How To Succeed in English 11

Check the Blog Often to:
See the homework assignments
See what classwork you missed if you were absent
Find helpful links to other Websites that will help you with class
Post questions you have about homework or classwork

Do All of the Homework
Most homework assignments are 10 points each. You cannot make up homework worth 10 points or fewer; those assignments with point values above 10 points will receive ½ credit (no more than 5 points) if they are turned in one day late. Homework may NOT be made up after two days.

Do All Writing Assignments, and Seek Help!
Writing assignments are worth 20 -100 points.
Assignments are often done in drafts
You should always seek extra help either during lunch (Monday, Tuesday and Friday) or afterschool (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday)

Be Accountable for Your Work!
If you are not in class, you are still responsible for turning in papers (via email) on the date it is due. As paper due dates are announced well in advance, any late paper (regardless of absences) will result in a point reduction on the grade. You must turn in a hard copy when you return or you will receive no points. Printing in class will not be tolerated. Print your work before class.

Read ACTIVELY
Always read with a writing utensil! Use post-its if the book does not belong to you.
Take notes on anything surprising; anything that reveals characterization, conflict, setting, symbolism; anything about which you have a question; predictions; vocabulary words to define; and evidence of theme.

Prepare for the SAT and Life: Study Your Vocabulary
Study the words of the day (from Princeton’s Hit Parade of top-tested SAT words)
Study the literary vocabulary
Play on freerice.com for a ½ hour every day
Use online flashcards at http://www.quizlet.com/. You can search for the Princeton Hit Parade words.

Read Independently
Read the New York Times, and nytimes.com. Not only will you be up-to-date on current events, but you will gain writing and vocabulary skills – simply by reading!
Read an independent book! Go to the library; borrow a book from Ms. Bryant. Read, read, read!

Write ORIGINAL Work
As pressure mounts during the year, students may be tempted to use the internet to help them with papers, or borrow ideas from their classmates’ papers. Turning in ANY work which is not completely your own is academic dishonesty, and will result in serious consequences. And while we’re on the subject, Wikipedia has no place in your academic studies. Don’t use it.

Prepare for the New York State English Regents Exam
You will take the English Regents exam in January, which tests the knowledge and skills you’ve gained throughout your three years in English classes at MHSHS. In addition to in-class preparation, I will hold afterschool study sessions starting in late November. You are strongly encouraged to attend them. Additionally, previous Regents exams are available at http://www.nysedregents.org/. You can download them and practice the four parts of the exam.

Keep Up with Your Grades
Check http://www.mygradebook.com/ often to ensure that you are maintaining at least an 80 average, and to ensure you did not miss any work. Should your grade dip below an 80, you need to make plans to attend SOS and Lunch and Learn to receive tutoring to improve your grade!