Our Curriculum › Writing & Grammar › 9th Grade
English 9: Composition & Grammar
A full-year course in composition and grammar: argument, research, narrative, literary analysis, speeches, and personal and problem-solution essays, plus advanced sentence craft. Late-year lessons turn to creative craft, applied projects and review.
180 lessons
One a day for a school year
10 units
Each opens to its lessons
Multimedia presentation
Plus personal statement and cover letter
Standards
Common Core Grade 9 writing & language
What's taught, unit by unit
Precise arguments & sentence craftDays 1–20
Arguments with precise claims and fair counterclaims, logical organization, transitions, formal tone and a strong conclusion. Grammar: semicolons, colons, parallel structure, varied syntax, absolute and appositive phrases, embedded clauses.
- 1 · Welcome to English 9 Composition: Precise Claims
- 2 · Distinguishing Your Claim from Opposing Claims
- 3 · Developing Claims and Counterclaims Fairly
- 4 · Pointing Out Strengths and Limitations of Both Claims
- 6 · Using Semicolons for Complex Sentences
- 7 · Using Colons for Complex Sentences
- 8 · Using Parallel Structure
- 9 · Varying Syntax for Style
- 11 · Organizing an Argument Logically
- 12 · Using Varied Transitions to Link Sections
- 13 · Establishing a Formal Style and Objective Tone
- 14 · Writing a Concluding Statement That Follows From the Argument
- 16 · Using Absolute Phrases for Sentence Variety
- 17 · Using Appositive Phrases to Add Sophisticated Detail
- 18 · Sentence-Combining with Embedded Subordinate Clauses
- 19 · Deepening Parallel Structure with Correlative Conjunctions
Plus 4 review days, not listed.
Research paper & narrative craftDays 21–40
A research paper: question, source credibility, synthesis, plagiarism and citation, significance, subtopics and a works cited page. Then narrative craft: point of view, hooks, pacing, sensory detail, dialogue, flashback and resolution.
- 21 · Choosing a Research Question
- 22 · Evaluating Source Credibility
- 23 · Synthesizing Multiple Sources
- 24 · Avoiding Plagiarism and Citing Sources
- 26 · Writing an Introduction That Establishes Significance
- 27 · Organizing a Research Paper by Subtopic
- 28 · Using Precise Academic Vocabulary
- 29 · Writing a Works Cited Page
- 31 · Establishing a Narrative Point of View
- 32 · Using a Narrative Hook
- 33 · Using Pacing to Control Tension
- 34 · Using Sensory Detail
- 36 · Writing Dialogue That Reveals Character
- 37 · Formatting Dialogue Correctly
- 38 · Using Flashback and Time Manipulation
- 39 · Writing a Resolution That Follows From the Conflict
Plus 4 review days, not listed.
Literary analysis, comparison & revisionDays 41–55
Literary analysis with introductions, smooth quotation use and commentary instead of plot summary, then compare-contrast structure, a reflective essay, concise writing, strong titles and verbs, and cutting passive voice.
- 41 · Drafting a Literary Analysis Essay Introduction
- 42 · Integrating Textual Evidence Smoothly
- 43 · Writing Analytical Commentary After Evidence
- 44 · Avoiding Plot Summary in Literary Analysis
- 46 · Writing a Compare-Contrast Essay Structure
- 47 · Using Comparative Transition Words
- 48 · Writing a Reflective Essay
- 49 · Revising for Conciseness
- 51 · Writing a Compelling Title
- 52 · Using Precise Verbs
- 53 · Eliminating Passive Voice Where Active Is Stronger
- 54 · Writing a Compare-Contrast Essay Conclusion
Plus 3 review days, not listed.
Persuasive speech, historical essay & revisionDays 56–70
A persuasive speech using ethos, pathos and logos for a specific audience, a historical analysis essay that admits complexity, a multi-paragraph argument, and peer revision, editing and publishing.
- 56 · Writing a Persuasive Speech Opening
- 57 · Using Rhetorical Appeals: Ethos, Pathos, Logos
- 58 · Writing for a Specific Audience
- 59 · Delivering a Persuasive Speech
- 61 · Writing a Historical Analysis Essay
- 62 · Using Historical Evidence Appropriately
- 63 · Acknowledging Historical Complexity
- 64 · Writing a Multi-Paragraph Argumentative Essay
- 66 · Peer Revision Techniques
- 67 · Revising for Argument Strength
- 68 · Editing for Grammar and Mechanics
- 69 · Publishing and Sharing Your Writing
Plus 3 review days, not listed.
Essay types: cause-effect, problem-solution & personalDays 71–90
Satire and analogy, a cause-and-effect essay, a problem-solution essay with objections and feasibility, a college-style personal statement, an analytical response to Lord of the Flies, source evaluation and timed writing.
- 71 · Writing a Satirical Piece
- 72 · Using Analogy to Explain Complex Ideas
- 73 · Writing a Cause-and-Effect Essay
- 74 · Using Cause-and-Effect Transition Words
- 76 · Writing a Problem-Solution Essay
- 77 · Anticipating Objections to a Proposed Solution
- 78 · Writing a Feasibility Analysis
- 79 · Combining Problem-Solution With Persuasive Appeals
- 81 · Writing a College-Style Personal Statement Opening
- 82 · Showing Growth Through a Personal Narrative
- 83 · Writing With Authentic Voice
- 84 · Writing a Reflective Conclusion That Looks Forward
- 86 · Writing an Analytical Response to a Central Question
- 87 · Evaluating Sources for Usefulness and Credibility
- 88 · Timed Writing Practice
- 89 · Self-Assessing Your Own Writing Growth
Plus 4 review days, not listed.
Comparative analysis, creative craft & an independent essayDays 91–110
A comparative literary analysis of two texts, creative craft (ambiguity, sentence rhythm, direct address), then an independent analytical essay chosen by the writer, taken from thesis and outline through peer review, revision and publishing.
- 91 · Writing a Comparative Literary Analysis Essay
- 92 · Balancing Coverage of 2 Texts
- 93 · Writing Effective Cross-Text Transitions
- 94 · Writing a Comparative Essay Conclusion
- 96 · Writing With Deliberate Ambiguity for Effect
- 97 · Manipulating Sentence Rhythm for Effect
- 98 · Using Direct Address in Creative Writing
- 99 · Combining Multiple Craft Techniques in One Piece
- 101 · Writing an Independent Analytical Essay Thesis
- 102 · Outlining an Independent Analytical Essay
- 103 · Drafting the Independent Essay's Body Paragraphs
- 104 · Drafting the Independent Essay's Introduction and Conclusion
- 106 · Peer Reviewing the Independent Essay
- 107 · Revising the Independent Essay for Argument Clarity
- 108 · Editing the Independent Essay for Style and Mechanics
- 109 · Finalizing and Publishing the Independent Essay
Plus 4 review days, not listed.
Fiction craft, timed writing & presentationsDays 111–139
Scenes with silence, moral choices, withheld information and symbols, identity, structure, foreshadowing and parallel storylines, a final independent essay, timed responses, cumulative reviews, a multimedia presentation and a growth reflection.
- 111 · Writing a Scene With Meaningful Silence
- 112 · Writing a Morally Complex Character Choice
- 113 · Withholding Information for Suspense in Your Own Writing
- 114 · Writing a Scene With Symbolic Objects
- 116 · Writing a Timed Analytical Response
- 117 · Cumulative Review: Argumentative Writing Skills
- 118 · Cumulative Review: Narrative and Craft Writing Skills
- 119 · Reflecting on a Year of Writing Growth
- 121 · Writing a Scene Exploring Identity
- 122 · Plotting a Story’s Dramatic Structure
- 123 · Writing Dialogue That Foreshadows
- 124 · Writing a Character Overcoming Hardship
- 126 · Writing a Scene Exploring Belonging
- 127 · Weaving 2 Parallel Storylines
- 128 · Drafting the Final Independent Essay’s Thesis and Outline
- 129 · Drafting and Finalizing the Final Independent Essay
- 131 · Preparing a Multimedia Presentation
- 132 · Writing Effective Presentation Slides
- 133 · Delivering an Analytical Presentation
- 134 · Responding to Questions After a Presentation
- 136 · Writing About a Sacrifice in Your Own Life
- 137 · Writing an Essay Withholding Explicit Judgment
- 138 · Cumulative Writing Review: Argumentative, Narrative, and Literary Analysis
- 139 · Reflecting on a Full Year of Writing Development
Plus 5 review days, not listed.
More craft, timed practice & cumulative reviewDays 140–160
Scenes with multiple timelines, loss, ambition and elegy, a final image, timed argument and analysis practice, feedback and goals, then about 10 days of cumulative review, a timed assessment and error review.
- 141 · Writing a Scene With Multiple Timelines
- 142 · Writing a Scene Conveying Understated Loss
- 143 · Writing a Character Driven by Ambition
- 144 · Writing an Elegiac Passage
- 146 · Writing an Effective Final Image
- 147 · Timed Writing Practice: Argumentative Prompt
- 148 · Timed Writing Practice: Literary Analysis Prompt
- 149 · Reviewing Feedback and Setting Writing Goals
- 151 · Cumulative Review: Argumentative Essay Structure
- 152 · Cumulative Review: Narrative Craft Techniques
- 153 · Cumulative Review: Literary Analysis Essay Structure
- 154 · Cumulative Review: Grammar and Sentence Craft
- 156 · Practicing a Comprehensive Mixed Writing Prompt Set
- 157 · Timed Practice Writing Assessment
- 158 · Reviewing Common Writing Errors
- 159 · Final Reflection on a Year of Writing
Plus 5 review days, not listed.
Applied writing projectsDays 161–169
Practical writing: explainers that teach argument structure, sentence craft and narrative craft, a persuasive letter, a product or service review, a cover letter, a personal writing portfolio and a final project of the writer's choice.
- 161 · Explainer Project: Teaching Argumentative Structure
- 162 · Explainer Project: Teaching Sentence Craft
- 163 · Applied Project: Writing a Persuasive Letter
- 164 · Applied Project: Writing a Product or Service Review
- 166 · Explainer Project: Teaching Narrative Craft
- 167 · Applied Project: Writing a Cover Letter or Application Statement
- 168 · Applied Project: Compiling a Personal Writing Portfolio
- 169 · Completing a Final Applied Project of Your Choice
Plus 1 review day, not listed.
Final review, presentation & celebrationDays 170–180
Final reviews of argument, narrative, literary analysis and grammar, a year-end presentation of a favorite piece, celebration days, a revision of a favorite piece and a preview of English 10.
- 171 · Final Review: Argumentative and Narrative Writing
- 172 · Final Review: Literary Analysis and Grammar
- 173 · Preparing Your Year-End Writing Presentation
- 174 · Delivering Your Year-End Writing Presentation
- 175 · Celebration Day: Reflecting on a Year of English 9 Composition!
- 176 · Celebration Day: A Favorite Piece Revision
- 177 · Celebration Day: Writing Around You
- 178 · Looking Ahead: English 10 Composition Next Year
- 179 · Final Reflection: My Year in English 9 Composition
- 180 · Congratulations! You Completed English 9: Composition & Grammar!
Plus 1 review day, not listed.
By the end of the year, your child can
- Write an argument that fairly weighs a claim against its counterclaim
- Write a research paper with evaluated sources, synthesis and a works cited page
- Write a literary analysis essay with smoothly integrated evidence and commentary
- Write narratives with dialogue, pacing, flashback and sensory detail
- Use semicolons, colons, parallel structure and varied syntax in their sentences
- Revise, edit and present their writing, including a multimedia presentation
Other 9th Grade subjects: Algebra I · English 9: Literature · Biology · World History