Studying High School Writing

Test Preparation Services (TPS)

Information on studying reading and writing in Canadain high schools, regular, AP and IB. This page includes information about the needs of a program and the TPS online middle school and high school reading & writing program.

Ottawa
Ontario

What are the middle and high school writing programs about?

.Language Arts teachers in public schools usually do a great job but the fact is there is often just not enough time to do reading and writing in class, and teachers are justifiably squeamish about giving too much writing homework. Many students need more critical writing guidance that work towards a process of improved writing in stages and rewrites. This program takes the reading writing process seriously and is an intensive program that in short time has students producing top quality writing in the genre focused on. It revolves around a thematic interest of the student. It is especially relevant for those about to enter an IB program, AP Lit & Composition or AP Language & Composition program or enriched English class or just struggling to prepare for a provincial exam (eg Quebec Ministerial Exam). Please see my separate pages on high school language programs in Ontario, BC, Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec

What are its main features

The program offers a 5 lesson course conducted online or for home tutoring that includes:

1. Assigned readings at grade level
2. Novel reading and summary
3. Research tasks
4. Structuring tasks
5. Written tasks
6. Rewrites
   

This is a rigorous course that requires intensive time and energy. There are typically 3 rewrites for every writing task. Only have your children take this course if they are willing to invest the time and discipline to meet the deadlines.

What are the goals?

.There are three main goals of the program:

 
1. To build writing competency in the writing genres necessary for success in future Language Arts programs in high school and post secondary studies
2. To unify writing genres around a thematic interest of the student building specialized knowledge
3. To analyze short stories using theme and literary devices and to connect them with other short stories

Types of Programs

Grades 7-8

Phase 1  Lesson Structure

1. Lesson 1: Report Writing + Short story analysis
2. Lesson 2: Literature Analysis + Short story analysis
3. Lesson 3: Rhetorical Writing + Short story analysis
4. Lesson 4: Creative Writing + Short story analysis
5. Lesson 5: Book Review + Short story analysis

 
​Phase 2  Lesson Structure
 

1. Lesson 6: Poetry analysis and writing
2. Lesson 7: Synthesis writing - poetry analysis
3. Lesson 8: Playwright Analysis and writing - playwright analysis
4. Lesson 9: Short video film writing response
   
5. Lesson 10: Journalism Writing
   

​​
Phase 3  Lesson Structure
 

1. Lesson 11: Letter Writing
2. Lesson 12: Expository Writing
3. Lesson 13: Evaluative Essay 
4. Lesson 14:  Graphic text writing
5. Lesson 15:  Personal narrative

​
​

Grades 9-11

Phase 1  Lesson Structure

1. Report Writing + Short story analysis
2. Personal Response (Literature analysis, synthesis, personal response)  + Short story analysis
3. Rhetorical Writing + Short story analysis
4. Creative Writing + Short story analysis
5. Descriptive Writing + Short story analysis

​
​Phase 2  Lesson Structure

1. Lesson 6: Novel Studies Writing
2. Lesson 7: Poetry analysis and writing
3. Lesson 8: Synthesis writing
4. Lesson 9: Playwright Analysis and writing
5. Lesson 10:  Functional Writing 1: Personal Statements

Phase 3 Lesson Structure
​

1. Lesson 11: Essay critiques (analyzing rhetorical techniques)
   
2. Lesson 12:  Functional writing 2: Cover letters & resumes
3. Lesson 13: Instructional writing
4. Lesson 14: Journalism writing
5. Lesson 15: Personal narrative​

How does a program differ among ages 13-17

 
The writing processes and strategies are the same across ages grades 8-12. However the demands are different in these respects:

1. Depth of analysis expected in the writing
2. Range of literary devices expected in the narrative writing
3. More challenging and mature novels are encouraged at higher grades
4. Stricter standards and longer writing

 ​

Tutor Needed?

It is advised that you start planning an educational program during the days off of school and monitor it. Although your child is likely to receive an online program from his or her school, it may be difficult to regulate the time commitments without a parent's intervention. Think carefully about the best time where distractions are at their minimum and they do not clash with other commitments.

​Home Tutoring
For those who would rather study out of the home but still with a one to one tutorial, classes can be set up.  Make a request to TPS and a schedule can be put together.

Taking Online Classes
Online classes are primarily given via shared screen option on Skype suing high speed cable band internet. Documents will be sent via the SKYPE or ZOOM communication mode