English I students will study punctuation, vocabulary, composition, and short stories with an emphasis on literary elements. Students will have the opportunity to choose from a selection of books offered for literature discussions. Students will also engage in the study of poetry and the play Romeo and Juliet. An intense study of writing occurs this year which includes the utilization of the six traits of writing. All students will go through the writing process as they prepare a five paragraph essay and learn the elements of an MLA research paper.