Franklin Central High School - Liberanni Yearbook (Franklin, NY)

Page 93 text:

IENQE1 MEET English instruction includes work in composition, literature, and speech. Under the division of composition there is a great variety of work. Original short stories and poems are something new this year in this field. The students have enjoyed writing because it was their first real chance to let their imaginations run wild! The results were entertaining and worth while. Essays, editorials, and newspaper articles have also been written. Closely connected with the study of writing and speaking are the units on vocabulary building, library lessons, and practice in parliamentary procedure. The seniors have a right to feel proud of themselves, for they had the highest scores of any of the classes on Inglis Vocabulary Tests, their average score reaching the norm. In oral work there have been speeches for special occasions, speeches of introduction, and personal interviews used in applying for a position. This division is probably the one most dreaded by high school English students. However, nNobody is learning to gesture or declaim, but rather to talk naturally and usefully.' Not cratory, but the ability to adapt students to every speech situation in life, is the aim of all oral work. The study of literature consists of the reading and discussion of novels, short stories, essays, plays, and poetry. Students have devoted class periods to this work, as well as time outside the classroom. Many supplementary books from the school library are read following the study of definite literary types. This department is now trying to make English more useful and appealing to students. Probably in future years students will find English even more practical. Less emphasis is being placed on the study of grammar and more on the formation of habits of correct usage. The greatest incentive to improve his language habits comes when the pupil realizes that he will be able to express himself more clearly and more acceptably to others. This year pupils have been able to measure their own progress through individual charts showing the frequency of composition errors in usage. Drill for the elimination of common errors has resulted in a gradual decrease shown on the charts. English I pupils made an interesting survey of common errors in speech heard in the school corridors as well as in the classrooms. The entire high school course in English is based on the normal speech, reading, and writing activities of young people.