1. An Introduction to Beginning Composition 2017-2018
Ms. Hali Boeh
G-106

2. What is “Beginning Comp.”?
Beginning Composition is an
introductory writing course for ALL
9th grade students at Vista del Lago High School.
The class centers around….
Argument Centered Writing – we will discuss this later in the class period.

3. Four Units of Study/Each worth 50 points
1. Narrative Essay--“My Epiphany”
Narrative Strategies in Analytical Writing
(Essay due: 9/8/17, by midnight on Turnitin.com)
2. Argumentative Essay---“What’s Wrong With Schools?”
Persuasion/Analytical Writing
(Essay due: 10/6/17, by midnight on Turnitin.com)
3. “Press Play” Project---Digital Writing and Research
Research Writing to Inform
(Project due: 11/27/17, by midnight on Turnitin.com)
4. “On Demand” Essay
In-class Writing
(12/7/17)
5. Final---In-Class Speech Presentations
(Week of December 11th-15th)

4. How to turn in work--- All final essays are turned in to both:
Google Docs
AND
Turnitin.com
You will need to create a folder in Google Docs titled “Vista Writing Portfolio” to keep all of your work from Beginning Comp.

5. Vocabulary: Greek & Latin Roots
Friday Quiz dates---
List #1: 8/25/17
List #2: 9/8/17
List #3: 9/22/17
List #4: 10/6/17
List #5: 10/20/17
List #6: 11/3/17
List #7: 11/17/17
List #8: 12/8/17

6. Grammar
In addition to these major essays, we will be studying the Four Levels of Grammar:
1. Parts of Speech
2. Parts of a Sentence
3. Phrases
4. Clauses

7. What does Vista Expect?
A classroom in which we respect and listen to each other;
Your homework must be handed in by the due date – no credit for late work;
You need to be on time;
You need to be ready to work;
You need to participate;
You need to share your thoughts and ideas

8. What Should You Expect From Me?
Clear communication of all assignments;
An open and non-threatening classroom;
Clear expectations;
An honest answer to all questions asked, to the best of my ability!

9. Grading Grades are weighted: “Formative” 30% In Class Writing/Quizzes
Starters
Homework
“Summative” 70%
Formal Essays
Tests/Final Exam

10. (Don’t do these, please!)
SLEEPING IN CLASS – Sleeping/resting your head in class is both disrespectful and rude. If you are so tired that you need to put your head down, please let me know and I will send you to the nurse. THREE or more instances of putting your head down = N or U in your Citizenship grade!

11. (Don’t do these either!)
Sitting in class and doing NOTHING…
When you have finished a task and are waiting for the next task to begin, please do not sit with an empty desk in front of you… Instead:
Read a book;
Study Vocabulary;
Work on our current assignment;
Or just ask me how to do
SOMETHING constructive!

12. Once again… Please do NOT chew gum in this class.
This is a school-wide policy, and one that will be enforced in this classroom.
Also, please do not eat in this classroom; however, water is fine.

13. Last reminder…
The last and possibly most important rule: Cell Phones and I Pods…
ALL cellphones must be kept in your assigned cubby.
NEVER ….
Wear headphones in class, even if the
IPod is turned off;
Check/use your cell phone in class;
Answer your phone in class.

14. In Conclusion…
It is my belief that Beginning Comp. can be a fun and rewarding class.
Let’s work together to make it a great term together! 