The emphasis of the English curriculum for the Junior high school students is on reading, understanding, and appreciating literature; writing in a grammatical, well organized and coherent manner; and speaking effectively in a variety of situations. Unless a student exhibits major deficiencies in reading , most students in middle school or junior high school do not have a period in which reading skills are taught. Students will take several semesters of literature and grammar and composition courses and sometimes a course in speech or communication.
Literature courses are usually organized so that students learn the distinguishing characteristics of short
Stories, novels, poetry, drama and nonfiction. Students are exposed in a broad spectrum of classic and contemporary works by well-known American authors and by writers from other countries and cultures.
Students learn how to analyze literary works and to become knowledgeable about the elements writers use to communicate their ideas and feelings: plot, character, setting, theme, mood, tone, language, symbolism, and imagery. Students are asked to think, write and talk about their reading . By learning how to communicate their interpretations and evaluations, young people also learn how to read with greater insight and deeper understanding.
In their grammar and composition course, students learn how to apply the writing process to four main types of composition: narration, description, exposition, and persuasion. They study the intricacies of grammar mechanics, and usage and learn how to construct coherent and effective sentences, paragraphs and themes. In their composition students are expected to demonstrate clear and logical thinking in the support and development of a central idea. Writing assignments are often assigned for homework and may include writing a character sketch, explaining a process. Writing an essay to answer a question or writing a poem , and editorial or an autobiography. By ninth grade, most students have also learned how to do a research report.
Vocabulary study is an important component of both the literature and grammar and composition course. Students encounter many new and exciting words as the read and they are encouraged to use the dictionary and word analysis techniques to learn the meanings of words not made clear by the text . Reviewing what they know or need to learn about affixes , common roots, synonyms, antonyms, and analogies also helps them determine word meanings.
The speech course promotes self confidence in oral communication and involves students in public speaking , group discussion, debate and dramatic reading activities . The importance of responding courteously and appropriately to a presenter is also stressed thus students become confident of their performance.
By: Josefina A. Isip I Teacher III I Sta. Rita High School I Olongapo City I Friday, 12 February 2016
