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Course Standards
General Course Information and Notes
General Notes
Humane Letters 1 Literature can be taught independently or in conjunction with Humane Letters 1 History.
The Humane Letters course focuses on the great literature and texts of the American canon with special attention to the historical progression of the United States from its founding to the present. The course explores the ideas, principles, and stories that have shaped this nation into a modern republic and how these ideas are reflected in representative literature and primary source texts. Through careful reading, thoughtful discussion, and persuasive writing, students will sharpen their abilities to think analytically and critically. The curriculum acquaints students with the American tradition and encourages them to search for truthful conclusions concerning the critical questions and ideas raised during class discussions.
The primary mode of instruction in Humane Letters is the seminar, which is supplemented with direct instruction through lecture or coaching. The seminar format requires that students participate actively in their search for the fullest understanding of the texts under examination. While the instructor serves as a guide in this project, the students and the instructor together investigate and explore the many complex ideas presented in the texts.
The content should include readings from classic American literature and selected primary source documents, but not be limited to, the following:
- active reading of varied texts for what they say explicitly, as well as the logical inferences that can be drawn
- analysis of literature and informational texts from varied literary periods to examine:
- text craft and structure
- elements of literature
- arguments and claims supported by textual evidence
- power and impact of language
- influence of history, culture, and setting on language
- personal critical and aesthetic response
- writing for varied purposes
- developing and supporting argumentative claims
- crafting coherent, supported informative/expository texts
- responding to literature for personal and analytical purposes
- writing narratives to develop real or imagined events
- writing to sources using text- based evidence and reasoning
- effective listening, speaking, and viewing strategies with emphasis on the use of evidence to support or refute a claim in multimedia presentations, class discussions, and extended text discussions
- collaboration amongst peers
Literacy Standards in Social Studies:
Secondary social studies courses include reading standards for literacy in history/social studies 6-12, and writing standards for literacy in history/social studies, science, and technical subjects 6-12. This course also includes speaking and listening standards. For a complete list of standards required for this course click on the blue tile labeled course standards. You may also download the complete course including all required standards and notes sections using the export function located at the top of this page.
English Language Development ELD Standards Special Notes Section:
Teachers are required to provide listening, speaking, reading and writing instruction that allows English language learners (ELL) to communicate information, ideas and concepts for academic success in the content area of Social Studies. For the given level of English language proficiency and with visual, graphic, or interactive support, students will interact with grade level words, expressions, sentences and discourse to process or produce language necessary for academic success. The ELD standard should specify a relevant content area concept or topic of study chosen by curriculum developers and teachers which maximizes an ELL's need for communication and social skills. To access an ELL supporting document which delineates performance definitions and descriptors, please click on the following link: SS.pdf
General Information
- Class Size Core Required
Educator Certifications
Student Resources
Original Student Tutorials
Travel around the state of Alabama to learn about three events during the Civil Rights era: the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the 16th Street Church bombing, and the March to Selma with this interactive tutorial.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn about President Franklin D. Roosevelt's use of the radio to communicate New Deal policies that are still relevant with this interactive tutorial.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Did you know our military personnel faced segregation and discrimination while serving our country? Learn about presidential powers, the use of executive orders by our presidents, and how Executive Order 9981 ended segregation in the U.S. armed forces with this interactive tutorial.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Continue to read the famous short story “The Bet” by Anton Chekhov and explore the impact of a fifteen-year bet made between a lawyer and a banker. In Part Two, you’ll cite textual evidence that supports an analysis of what the text states explicitly, or directly. You'll also make inferences, support them with textual evidence, and use them to explain how the bet transformed the lawyer and the banker by the end of the story.
Make sure to complete Part One before beginning Part Two. Click HERE to view Part One.
Make sure to complete Part Three after you finish Part Two. Click HERE to view "Risky Betting: Analyzing a Universal Theme (Part Three)."
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Read the famous short story “The Bet” by Anton Chekhov and explore the impact of a fifteen-year bet made between a lawyer and a banker in this three-part tutorial series.
In Part One, you’ll cite textual evidence that supports an analysis of what the text states explicitly, or directly, and make inferences and support them with textual evidence. By the end of Part One, you should be able to make three inferences about how the bet has transformed the lawyer by the middle of the story and support your inferences with textual evidence.
Make sure to complete all three parts!
Click HERE to launch "Risky Betting: Text Evidence and Inferences (Part Two)."
Click HERE to launch "Risky Betting: Analyzing a Universal Theme (Part Three)."
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn to distinguish between a gerund phrase that's used as a direct object and a gerund phrase that used as the object of the preposition. In this interactive tutorial, you'll also practice using gerund phrases as a direct object or the object of the preposition in sentences of your own.
This tutorial is Part Two of a two-part series. Make sure to complete Part One before beginning Part Two. Click HERE to launch "Spice Up Your Writing Part One: Using Gerund Phrases as Subjects or Subject Complements."
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn to distinguish between passive and active voice and how to revise sentences by changing them from passive to active voice in this magic-themed tutorial.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn to distinguish between a gerund phrase that's used as a subject and one that's used as a subject complement. In this interactive tutorial, you'll also practice using gerund phrases as subjects or subject complements in sentences of your own. Using gerund phrases can add detail and variety to your writing.
This is Part One of a two-part series. Click HERE to launch "Part Two: Using Gerund Phrases as Objects."
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn how to use verbs and verb phrases to convey specific meanings through the use of specific verb tenses: past perfect tense and past perfect progressive tense.
This interactive tutorial is Part Two in a two-part series. You should complete Part One before beginning Part Two. Click HERE to launch Part One.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn how to use verbs and verb phrases to convey specific meanings through the use of specific verb tenses: simple past tense and past progressive tense.
This interactive tutorial is Part One in a two-part series. In Part Two, you'll explore the use of past perfect tense and past perfect progressive tense. Make sure to complete both parts!
Click HERE to launch Part Two.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Study "Leisure," a poem by Amy Lowell, to determine a theme of the poem and craft a thematic statement. At the end of this interactive tutorial, you'll use what you've learned throughout this two-part series to compare and contrast a theme in "Leisure" by Amy Lowell and a theme in "Leisure" by W. H. Davies and how these themes are developed.
Make sure to complete Part One before beginning Part Two. Click HERE to launch Part One.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn to determine a theme of a poem, craft a thematic statement, and write a summary of the poem "Leisure" by W. H. Davies.
This interactive tutorial is Part One of a two-part series. In Part Two, you'll study "Leisure" by Amy Lowell to determine a theme of the poem and craft a thematic statement. By the end of this series, you will compare and contrast a theme in each poem and how these themes are developed.
Click HERE to launch Part Two.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn how to use verb phrases in particular tenses to convey specific meanings. In this interactive tutorial, you'll explore the use of four verb tenses: simple future, future progressive, future perfect, and future perfect progressive.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn to enhance your writing with verbs and verb phrases in different tenses to convey specific meanings. In Part Two, you'll work with three perfect tenses: present perfect, past perfect, and future perfect.
We recommend that you complete Part One before starting Part Two. In Part One, you'll work with three simple tenses: past, present, and future. Click HERE to view Part One.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn how verbs and verb phrases can convey specific meanings through the use of three verb tenses--simple present, present progressive, and present perfect--in this interactive tutorial.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Explain how Edmond Dantès’ overall transformation takes the plot in a new direction as you continue to examine how the main character is reborn from a prisoner into a newly freed man in a chapter from The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas.
You should complete Part One and Part Two before beginning Part Three.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
As you continue to study a chapter from The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, you'll examine how the main character, Edmond Dantès, is reborn from a prisoner into a newly freed man, identify his key character traits or strengths, and examine how he begins to transform as he works to secure his freedom.
This is part 2 of a three-part interactive tutorial series. Make sure to complete all three parts!
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Study a chapter from one of the most popular adventure stories of all time: The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. In this interactive tutorial, you will identify key character traits or strengths of Edmond Dantès and determine how he draws on these strengths as he struggles to survive and avoid recapture.
This is part 1 of a three-part series. Make sure to complete all three parts!
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn to enhance your writing with verbs and verb phrases in different tenses to convey specific meanings. In Part One, you'll work with past tense, present tense, and future tense.
We recommend that you complete Part Two after Part One. In Part Two, you'll work with three tenses: present perfect, past perfect, and future perfect. Click HERE to view Part Two.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn to enhance your writing by using phrases. In this interactive tutorial, you'll learn about absolute phrases and how they can add interest, depth, and variety to your writing.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn to enhance your writing by using phrases. In this interactive tutorial, you'll learn about adverb prepositional phrases. Using adverb prepositional phrases will help add interest, depth, and variety to your writing!
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn to enhance your writing with two types of phrases that can function like adjectives in a sentence: the participle phrase and the prepositional phrase. In this interactive tutorial, you'll discover how phrases can help add detail and specificity to your writing.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn about parallel form in this interactive English Language Arts tutorial. In this tutorial, you'll use parallel form with lists in sentences, identify sentences that contain parallel form and sentences that contain faulty parallelism, and practice editing sentences that contain faulty parallelism. You'll also examine how parallel form can add smoothness, clarity, and gracefulness to your writing.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn to enhance your writing by using prepositional phrases. In this interactive tutorial, you'll learn how prepositional phrases add description and specificity and help make your writing more interesting.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn to enhance your writing by using noun phrases in this interactive tutorial. Although noun phrases can be used in many ways, here you'll learn how they can be used as the subject of a sentence or the object of a verb to add interest, detail, and specificity to your writing.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Explore the poetry of Edna St. Vincent Millay in this tutorial series. This tutorial is Part Three of a three-part series. In Part Three, you’ll study her poem "Recuerdo." You'll identify the topic of the poem, determine a theme of the poem, and explain how the theme is developed through specific words and phrases.
You're encouraged to complete the previous tutorials in this series before beginning Part Three.
Click HERE to launch Part One.
Click HERE to launch Part Two.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Explore the poetry of Edna St. Vincent Millay in this tutorial series. This tutorial is Part Two of a three-part series. In Part Two, you’ll study her short poem "Second Fig." You'll identify the topic of the poem, determine a theme of the poem, and explain how the theme is developed through specific words and phrases.
Make sure to complete all three parts!
Click HERE to launch Part One.
Click HERE to launch Part Three.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Explore three short poems by the famous American poet Edna St. Vincent Millay and practice determining a theme for each poem in this three-part interactive tutorial series. In Part One, you’ll identify the topic of the short poem “First Fig.” Then, you’ll select words and phrases from the poem that address the topic of the poem. Finally, you’ll determine a theme in the short poem. By the end of this series, you should be able to explain how a theme is developed and supported by specific words and phrases throughout a short poem.
Make sure to complete all three tutorials in this series!
Click HERE to launch Part Two.
Click HERE to launch Part Three.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn 12 new academic vocabulary words in this interactive tutorial! You'll practice the words' synonyms, antonyms, parts of speech, and context clues in order to add them to your vocabulary.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn to use commas correctly to set off an introductory clause, phrase, or word at the start of a sentence with this interactive tutorial.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn to use commas correctly with this interactive English Language Arts tutorial. You'll review a number of important comma rules, including when not to use a comma, and you'll learn to identify errors in comma usage.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn about two mysterious punctuation marks: quotation marks and the dash. As you complete this interactive tutorial, you'll learn a number of important rules and guidelines to help you use them correctly.
This is Part Two of a two-part series. Click HERE to launch Part One to learn about the apostrophe and the ellipsis.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn about four mysterious punctuation marks in this two-part interactive tutorial. In Part One, you'll learn important rules and guidelines to help you correctly use the apostrophe and the ellipsis.
In Part Two, you'll learn to correctly use quotation marks and the dash. Make sure to complete both parts! Click HERE to open Part Two.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
This is Part Two of a two-part series. Learn to identify faulty reasoning in this interactive tutorial series. You'll learn what some experts say about year-round schools, what research has been conducted about their effectiveness, and how arguments can be made for and against year-round education. Then, you'll read a speech in favor of year-round schools and identify faulty reasoning within the argument, specifically the use of hasty generalizations.
Make sure to complete Part One before Part Two! Click HERE to launch Part One.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn to identify faulty reasoning in this two-part interactive English Language Arts tutorial. You'll learn what some experts say about year-round schools, what research has been conducted about their effectiveness, and how arguments can be made for and against year-round education. Then, you'll read a speech in favor of year-round schools and identify faulty reasoning within the argument, specifically the use of hasty generalizations.
Make sure to complete both parts of this series! Click HERE to open Part Two.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Examine the topics of transformation and perfection as you read excerpts from the “Myth of Pygmalion” by Ovid and the short story “The Birthmark” by Nathaniel Hawthorne. By the end of this two-part interactive tutorial series, you should be able to explain how the short story draws on and transforms source material from the original myth.
This tutorial is the second in a two-part series. Click HERE to launch Part One.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Examine the topics of transformation and perfection as you read excerpts from the “Myth of Pygmalion” by Ovid and the short story “The Birthmark” by Nathaniel Hawthorne. By the end of this two-part interactive tutorial series, you should be able to explain how the short story draws on and transforms source material from the original myth.
This tutorial is the first in a two-part series. Click HERE to launch Part Two.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn three rules for using commas correctly in your writing through use of this interactive English Language Arts tutorial. You'll learn how to join two independent clauses without creating a comma splice, how to identify and offset a nonessential clause in a sentence, and how to use the controversial Oxford comma.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Study the poem “We Grow Accustomed to the Dark” by Emily Dickinson and view the painting The Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh to explain how each medium represents the subjects of light and darkness similarly and differently, as you complete this interactive tutorial.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Explore and explain multiple points of view in the story "The Overcoat" by Nikolai Gogol, which is set in 19th century St. Petersburg, Russia. In this interactive tutorial, you'll also observe the culture of this society from multiple angles.
This is the second tutorial in a two-part series. Before completing this tutorial, click here to launch Part One.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn multiple points of view in the story "The Overcoat" by Nikolai Gogol. In this two-part interactive tutorial, you’ll study excerpts from this story set in 19th century St. Petersburg, Russia. By the end of this tutorial series, you should be able to explain how the multiple points of view within the story allows readers to observe the culture of this society from multiple angles.
Make sure to complete both parts of this series! Click here to launch Part Two.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Examine President John F. Kennedy's inaugural address in this interactive tutorial. You will examine Kennedy's argument, main claim, smaller claims, reasons, and evidence.
In Part Four, you'll use what you've learned throughout this series to evaluate Kennedy's overall argument.
Make sure to complete the previous parts of this series before beginning Part 4.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Examine President John F. Kennedy's inaugural address in this interactive tutorial. You will examine Kennedy's argument, main claim, smaller claims, reasons, and evidence. By the end of this four-part series, you should be able to evaluate his overall argument.
In Part Three, you will read more of Kennedy's speech and identify a smaller claim in this section of his speech. You will also evaluate this smaller claim's relevancy to the main claim and evaluate Kennedy's reasons and evidence.
Make sure to complete all four parts of this series!
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn about the ways to correctly use a colon in a sentence by exploring this interactive tutorial! We'll go over contexts where colon use is appropriate, and you'll learn guidelines for colon usage. You'll also learn several important rules for capitalization usage after a colon. By the end, you should be apply to apply these rules to correctly use a colon within a sentence.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Examine some commonly confused pronouns that often trick people into believing that they have the same meaning when their meanings can be very different. This interactive tutorial will help you properly use the following pronouns: who, whom, which, that, their, there, they're.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Avoid "doppelganger danger" as you examine six pairs of commonly confused words in this interactive tutorial. Learn how to correctly use these commonly confused words to improve your language and writing skills.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn and practice how to use semicolons in this interactive tutorial. You'll learn three important rules for using the semicolon to join clauses together. By the end, you should be able to apply these three rules to correctly use a semicolon within a sentence.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Avoid "doppelganger danger" as you examine six pairs of commonly confused words. Learning how to correctly use these commonly confused words will help improve your writing and mastery of English.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Examine five pairs of commonly confused words in this interactive tutorial. This tutorial focuses on language and resolving issues of complex usage. You will examine pairs of words that are often confused in order to learn the correct use of each word. By the end of this tutorial, you should be able to accurately use these ten commonly confused words.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Avoid "doppelganger danger" as you examine fourteen homophones, which are words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. Learning how to use these homophones correctly in this interactive tutorial will help you avoid some of the most common usage mistakes.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Avoid "doppelganger danger" as you examine eleven homophones, which are words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. Learning how to use these homophones correctly in this interactive tutorial will help you avoid some of the most common usage mistakes.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Avoid "doppelganger danger" as you examine twelve homophones, which are words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. Learning how to use these homophones correctly in this interactive tutorial will help you avoid some of the most common usage mistakes.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn about adverb clauses, a flavorful ingredient that can enhance your sentences. In this interactive tutorial, you'll learn about adverb clauses and how these clauses can add interest, depth, and variety to your writing.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn about adjective clauses and how they can add interest, depth, and variety to your writing in this sweet-themed interactive tutorial.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn to enhance your writing by combining clauses. In this interactive tutorial, you'll learn how to combine independent and dependent clauses to add interest, depth, and variety to your writing.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Determine the meaning of unknown words and phrases in an informational text about the Bermuda Triangle in this three-part interactive tutorial. In Part 2, you'll practice determining the meaning of unknown vocabulary using context clues and dictionary skills.
Click below to complete all three parts!
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Determine the meaning of unknown words and phrases in an informational text about the Bermuda Triangle in this three-part interactive tutorial. In Part 3, you'll practice determining the meaning of unknown vocabulary using context clues and dictionary skills.
Click below to open the first two parts.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Determine the meaning of unknown words and phrases in an informational text about the Bermuda Triangle in this three-part interactive tutorial. In Part 1, you'll practice determining the meaning of unknown vocabulary using context clues and dictionary skills.
Click below to complete all three parts!
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn to enhance your writing by using phrases. In this interactive tutorial, you'll learn all about participle phrases. Using participle phrases will help add interest, depth, and variety to your writing!
Type: Original Student Tutorial
This is Part Two of a two-part tutorial series. In this interactive tutorial, you'll practice identifying a speaker's purpose using a speech by aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart. You will examine her use of rhetorical appeals, including ethos, logos, pathos, and kairos. Finally, you'll evaluate the effectiveness of Earhart's use of rhetorical appeals.
Be sure to complete Part One first. Click here to launch PART ONE.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
This is Part One of a two-part tutorial series. In this interactive tutorial, you'll practice identifying a speaker's purpose using a speech by aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart. You will examine her use of rhetorical appeals, including ethos, logos, pathos, and kairos. Finally, you'll evaluate the effectiveness of Earhart's use of rhetorical appeals.
Click here to launch PART TWO.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Practice analyzing word choices in "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe, including word meanings, subtle differences between words with similar meanings, and emotions connected to specific words. In this interactive tutorial, you will also analyze the impact of specific word choices on the meaning of the poem.
This is Part Two of a two-part series. Part One should be completed before beginning Part Two. Click HERE to open Part One.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Practice analyzing word choices in "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe in this interactive tutorial. In this tutorial, you will examine word meanings, examine subtle differences between words with similar meanings, and think about emotions connected to specific words. You will also analyze the impact of specific word choices on the meaning of the poem.
This tutorial is Part One of a two-part series on Poe's "The Raven." Click HERE to open Part Two.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Practice using textual details and connotative meanings to determine a speaker's/narrator's tone in this two-part interactive tutorial. You'll also analyze the impact of word choices on the meaning and tone of the text in excerpts from Ayn Rand's dystopian novella Anthem.
Make sure to complete Part One before you begin Part Two. Click HERE to open Part One.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Get ready to travel back in time to London, England during the Victorian era in this interactive tutorial that uses text excerpts from The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. This tutorial is Part Two of a three-part series. You should complete Part One before beginning this tutorial. In Part Two, you will read excerpts from the last half of the story and practice citing evidence to support analysis of a literary text. In the third tutorial in this series, you’ll learn how to create a Poem in 2 Voices using evidence from this story.
Make sure to complete all three parts! Click to HERE launch Part One. Click HERE to launch Part Three.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn how to transform words into other words, including nouns into verbs, verbs into adjectives, adjectives into adverbs, and much more with this interactive tutorial.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn about Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois and their rivalry of ideas in this interactive tutorial. Both men were African-American leaders during the "nadir" of race relations, but they had very different visions.
This is part 2 in a two-part series. CLICK HERE to open Part 1.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Practice writing different aspects of an expository essay about scientists using drones to research glaciers in Peru. This interactive tutorial is part four of a four-part series. In this final tutorial, you will learn about the elements of a body paragraph. You will also create a body paragraph with supporting evidence. Finally, you will learn about the elements of a conclusion and practice creating a “gift.”
This tutorial is part four of a four-part series. Click below to open the other tutorials in this series.
- Drones and Glaciers: Eyes in the Sky (Part 1)
- Drones and Glaciers: Eyes in the Sky (Part 2)
- Expository Writing: Eyes in the Sky (Part 3)
- Expository Writing: Eyes in the Sky (Part 4)
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Acquire new vocabulary through this interactive tutorial. You'll learn definitions for 15 new words, as well as their parts of speech, their synonyms and antonyms, and you'll practice using them in context.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Practice citing evidence to support analysis of a literary text as you read excerpts from one of the most famous works of horror fiction of all time, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
This tutorial is Part One of a three-part tutorial. In Part Two, you'll continue your analysis of the text. In Part Three, you'll learn how to create a Poem in 2 Voices using evidence from this story. Make sure to complete all three parts!
Click HERE to launch Part Two. Click HERE to launch Part Three.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn how to write an introduction for an expository essay in this interactive tutorial. This tutorial is the third part of a four-part series. In previous tutorials in this series, students analyzed an informational text and video about scientists using drones to explore glaciers in Peru. Students also determined the central idea and important details of the text and wrote an effective summary. In part three, you'll learn how to write an introduction for an expository essay about the scientists' research.
This tutorial is part three of a four-part series. Click below to open the other tutorials in this series.
- Drones and Glaciers: Eyes in the Sky (Part 1)
- Drones and Glaciers: Eyes in the Sky (Part 2)
- Expository Writing: Eyes in the Sky (Part 3)
- Expository Writing: Eyes in the Sky (Part 4)
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Practice using textual details and connotative meanings to help you determine a speaker's/narrator's tone in this two-part interactive tutorial. You'll also analyze the impact of word choices on the meaning and tone of a text. This tutorial series features excerpts from Ayn Rand's dystopian novella Anthem.
Part One should be completed before beginning Part Two. Click HERE to launch Part Two.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
In Parts 1 and 2 of this interactive tutorial series, learn about Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois and their rivalry of ideas. Both men were African American leaders during the "Nadir" of race relations, but their visions were very different.
CLICK HERE to open Part 2.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn how to avoid plagiarism in this interactive tutorial. You will also learn how to follow a standard format for citation and how to format your research paper using MLA style. Along the way, you will also learn about master magician Harry Houdini. This tutorial is Part Two of a two-part series on research writing.
Be sure to complete Part One first. Click to view Part One.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
In Parts 1 and 2 of this interactive tutorial series, learn about the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt. "TR," as he was known, pursued a bold, progressive agenda that transformed America and the presidency.
CLICK HERE to open Part 1.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
In Parts 1 and 2 of this interactive tutorial series, learn in detail about the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt. "TR," as he was known, pursued a bold, progressive agenda that transformed America and the presidency.
CLICK HERE to open Part 2.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
In Parts 1 and 2 of this interactive tutorial series, you'll analyze the Pullman Strike of 1894, a dramatic event in the American labor movement. In Part 1, you'll focus on the history of the strike. In Part 2, you'll practice your literary skills while learning more about the same event.
Click HERE to open Part 1.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
In Parts 1 and 2 of this interactive tutorial series, you'll analyze the Pullman Strike of 1894, a dramatic event in the American labor movement. In Part 1, you'll focus on the history of the strike. In Part 2, you'll practice your literacy skills while learning more about the same event.
Click HERE to open Part 2.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn how to integrate information from a text into your own writing to maintain the flow of ideas, avoid plagiarism, and cite your sources. In this interactive tutorial, you'll read an excerpt from novel The Poisonwood Bible. Using this text, you will practice selecting relevant information and integrating it into your own written responses.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Practice analyzing an informational text using President Abraham Lincoln's 2nd Inaugural Address. In this interactive tutorial, you'll determine Lincoln's purpose in this historical speech. You'll also analyze how his specific word choice and use of parallel structure help support his purpose.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Acquire new vocabulary through this interactive tutorial. You'll learn definitions for 15 new words, as well as their parts of speech, their synonyms and antonyms, and you'll practice using them in context.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Review strategies for acquiring new vocabulary and then learn fifteen new words in this interactive tutorial. You'll also practice using the words in a variety of ways to help you add them to your vocabulary.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn several ways to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words, including context clues, word parts, and dictionary skills. In this interactive tutorial, you'll apply these strategies to text passages from John Muir's book A Thousand-mile Walk to the Gulf, which includes vivid descriptions of Florida in the late 1800s.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Analyze the use of rhetoric in a courtroom speech from Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird. In this interactive tutorial, we'll break down the speech to analyze its use of persuasion. We'll also examine how the speech achieves its purpose through the use of pathos, ethos, and logos.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Read and examine Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address in this interactive tutorial. First, you'll practice using context clues to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words in the famous text. Next, you'll analyze Lincoln's specific word choice throughout the speech and examine how it conveys his tone or attitude.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn how to better conduct research in this interactive tutorial. You'll learn to distinguish relevant from irrelevant sources when conducting research on a specific topic. In addition, you'll practice identifying authoritative sources and selecting the appropriate keywords to find quality sources for your topic.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn how speakers use rhetoric to achieve their purpose. In this interactive tutorial, you'll learn how speakers can achieve their purpose through the use of pathos, ethos, and logos. Using excerpts from President Wilson's "War Message to Congress," you'll analyze how speakers use rhetoric to make their case effectively.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Examine some of the various topics and themes present in the American classic To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. In this interactive tutorial, you'll read excerpts from the novel and examine the development of the main character, Scout. You'll analyze how her words and actions help develop the important themes of the novel. You'll wrap up the tutorial by creating your own theme statement based on the text.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
In this tutorial, you'll practice identifying and analyzing how specific concepts are addressed in texts from two different time periods. The featured texts include the Bill of Rights and an excerpt from the "Four Freedoms" speech by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. You'll practice analyzing the similarities and differences in how the two texts address certain concepts.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Examine the use of hyperbole and personification in the prologue of the novel The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. In this interactive tutorial, you'll practice identifying examples of hyperbole and personification within the text. You'll also learn how these two types of figurative language help authors convey their intended meaning.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn to identify figurative language within poetry, including the use of similes, metaphors, and personification. In this interactive tutorial, we'll analyze William Wordsworth’s “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud” and William Shakespeare’s “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?” to discover how figurative language contributes to the meaning of each poem.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn how to identify context clues in a nonfiction text to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words. In this interactive tutorial, you'll read excerpts from Patrick Henry's "Speech to the Virginia Convention." You'll learn strategies for applying context clues to make predictions about the meanings of unfamiliar words. Finally, you'll practice using dictionary entries to confirm your predictions of unfamiliar word meanings.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn some of the basic rules for using semicolons and colons in this baseball-themed tutorial. In this interactive tutorial, you'll practice identifying independent clauses and distinguishing between conjunctive adverbs and coordinating conjunctions. You'll also learn how to organize a list of items using a semicolon. Finally, you'll learn how to introduce a list or quotation using a colon.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn to analyze the same topic represented in a variety of different mediums. In this interactive tutorial, you'll analyze both visual and written representations from the 1930s and 1940s. You will learn about some of the common composition features used in visual mediums, such as photographs or paintings. You'll learn the necessary steps to analyze and compare works represented in both visual and literary mediums.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Analyze a complex character’s development in text excerpts from the novel Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. In this interactive tutorial, you'll analyze how the main character is described and developed through his interaction with other characters.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Explore the relationship between mutations, the cell cycle, and uncontrolled cell growth which may result in cancer with this interactive tutorial.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn to identify how authors create mystery, tension, and suspense within a story. In this interactive tutorial, you will learn how Richard Connell used exposition, foreshadowing, pacing, and the manipulation of time to build tension and suspense in the short story "The Most Dangerous Game."
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn how to determine the theme of a fictional text using excerpts from Book 12 of Homer's The Odyssey. In this interactive tutorial, you'll learn how to determine the theme of a text based on the characters and events of the story. You'll also practice distinguishing between themes and topics in a work of literature. Finally, you'll create your own theme statement for The Odyssey using details from the text.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn to identify explicit and implicit text evidence within a fictional text. In this interactive tutorial, you'll read excerpts from Charles Dickens' classic novel Great Expectations. You'll also practice making inferences about the characters and settings based on the evidence provided in the text.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
This tutorial is Part One of a two-part series. In Part One, you'll learn about the use of plot twists and their impact on a text. In this interactive tutorial, you'll examine two ways authors often create plot twists within a story. Reading excerpts from the short story "The Interlopers," you'll analyze and explain how the author creates several plot twists in the story by purposely setting and disrupting expectations for readers.
After completing Part One, click HERE for Part Two.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn about noun clauses, a flavorful ingredient that can enhance your sentences. In this interactive tutorial, you'll learn about noun clauses and how these clauses can add interest, depth, and variety to your writing.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn to use context clues, including synonyms, antonyms, and inferences, to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words in this interactive tutorial.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Tutorials
In this tutorial video brought to you by Khan Academy, you'll learn about the economic system called communism. This video explores the origins and history of communism and explains its connections to authoritarian forms of government.
Type: Tutorial
In this resource, you will experience a blast from the past! Go on a journey through U.S. political history as you view various campaign ads from past presidential elections. From the earliest television ads aired in 1952 to ads from 2012, this is a one stop shop with over 300 political commercials available to watch. Each election year contains information to set the context for the collection of commercials, as well as information about the major candidates who ran, and a map that displays the final election results. Enjoy this journey into America's political past!
Type: Tutorial
In this tutorial video, you'll take a whirlwind journey through the Progressive Era in American history. During this time, people were attempting to solve governmental and societal issues, all while trying to better implement equality for all. Enjoy this "crash course" in U.S. history!
Type: Tutorial
This video provided by the team at the Purdue Owl is a great way to be introduced to formatting a paper in Microsoft Word (including things like titles, headings, page margins, line spacing, etc.) using MLA format. The video will show you exactly how to format your paper using your computer, screenshots of Microsoft Word will leave no confusion on how to follow each step.
Type: Tutorial
Learn how to create a Works Cited page with this step-by-step guide. A short video walks you through all of the formatting and style choices you need to make for your next source-based paper. It specifically explains what information must be included for the following sources: books, articles, maps, newspapers, websites, and more.
Type: Tutorial
In this activity from the Online Tutorial for Effective Writing of Northern Illinois University, you will take a pre-test to identify weaknesses in familiarity with, and use of, MLA and APA styles as well as using a formal writing style. After reviewing the mini-lesson on the missed items, you will be presented with additional interactive quizzes for each style type. The arrows at the bottom of each mini-lesson will lead you to these quizzes for extra practice and support.
Type: Tutorial
This activity from the Online Tutorial for Effective Writing from Northern Illinois University provides you with a pre-test to identify any weaknesses in punctuation. After reviewing the mini-lesson on the missed items, you will be presented with additional interactive quizzes for each error type. The arrows at the bottom of each mini-lesson will lead you to these quizzes for extra practice and support.
Type: Tutorial
This activity From the Online Tutorial for Effective Writing from Northern Illinois University provides you with a pre-test to identify any weaknesses in the most common grammatical errors. After reviewing the mini-lessons on the missed items, you will be presented with additional interactive quizzes for each error type. The arrows at the bottom of each mini-lesson will lead you to these quizzes for extra practice and support.
Type: Tutorial
This fun and interactive exercise will give you practice correcting two common types of run-on sentences: comma splices and fused sentences. For each practice item, you must identify the best way to correct either a comma splice or a fused sentence. Explanations of each correct answer are also provided. There’s also an explanation of the rules of proper sentence structure for you to study, simply click the hyperlinked word "rules."
Type: Tutorial
This fun and interactive exercise will give you practice identifying two common types of run-on sentences: comma splices and fused sentences. For each practice item, you must identify whether a run-on sentence is a comma splice or a fused sentence. After every response, you will get immediate feedback. Explanations of each correct answer are also provided. There’s also an explanation of the rules of proper sentence structure for you to study, simply click the hyperlinked word "rules."
Type: Tutorial
In this very engaging animated video from TEDed, you will learn about antiheroes. Antiheroes can be hard to distinguish from typical heroes. However, through this video you will be able to identify what an antihero is and understand how these complex characters with often unclear motivations play such important roles in great literature.
Type: Tutorial
A great way to understand literature from epic poetry to literary series is to understand what makes a hero. In this very engaging animated video from TEDed, you will learn about the hero cycle, a common literary trope that can been found in many works like Harry Potter, The Hunger Games and even The Odyssey!
Type: Tutorial
In this animated video from TEDed, you will learn about the power of metaphors in your reading and in your writing. The video explores questions like: "How do metaphors help us better understand the world?", as well as "What makes a good metaphor?"
Type: Tutorial
This fun and interactive exercise will give you practice in recognizing parallel structure. After every response, you will get immediate feedback. The site also includes an explanation of the rules of parallel structure that you can refer to as you complete this exercise.
Type: Tutorial
This fun and interactive exercise will give you practice in maintaining parallel structure. After every response, you will get immediate feedback. The site also includes an explanation of the rules of parallel structure that you can refer to as you complete this exercise.
Type: Tutorial
This fun and interactive exercise will give you practice in maintaining parallel structure. You will get feedback after every typed response. The site also includes an explanation of the rules of parallel structure that you can refer to as you complete this exercise.
Type: Tutorial
This fun and interactive exercise will give you practice in recognizing parallel structure. After every response, you will get immediate feedback. The site also includes an explanation of the rules of parallel structure that you can refer to as you complete this exercise.
Type: Tutorial
In this tutorial you will learn how to use MLA format and documentation in your academic papers. You will be able to work at your own pace. Also, throughout the tutorial you will receive plenty of examples to model in your paper.
Type: Tutorial
This fun and interactive exercise will give you practice in maintaining parallel structure. After every response, you will get immediate feedback. The site also includes an explanation of the rules of parallel structure that you can refer to as you complete this exercise.
Type: Tutorial
This fun and interactive exercise will give you practice in maintaining parallel structure. You will get feedback after every typed response. The site also includes an explanation of the rules of parallel structure that you can refer to as you complete this exercise.
Type: Tutorial
Video/Audio/Animations
In this video from Khan Academy, you'll learn about the reception and cultural significance surrounding Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin. The publication of this novel is considered one of the causes of the Civil War.
Type: Video/Audio/Animation
In this video from Khan Academy, you'll learn about the political and cultural issues that inspired the writing of Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin. These include the compromise of 1850 and the Fugitive Slave Act. The publication of Uncle Tom's Cabin is considered one of the causes of the Civil War.
Type: Video/Audio/Animation
Learn how to "think like a historian" in this brief video from Khan Academy. Your hosts analyze in detail President Franklin D. Roosevelt's First Inaugural Address, in which he told the American people, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."
Type: Video/Audio/Animation
Learn how to "think like a historian" in this brief video from Khan Academy. Your hosts explain the difference between primary and secondary sources and analyze the beginning of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's First Inaugural Address.
Type: Video/Audio/Animation
View a 10-part video on the Battle of Yorktown, the culminating battle of the Revolutionary War. With French aid, George Washington led American troops to a victory that ensured American independence.
In addition to the video, you will find primary source documents and a graphic organizer to help you analyze the Battle of Yorktown in greater detail.
Type: Video/Audio/Animation
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