This course generally follows the same curriculum as the college preparatory course. The pace is slower and less intense for English 11. There is less of a focus on preparing the student for post-secondary education and more of a focus on career based skills needed through written and oral communication. This general English course focuses on American literature. Students will study historical documents, short stories, a play, poetry, and other works of literature from the colonial period to contemporary writers. Vocabulary will be focused on while reading literature. An intensive study of composition will include writing a narrative essay & journal responses, a persuasive essay, cover letter, resume, thank you letter, reference page, themed essay, and multi-genre research project(s). A character analysis monologue and other oral presentations will be addressed through the curriculum to help each student develop poise in public speaking situations. Proper MLA format will be taught and developed all throughout the curriculum. Grammar and mechanics will be addressed on a needed basis throughout the writing process. Students are expected to bring their laptops with them daily and to have them in working order. It is highly recommend that each student own a flash drive to save their work.