English

Expanding Horizons

Developing a greater understanding of the world through critical thinking, reading, and writing.

Explorer West Middle School’s English program strives to develop students who enter high school honors English classes with complete reading, writing, and discussion skills. Skills include:

  • Producing fluent, thoughtful, and well-organized prose
  • Confident creative writing ability
  • Literature discussion, using the terminology of literature analysis
  • English grammar, punctuation, and usage when writing and discussing writing
  • Knowledge of basic Latin and Greek roots and prefixes used in English as a tool for pulling the meaning of unfamiliar words through context
  • Reading comprehension, informed and strengthened by an understanding of essential historical, cultural, and ethical knowledge
  • Acquired knowledge and the results of their reading, study, and individual thinking to arrive at tentative conclusions about the nature of the world and its ideas independently
Writing assignments include weekly essay assignment by 8th grade.