English

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.