Grammar and Composition 2

Course Overview

In the Grammar and Composition 2 class, students embark on a transformative language arts journey. Each unit ensures a progressive enhancement of language and writing skills, building upon the foundational knowledge gained in preceding units. The journey begins with students delving into effective reading strategies and skills. They hone their comprehension abilities, while also being introduced to critical elements such as questioning, summarizing, and understanding grammatical nuances. The thematic context provided by excerpts from books adds depth to their reading experience.

Students will also unfold the intricate layers of plot development and characterization. They will dissect plot elements, study characters, and navigate the complexities of narrative structure. This course will delve into literary techniques, where students explore vocabulary, text structure, and themes against the backdrop of historical contexts. There will also be a focus on poetry and figurative language, immersing students in the beauty of expressive language.

As the course progresses, students engage with nonfiction, honing their analytical skills in decoding text features, structures, and elements. Vocabulary building further enriches their language toolkit with practical applications like writing messages. Later units weave a tapestry of language arts skills, covering parts of speech, sentence construction, grammar conventions, research projects, argumentative writing, and writing conventions.

Through literary excerpts, real-world applications, and hands-on activities, students not only grasp theoretical concepts but also apply them creatively and critically. The final culmination involves concepts of publishing their work, celebrating individual growth, and showcasing the collective achievement of language arts skills. This holistic approach ensures that students emerge from the course not only as adept readers and writers but also as critical thinkers and communicators prepared for diverse challenges in their academic and professional journeys.

Some schools utilize this curriculum at the 7th-grade level.




This course was developed by the International Academy of Science. Learn More

Scope and Sequence

Unit 1: Reading Strategies and SkillThis unit serves as the foundational pillar, emphasizing the development of effective reading skills, comprehension, and strategies. Students will learn to set a purpose, preview texts, verify word meanings, and monitor comprehension. Beyond the fundamental building blocks, students engage in an array of cognitive processes, including questioning, reflecting on new learning, connecting, summarizing, identifying genres, reading across genres, inference, paraphrasing, and understanding grammar tips such as "Its vs. It’s". The selected books, such as "Severe Weather 101" and "Wild and Wacky Weather," provide thematic context to reinforce reading skills.

Unit 2: Plot and CharacterizationUnit 2 unfolds as an immersive journey into the heart of narrative construction, guiding students in understanding the intricacies of plot structure and character development. Students will study plot vocabulary, exposition, characters, and narrative elements. The unit serves as a literary compass, guiding students through the narrative landscape, detailing the nuances of narration, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Topics also include plot vocabulary, exposition, story planning, figurative language in the plot, transitions, grammar tips on subjects and verbs, and character analysis.

Unit 3: Literary TechniquesStudents are invited into the realm of literary craftsmanship, where the intricacies of language and storytelling are dissected with precision. In this unit, students will explore literary techniques including vocabulary, text structure, contrasting author's point of view, grammar tips, mood, tone, flashback, citations, the influence of people and events, purpose, point-of-view, allusion, and theme. Selected books like "War Time Tales and Truths" and "World War II Stories" offer historical context for literary analysis. As students navigate this course, they not only refine their analytical skills but also cultivate an appreciation for the historical nuances that shape literary works.

Unit 4: Poetry and Figurative LanguageUnit 4 introduces students to figurative language and poetry. Topics include figurative vocabulary, grammar tips on "To, Too, Two," figurative vs. literal language, author’s voice, forms and structures of poetry, analyzing evidence and sources, rhetorical devices, alliteration, hyperbole, grammar tips on complex sentences, and punctuation for effect. Texts like "Spark the Fire-fighter Dog, and "Many Mammals" will be studied.

Unit 5: NonfictionThis unit explores nonfiction text features, structures, and elements. Topics include nonfiction text vocabulary, grammar tips on "Lose vs. Loose," categorical structures, main idea, sequencing, text features, non-restrictive elements, compare/contrast structures, graphical elements, grammar tips on adjectives, cause/effect structures, and multimedia. Texts like "Book of Dinosaurs," "Dinosaur Tails," and "Prehistoric Creatures" will be utilized for analysis.

Unit 6: Vocabulary Building StrategiesThis is an emphasis on the nuanced realm of vocabulary-building strategies. Students will dive into the intricacies of dictionary skills, honing their abilities to decipher meanings, pronunciation, and usage of words. The exploration of synonyms and antonyms encourages students to understand the subtle nuances in word choices. Practical applications that extend beyond conventional vocabulary exercises are used. Engaging activities, such as writing a message in a bottle, provide a creative platform for students to apply their vocabulary skills. Furthermore, the incorporation of research into ship-related topics elevates the learning experience, linking vocabulary acquisition with broader thematic exploration.

Unit 7: Working with Parts of SpeechThis is a comprehensive exploration of language, where students will unravel the complexities of parts of speech. The unit unfolds with an in-depth examination of verbs, nouns, pronouns, and prepositions, emphasizing not just memorization but a profound understanding of their roles within the structure of sentences. Literary excerpts from works like "The Enchanted Castle" and "Sir Tristan of Avenmorre" are woven into the curriculum. This allows students to witness the practical application of parts of speech within narratives.

Unit 8: Sentence ConstructionStudents will be immersed in the art and science of constructing sentences. They navigate through the intricacies of simple, compound, and complex sentences, honing their ability to craft sentences with varied lengths and complexities. Grammar conventions take center stage in this unit, with a meticulous focus on subjects such as subject-verb agreement and sentence fragments. Practical applications extend into the realm of scientific exploration, where students are tasked with researching scientific topics and synthesizing their findings into informative paragraphs. This approach not only reinforces sentence construction skills but also emphasizes the utility of effective communication in scientific discourse.

Unit 9: Grammar ConventionsThis is a comprehensive exploration of grammar conventions that underpin effective communication. Apostrophes, commas, verb tenses, and proper titles are scrutinized with a keen eye for precision and accuracy. Beyond theoretical understanding, students engage in hands-on activities that apply these conventions in real-world scenarios. Activities encompass writing arguments and reviews based on carefully selected books, providing students with a canvas to showcase their command over grammar rules in diverse writing formats. The chosen literary works serve as rich source material to navigate the complexities of grammar conventions within the broader context of expressive and critical writing.

Unit 10: Research ProjectUnit 10 guides students through the multifaceted process of conducting a research project, transforming them into adept researchers and writers. The emphasis is not solely on acquiring information but on developing essential skills such as planning, effective annotation, and proper citation of sources. Narratives like "Bean the Bean Plant" and "The Whispering Garden" serve as thematic anchors, providing a rich tapestry for students to integrate their research findings into an explanatory writing presentation. This creates a connection between a student's research skills and creative expression.

Unit 11: Argumentative WritingThis unit propels students into the realm of persuasive and nuanced expression through argumentative writing. The curriculum is crafted to not only impart theoretical knowledge but to instill in students the art of choosing compelling topics, formulating robust thesis statements, and adeptly addressing counterarguments. This unit transcends conventional argumentative writing by incorporating diverse research sources. Students engage in critical thinking, learning to choose topics, formulating thesis statements, and synthesizing information from various perspectives to construct well-founded arguments. The interdisciplinary approach prepares students for formal argumentation, fostering a holistic understanding of the power of words in shaping and influencing opinions.

Unit 12: Writing ConventionsThis unit is a deep exploration of writing conventions. Maintaining a consistent style, precise usage of pronouns and verbs, and an overall focus on precision become paramount. The curriculum goes beyond theoretical understanding, immersing students in the practical application of these conventions. Editing tips serve as guiding beacons, addressing common errors and refining students' grasp of writing conventions. The culmination of this unit involves students not only honing their writing skills but also publishing their work. This showcase not only celebrates individual growth but also underscores the collective culmination of language arts skills in a final presentation.