Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, honors classes include the same material which is presented in regular college-preparatory classes.  However, in honors classes the teacher moves at a faster pace, presents information in more depth, administers more difficult tests, essays, and assignments, and requires more independent work for homework.  Because the class is composed of accelerated students, the teacher spends very little time reviewing information and concepts which students learned in previous courses.

Reading is one of the most important skills which students must master, and the best way for a student to improve in reading is to practice frequently.  We hope that students will read many books of their own selection during the summer. 

We require honors and AP English students to read two or more assigned books over the summer in order to give students reading material which is at their own instructional level and reading which will challenge students and keep their minds active as they read.  Instead of limiting themselves to one or two books on the summer reading list, our best students will read ALL of the books on the reading list for their next English course.

Unfortunately, we must collect vocabulary books at the end of the semester because some students use the books to cheat by copying another student's work.  If you are concerned that you must turn in your book at the end of the semester, you have three choices:

1)  Do not buy a book.  Simply ask your teacher to issue a book to you.  You will then need to write all of your answers on a sheet of paper instead of writing in the book.

2)  At the end of the semester, your teacher only needs the practice pages, not the vocabulary lists.  Gently tear out the practice sheets to give to your teacher.  If you do this carefully, you will be able to keep your vocabulary book which will contain only the vocabulary lists (perfect for later studying for the SAT) and the lessons which you never completed in class.

3)  If you would like to keep your entire vocabulary book, print the attached WORD form, have your parent and/or guardian to sign the form, and give it to your teacher.  Your teacher will then allow you to keep the vocabulary book.

If you are supposed to take English during the second semester and are placed in English first semester because of a schedule change, tell your teacher.  The teacher will check your transcript to make sure that you had English during second semester the previous year.  If so, you will be given six weeks to read the book.

Both courses count for college-preparatory diplomas.  World Literature is a traditional literature class (similar to British and American literature courses).  Students read important works from authors from around the world (excluding American and British authors).  Students write different types of papers, included literary analyses, and complete a research paper.

Pacesetter English was designed by the College Board.  It requires the same amount of reading and writing as World Literature, but it is more of a hands-on course.  Students will have opportunities to act out scenes from plays, participate in more group work, and make presentations to the class.

Both courses prepare students to take AP tests at the end of the year.  Both courses require extensive reading and writing.  Both courses require students to complete 40-minute timed writings in preparation for AP tests in May.  

The biggest difference between the courses is in the reading matter.  AP English LITERATURE requires students to read plays, novels, and poetry.  In preparation for the AP exam, approximately one-half of the literature will be poetry. Students read selections and discuss them in class, with emphasis on how the writer applies literary terms.  The writing in the course centers primarily on literary analysis.

AP English LANGUAGE requires students to read NON-FICTION (essays, histories, biographies, etc.).   The course includes no poetry.  The emphasis in the class is on reading works and discussing how the author conveys his ideas.  A large part of the course revolves around how writers manipulate readers in order to persuade them to accept their views on issues.  Students must learn and apply specific rhetorical terms to all reading selections.  Reading selections may include controversial issues from science, math, technology, history, literature, sociology, psychology, etc.  The writing in the course centers primarily on persuasive papers, particularly of controversial issues, and non-fiction narratives.

Note:  In determining which course you should take, please check the requirements for the colleges you hope to attend.  Almost all colleges will accept AP scores for either AP Literature or AP Language.  However, there are a few liberal arts colleges which will not accept AP language scores except for elective credit, and there are a few science/math/technology schools which will not accept AP Literature scores except for elective credit. 

American Studies is a year-long honors American Literature course which is taught in conjunction with honors U.S. History.  Students take American Studies one period for the entire school year.  Each day students spend 45 minutes in American Literature and then change classes and spend 45 minutes in U.S. History.  The class is open to sophomores who are in the gifted program.  Other sophomores may be added to the class if there is room.  At the end of the year, students who pass the course are awarded one unit for American Literature and one unit for U.S. History.

Beginning with this year's eleventh graders, all KMHS students have writing folders to keep all of their writing throughout high school.  At the end of the semester, teachers will collect all writing folders, and the folders will be passed on to each student's teacher the following year.  Because the folders contain all of the graded writing which students have completed in high school, teachers and students will be able to read the folder in order to ascertain each writer's strengths and weaknesses and to determine what the student needs to do in order to improve in the future. 

Occasionally, students may want to see the folder in order to use a paper for a college-entrance essay or to enter a paper in a writing contest.  If you want to see your folder, please ask your English teacher, and he or she will give you the chance to make a copy of the paper.  If you do not have English during the semester, please see Ms. Parrott in Room 318 or Ms. Gillham in Room 310 for help.

At the completion of Senior English, all students will be given their high school writing folders.

If you are new to Kennesaw Mountain and will enter an HONORS or AP English course, you must still complete the summer reading assignment.  However, if you take English during the fall semester, you will be given six additional weeks to read the assigned book.  Please inform your teacher that you are a new KMHS student and ask the teacher for the specific date when you must have the book read.