English

English — Grade 11

American Curriculum · Ages 16-17

Eleventh grade English typically centers on American literature and rhetoric, tracing how themes and arguments develop across the country's literary and political history. Students analyze foundational documents for their premises, purposes and rhetorical features.

Writing focuses on the extended argumentative and synthesis essay (the form assessed on the SAT, ACT and AP exams) requiring students to weigh several sources and build an original position. This is also the year most students prepare seriously for college admissions testing and begin drafting application essays.

Key topics covered

• American LiteratureKey works and movements, and how themes develop across periods.
• Rhetorical AnalysisPremises, purpose and rhetorical features of foundational documents.
• Synthesis WritingWeighing several sources to build and defend an original position.
• Argumentative EssayExtended argument with nuanced claims and anticipated objections.
• ResearchAdvanced source evaluation, integration and consistent citation style.
• Test PreparationSAT and ACT reading, writing and language question strategy.
• Language & StyleSyntax, diction, tone and varied sentence structure used deliberately.