10-1
HIGH SCHOOL
Essential
Vocabulary & Writing, Part One
Suggested Grade Level: 10th grade
Hone your writing and critical thinking while mastering over 350 vocabulary words from college and graduate word lists and Advanced Placement (AP) writing, and learn top study skills for remembering vocabulary (and more!).
Your Course Description
In this course (the first of two successive courses), your student will learn over 350 upper-level vocabulary words related to writing that are needed for high school advanced writing, Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition courses, the ACT and SAT, advanced writing courses, and all of college writing—and an introduction to the concepts associated with the terms. Because vocabulary is the number one indicator of success on college entrance testing, if you want your student to not only score well on testing but also be able to be prepared for college writing and vocabulary, this course is for you. Coursework will be focused on the critical thinking and writing practice needed for your future success, and each week, you’ll learn tips and how-to’s for learning the words with comprehension and memory, giving you comprehension methods that can be used in any course.
Your Course Outline
Class 1: Writing for a Purpose and Audience
Class 2: Worldview, Critical Thinking, & Passive/Active Voice
Class 3: Writing Effective Sentences; Diction & Syntax
Class 4: Writing Effective Paragraphs: Structure; Linear Writing; Active writing; Transitions and Connectives
Class 5: Punctuation and its Effect on Writing
Class 6: Grammar, Usage, & Mechanics for Clarity
Class 7: Types of Writing
Class 8: Point of View, Tone, & Voice
Class 9: Style
Class 10: Techniques & Devices of Organization for Coherence
Class 11: More Techniques & Devices of Organization
Class 12: Composing Methods
Class 13: Characteristics of an Effective Argument
Class 14: Research Methods
Your Course Details
Total Number of Classes: 14
Prerequisite: Required: High School Essential Writing 1: Punctuation and Grammar I (HS 9-1) and High School Simplified Writing 1: Strong Foundational Writing Skills (HS 9-2).
Recommended: High School Essential Writing 2: Excellent Paragraph and Essay Writing (HS 9-3) and High School Simplified Writing 2: Beyond the Five-Paragraph Essay (HS 9-4).Prerequisites can also be taken as a recorded course through Unlimited Access. Alternative prerequisite: a passing Punctuation & Grammar Assessment (only) from the Aquinas Writing Advantage Assessment service.
Suggested Grade Level: 10th grade or high school students who meet the prerequisite requirements
Duration: 55 minutes
Suggested Credit: One (1) full semester Vocabulary & Writing, Writing, or English
Course Materials: Required Book: EB Conroy’s Simplified Vocabulary Guide may be ordered at http://bookstore.authorhouse.com/Products/SKU-000430970/EB-Conroys-Simplified-Vocabulary-Guide.aspx or http://amzn.to/2FKGXDC. Microsoft Word or the ability to convert a document to a Word-compatible document is required. If you do not own Microsoft Word, you can use a system such as Google Docs that converts to Word documents FREE.
Homework: Students are expected to study for tests on the vocabulary words, for identification and use. Students will take weekly in-system quizzes (graded automatically) and complete weekly writing assignments that make their writing stronger and use the new vocabulary (graded by the instructor).
How this course fits with your other High School Writing courses...
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 9-1 | 9-2 | 9-3 | 9-4 |
| 10-1* | 10-2** | ||
| 11-123 | 11-457 | ||
| 12-1 | 12-2 | ||
** The 10-1 and 10-2 courses are consecutive courses. To create a full year of High School Writing at the 10th grade level, sign up for the 10-2 course when you sign up for the 10-1 course.
Your Instructors
Live, Interactive Courses
During the week, multiple course sections, times, and instructors are offered for this course. Sign up for the time and the instructor that best meets your needs. Click here to see the days and instructors for the LIVE course offerings — and to sign up for a LIVE course.
Recorded, Independent-Learning Course
When you sign up for Unlimited Access and take this recorded course, your instructor is the designer and Director of Aquinas Writing Advantage, Erin M. Brown, MA, MFA (aka author EB Conroy/Erin Brown Conroy).
Three Sign Up Options (Choose One)
1. Live, Interactive Course
Students attend a LIVE class in a virtual classroom on a specific day, at a specific time. After class (during the week), the student independently completes the coursework that includes readings, activities, and weekly quizzes. Quizzes are graded automatically by the computer for instant feedback. Written assignments are graded with feedback by the instructor. Your instructor is also available for communication outside of class via email, to help answer questions. Homework time outside of class is estimated to be two to three hours per week.
2. Unlimited Access: Recorded, Independent-Learning Course
When you take the Recorded course, you will independently view the recorded video lesson and complete the coursework in the learning management system. Quizzes in the course are graded automatically by the computer for instant feedback. If choosing to not use Instructor Access, grading with feedback is provided by the parent; however, Instructor Access grading is available (see below). There is an estimated two to three hours of homework/coursework per week outside of watching the weekly video lecture.
When you get “Unlimited Access,” you get 24/7 access to ALL of the writing courses — AND access to 400+ middle and high school courses, in all subject areas, for only $34.97 a month.
3. Unlimited Access with Instructor Access Grading Services
Instructor Access is an optional service, for an additional fee, that accompanies Unlimited Access. When you sign up for one-on-one tutoring with Instructor Access, in addition to the weekly quizzes that are graded automatically by the computer for instant feedback, your student will receive one-on-one help via email with the professional writing instructor. The Instructor Access instructor will grade the work submitted, and there is an estimated three to four hours per week for homework for your student outside of watching the video lecture. If you’d like Instructor Access, once you sign up for Unlimited Access, you’ll receive email instructions on how to sign up.
Specific Course FAQs
Is this course required? Can I skip this course?
Combined with the 10-2 course, this course allows your student to solidify over 750 vocabulary words that have been designated as vocabulary that can lead to success, particularly in college. If your student begins the Aquinas Writing Advantage program at grade 10 or later, please contact [email protected] to help determine how to best fit the high school writing courses together for your student’s success.
Can I start the 10-1 course in the Spring Semester?
The LIVE 10-1 course is only offered in the Fall Semester; the LIVE 10-2 course is only offered in the Spring Semester. Using Unlimited Access, you can begin either 10-1 or 10-2 at any time of year. Special attention is given to study habits for vocabulary success in the 10-1 course. For that reason, it would be helpful to begin the series of the two courses with 10-1.
Is this a writing course or a vocabulary course?
YES! This course is both — combining the learning (and practice) of over 300 vocabulary words… AND your student gets short but meaningful weekly writing exercises, to increase your student’s writing skills. The course also includes significant study skills guidance and the learning/practice of critical thinking skills as they pertain to prewriting, drafting, and creating final versions of the student’s writing.
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