Writing and Rhetoric 5

Inside the Writing & Rhetoric Program: A Scholé Academy Info Session

In this course, students continue honing the art of persuasive writing and speaking with Book 9: Description & Impersonation and Book 10: Thesis Part 1.

In Writing & Rhetoric Year 5, students build on the sturdy foundation they have developed through the earlier steps of the progymnasmata (preliminary exercises) in the Writing & Rhetoric series. In the first semester of Year 5, student writing emphasizes the use of vivid language to describe people, nature, and processes. They also study impersonation: imitating the writing style and outlook of four famous individuals: journalist Nellie Bly, writer Henry Williamson, athlete Jesse Owens, and statesman Winston Churchill. In the second semester, students begin a formal study of the thesis essay, which is the culmination of the progymnasmata as it employs every skill that came before to make the strongest case for an idea. This semester's essays include a character analysis, a theme defence and a philosophical definition. Throughout this course, students will strengthen and refine their skills in reading and annotation, discussion, composition, and delivery. Specific areas of focus include the modes of persuasion (pathos, ethos, and logos) and the use of various rhetorical devices.

High School Credit: This course is the equivalent of one high school credit in English composition.

Placement: Please read about our placement process in the Student Parent Handbook. If your student is new to the Writing & Rhetoric series and is beyond the target age range, we ask that you contact us for a placement recommendation. For further information on the Writing & Rhetoric series, please see the Classical Academic Press FAQ page.

• This course is designed for students who have built a strong foundation in writing and are familiar with the progymnasmata (the “preliminary exercises” on which the Writing & Rhetoric series is based). Students who have successfully completed the previous books in the Writing & Rhetoric series will be ideally prepared for this course.
• Incoming students should be familiar with elements of the persuasive essay (narrative, descriptive, and expository). Students should feel comfortable with discussing ideas and making connections to the text, outside reading, and life. 
• Students will be expected to write, edit and revise a 6-paragraph essay approximately every other week. Students should be comfortable typing their essays following MLA format including font size & style, double spacing, indentation of paragraphs and citing sources.
• Students will refine the skill of annotation to become more discerning readers.
• In addition to a strong command of grammar and syntax, students entering Writing & Rhetoric Year 5 should have some experience using various rhetorical devices including contrary, synonym, hyperbole, metaphor, simile, periphrasis, anacolutha, and parallelism, with a mature vocabulary comprehension that is reflected in their writing style. These elements will be reviewed and reinforced in this level, so mastery of these rhetorical devices may still be emerging at the start of this year.
• Students writing at this level are comfortable using rubrics to provide peer feedback, to self-assess and to revise their own work.
• This course is geared toward rising 8th–9th graders. Rising 7th graders who have completed the previous level of Writing & Rhetoric may be welcome, though in many cases 7th-grade students require additional support from a parent in conjunction with the course.

Quarter 1

Writing & Rhetoric Book 9: Description & Impersonation

1. Description

Quarter 2

Writing & Rhetoric Book 9: Description & Impersonation

1. Impersonation

Quarter 3

Writing & Rhetoric Book 10: Thesis Part 1

1. Gathering and developing tools for thesis essays
2. Begin first thesis essay.

Quarter 4

Writing & Rhetoric Book 10: Thesis Part 1

1. Compose thesis essays

• Computer: You will need a stable, reliable computer, running with a processor with a speed of 1 GHz or better on one of the following operating systems: Mac OS X with Mac OS 10.7 or later; Windows 8, 7, Vista (with SP1 or later), or XP (with SP3 or later). We do not recommend using an iPad or other tablet for joining classes. An inexpensive laptop or netbook would be much better solutions, as they enable you to plug an Ethernet cable directly into your computer. Please note that Chromebooks are allowed but not preferred, as they do not support certain features of the Zoom video conference software such as breakout sessions and annotation, which may be used by our teachers for class activities.
• High-Speed Internet Connection: You will also need access to high-speed Internet, preferably accessible via Ethernet cable right into your computer. Using Wi-Fi may work, but will not guarantee you the optimal use of your bandwidth. The faster your Internet, the better. We recommend using a connection with a download/upload speed of 5/1 Mbps or better. You can test your Internet connection here.
• Webcam: You may use an external webcam or one that is built in to the computer. Webcam Recommendations: Good (PC only) | Best (Mac and PC)
• Headset: We recommend using a headset rather than a built-in microphone and speakers. Using a headset reduces the level of background noise heard by the entire class. Headset Recommendations: USB | 3.5mm
• Zoom: We use a web conferencing software called Zoom for our classes, which enables students and teachers to gather from around the globe face to face in real time. Zoom is free to download and easy to use. To download Zoom:
  1. Visit zoom.us/download.
  2. Click to download the first option listed, Zoom Client for Meetings.
  3. Open and run the installer on your computer.
  4. In August, students will be provided with instructions and a link for joining their particular class.
• Scanner: In this class, students frequently submit homework assignments by scanning pages from their workbooks. Students and/or their parents should have easy access to a scanner and the ability to use it.