Mrs Holovecz-Harte

English will provide students with the skills to respond to a variety of texts as well as develop a critical approach to literature. The class will provide a variety of opportunities to communicate formally and informally in both written and oral formats; enhancing understanding of their own culture and those of others, which advances a deeper understanding of human nature. There will also be opportunities to read for enjoyment!

This blog will have posts for students to check for homework, tasks and other activities. Go to Choose your class and click on your desired class. There are also links to resources listed under References.

NEW: How many of these 50 books have you read?

NEW: MS EXAMINATIONS INFORMATION

Grade 6:

click here for the study guide

click  here for the practice exam and TSC

click here for formal words

Grade 7:

click here  for the study guide

click here for the revision task

Grade 8:

click here for the study guide

click here for descriptive writing

click here  for argumentative writing

Argumentative/persuasive writing

         (a) Discuss why it is easier to go to war than to achieve peace.

OR  (b)  Discuss whether teenagers should be monitored while using the internet.

Descriptive writing

             (a) Describe the surroundings and your emotions at a time when you felt very alone.

OR     (b) Imagine that you are up in a hot air balloon. Describe what you see below and how the experience makes you feel.

Remember:

• It is difficult to write interesting descriptions, so this type of composition should not be attempted unless you have had practice and success at this type of writing. Argument has the interest of other people’s views, but description must rely on range of vocabulary and use of imagery to engage reader interest. Unless the reader can see the picture they will not be able to relate to the experience.

• Use exotic and unusual vocabulary, and a variety of sentence structures. All forms of repetition should be avoided unless used for careful emphasis.

• Use all five senses to create an environment and atmosphere, as well as details of size, shape and colour. Make colour precise, e.g. ‘scarlet’, ‘azure’, ‘off-white’, ‘bluish-grey’.

• Avoid common, overused, vague, short and childish vocabulary, such as ‘nice’, ‘big’, ‘little’, ‘a lot of’, ‘good’, and ‘bad’.

• Each noun needs one or more adjectives in front of it to give sufficient detail.

• A temporal or spatial framework will give structure and progression to your description e.g. moving towards or through something, such as a street market, or going through a period of time, an hour or a day for instance, and recording the changes.

• Descriptive compositions must not become a narrative, which means character and event should not be dominant.

 

Against: 

• “Some people believe/ think/ feel that…”
• “Some people may argue”
• “Others are of the opinion that…”.
• “While some people may claim”
• “Furthermore some people may insist”
• “Although some people would have us believe”

For: 

• However, In contrast, On the other hand, Nevertheless
• “While in the case that…”
• “Further consideration, however, suggests…”
• “Despite the fact that there is some truth in…”
• “Although there is some evidence to support…”
• “It is also argued that…”
• “However there are also strong arguments against this point of view…”
• “Another counter argument is that…”