Expectations and Goals

I expect high school English to be fairly different from middle school English, both in the types of activities we will do and the difficulty of each activity. Fortunately, I have more time at school to finish homework, so I can participate in more after school activities. But aside from the challenge set by this class, I am excited to read a few new books, particularly Lord of the Flies, because I have heard a lot of good things about it.

I have two goals this year in English. First, I would like to expand my literary repertoire. I love to read, but tend to be drawn mainly to fantasy and non-fiction books. I would like to read more science fiction and realistic fiction this year. I have read a few excellent science fiction books, but they are more difficult to find.  My favorite science fiction books were 11/22/63 and Under the Dome by Stephen King, and they were two of the best books I’ve ever read.  My next book will be Dune by Frank Herbert.   I don’t read as much realistic fiction because I tend to think of  it as being boring stories about everyday life, so I typically look toward other genres that can take me to another world.  I realized this summer that my thoughts about realistic fiction are huge generalizations when I read The Last Child.  I couldn’t put it down and didn’t speak to anyone in my family until I finished it, and then I read two other books by the same author over the Memorial Day weekend.  It’s just a question of finding the right book. 

Another goal of mine for ninth grade English is to become a better writer.   In particular, I would like to work on coming up with ideas and avoiding writer’s block.  Sometimes I have trouble coming up with a good topic.  Once I do, I am a capable writer, but the idea stage is often frustrating to me.  I also have difficulty writing when I am not in the mood to write.  This can be a big problem when there is an assignment due and I’m not in the right frame of mind!  I do enjoy both reading and writing, but my favorite of those two is admittedly reading, so I am more worried about becoming a better writer than I am about reading new books.  I am looking forward to seeing what this year will bring.