Essay Writing w/ Alicia

This Writer’s Workshop is designed for high school students, grades 9-11. The main objective is to teach them to be great writers as well as readers. By the end of the year, I would like every student to: understand how to vary writing according to the audience; how to vary sentences and choose diction carefully in order to create an experience for their readers; how to structure a strong essay (thesis statement, introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion); how to argue a point of view and use evidence to back it up; and how to tell the difference between analysis and summary. In order to become a good writer, one must study good writers. In this class, we will look at strong examples of personal essays, reflective essays, narrative essays, speeches, articles and opinion pieces. By doing this, students will begin to absorb good writing techniques that they can then apply to their own writing. This class is organized as a workshop, meaning students are expected to have cameras and mics on… they will be required to share ideas with each other, support each other’s writing endeavors and be curious about the writing and revising process. 

At the end of the year, students will become thoughtful, confident writers who can express ideas clearly, support arguments with evidence, analyze literature and media critically, conduct research responsibly, and write with an authentic voice. They will leave the course with a portfolio of polished writing that prepares them for college or careers, and lifelong communication.