be covered. They are property of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. If a student brings an uncovered book to class, he/she will have a private detention held at my convenience.
We will review as much of the vocabulary and grammar as we can before the PSAT in October. The study of literature will naturally help students in developing skills to handle the reading passages in the test. Study of vocabulary and literature will continue to prepare students for the SAT in the spring. The week preceding the SAT, the class will review the English/Verbal portion of the SAT Practice Test published by the College Board.
The best preparation for the PSAT/SAT is to read widely in variety of subject areas. As an English teacher, I would prefer that my students read novels, but for the standardized tests and for life, I would also add books on science, history, sociology, psychology, economics, and other subject areas.
Reading broadly is the best and most effective way of developing an extensive vocabulary. Constant exposure to challenging vocabulary through continued reading reinforces the student's mastery of language. Continued reading, then, does not only prepare the students for standardized tests; it also prepares them for life as literate, articulate individuals.
If a student is absent the day of a test, he/she will make it up during the class period that he/she returns to class. If a student is absent the day a composition is due, the paper will be accepted as "on time" on the day of his/her return to school.
It is school policy that teachers are not required to provide "special work" for students whose families choose to vacation during the school year. If you are away, however, you can keep up with the class by checking in for the daily assignments on the Internet.
N.B. Students making a habit of being absent on the days of tests, quizzes, and/or compositions, may be asked to do makeup work t school on Saturdays.
adline?Your composition will be considered late. Last minute hard disk crashes and printer ribbon/cartridge/toner failures are the 21st century equivalent of "The dog ate my homework."
Computer common sense demands that you not only save your file on the hard drive, but if it is important to you (and your grade should be) it should also be saved on a 3 1/2 inch floppy disk.
If at 3 A.M. your hard disk crashes or gnomes cast a spell on your printer, you can bring the floppy disk to school and print it out in the library or English Writing Center during your lunch period. Your paper can be on time. If it's important to you, BACK UP YOUR WORK! Own responsibility for your work!
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