High School Diploma English Language Arts Syllabus

What are the three foundational US documents most often studied in ELA?

The Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution (especially the Preamble), and the Bill of Rights; often also the Federalist Papers and key speeches like the Gettysburg Address.

What is the main rhetorical purpose of the Declaration of Independence's opening?

To justify the colonies' separation from Britain by appealing to natural rights ('Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness') and the principle that governments derive power from the consent of the governed.

What rhetorical device anchors Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' speech?

Anaphora, the repetition of a phrase ('I have a dream...') at the beginning of successive clauses, to build emphasis and emotional momentum.

What does analyzing the 'structure' of a text involve?

Examining how a text is organized, such as chronological, compare/contrast, cause/effect, problem/solution, or order of importance, and how that organization advances the author's purpose.

What is the function of a thesis statement in an essay?

To state the essay's central claim or controlling idea in one or two sentences, usually at the end of the introduction, guiding the reader through the argument.

What does it mean to 'synthesize' multiple sources?

To combine information and ideas from several texts, identifying relationships (agreement, disagreement, extension), to form a new, unified understanding or argument rather than summarizing each separately.

When synthesizing sources, what is the difference between a primary and a secondary source?

A primary source is firsthand/original evidence (e.g., a diary, speech, data, original document); a secondary source analyzes, interprets, or comments on primary sources (e.g., a scholarly article or textbook).

What are the essential components of an argumentative essay?

A clear thesis/claim, logical reasons supported by evidence, acknowledgment and refutation of counterclaims, coherent organization with transitions, and a conclusion that reinforces the argument.

What is the difference between an argumentative and a persuasive essay?

Argumentative writing relies primarily on logic and evidence to prove a claim and fairly addresses opposing views; persuasive writing leans more on emotional appeal and the writer's opinion to move the reader to act or agree.

What is the goal of informative/explanatory writing?

To convey accurate information and ideas clearly through definitions, facts, examples, and analysis, without arguing a position, so the reader understands a topic.

Name three common organizational structures for informative/explanatory texts.

Definition/classification, compare-and-contrast, cause-and-effect, problem-and-solution, and sequence/chronological order (any three).

What are the key elements of narrative writing?

Setting, characters, plot (with conflict and resolution), point of view, sensory/descriptive details, dialogue, and pacing, often building toward a theme or reflection.

What is 'point of view' in narrative writing, and name the main types.

The perspective from which a story is told: first person ('I/we'), second person ('you'), and third person (limited, omniscient, or objective).

What are the five stages of the writing process?

Prewriting (planning/brainstorming), drafting, revising (improving content/organization), editing (fixing grammar/mechanics), and publishing.

What is the difference between revising and editing?

Revising addresses big-picture content: ideas, organization, clarity, and development. Editing addresses surface-level mechanics: grammar, spelling, punctuation, and word choice.

In research writing, what is plagiarism and how is it avoided?

Plagiarism is presenting others' words or ideas as your own. It is avoided by quoting accurately, paraphrasing properly, and citing all sources using a consistent format (e.g., MLA or APA).

What is a research question, and what makes a good one?

The central question a research project seeks to answer. A good one is focused, clear, arguable or open to investigation, and not answerable with a simple yes/no or single fact.

Distinguish between a quotation, a paraphrase, and a summary.

A quotation uses an author's exact words in quotation marks; a paraphrase restates a specific passage in your own words at similar length; a summary condenses the main ideas of a larger text in your own words.

What are the eight parts of speech in Standard English?

Noun, pronoun, verb, adjective, adverb, preposition, conjunction, and interjection.

What is subject-verb agreement?

The rule that a verb must match its subject in number and person: singular subjects take singular verbs (e.g., 'She runs') and plural subjects take plural verbs (e.g., 'They run').

What is the difference between an independent and a dependent (subordinate) clause?

An independent clause expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence; a dependent clause has a subject and verb but cannot stand alone (e.g., 'because it rained').

How is a comma splice corrected?

A comma splice joins two independent clauses with only a comma. Fix it by using a period, a semicolon, a comma plus a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS), or by subordinating one clause.

When do you use a semicolon?

To join two closely related independent clauses without a conjunction, and to separate items in a list when those items already contain commas.

What is the rule for using an apostrophe to show possession?

Add 's to singular nouns (the dog's bone) and to plural nouns not ending in s (children's). Add only an apostrophe to plural nouns ending in s (the dogs' bones).

What is the difference between denotation and connotation?

Denotation is a word's literal dictionary definition; connotation is the emotional or cultural association a word carries (e.g., 'home' denotes a residence but connotes warmth and safety).

What is a context clue, and name a common type.

Information in surrounding text that helps determine an unfamiliar word's meaning. Types include definition, synonym, antonym/contrast, and example clues.

What is diction, and how does it affect tone?

Diction is an author's word choice (formal, informal, technical, colloquial). It shapes tone, the author's attitude toward the subject, by influencing connotation, formality, and mood.

What is syntax, and how can it create style?

Syntax is the arrangement of words and phrases into sentences. Varying sentence length, structure, and order (e.g., short punchy sentences vs. long flowing ones) creates rhythm, emphasis, and a distinctive style.

Name three elements of an effective oral presentation delivery.

Eye contact, appropriate volume and pacing, clear enunciation, purposeful gestures/body language, and tone variation to engage the audience (any three).

In a collaborative discussion, what is 'building on' another's idea?

Responding to a peer's contribution by extending, connecting, or adding evidence to it, rather than introducing an unrelated point, to advance the group's shared understanding.

When evaluating a spoken argument, what are key things to assess?

The speaker's claim and reasoning, quality and relevance of evidence, use of rhetorical appeals, identification of bias or logical fallacies, and whether the point of view is sound.

What is media literacy?

The ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and create media, including recognizing purpose, bias, target audience, credibility of sources, and how information may be framed or manipulated.