Canada · Ontario Curriculum Expectations
Grade 10 Language Arts
This course challenges students to analyze how diverse authors use language to influence readers and shape societal narratives. Students will refine their critical thinking through the study of complex literary texts and the production of sophisticated academic and creative writing.
The Architecture of Argument
Students examine the structural components of persuasive writing and how rhetorical appeals function in seminal historical and contemporary speeches.
An investigation into how speakers establish credibility and authority to win the trust of an audience.
Identifying flaws in reasoning and understanding how deceptive language can be used to obscure the truth.
Analyzing how the arrangement of ideas and the rhythm of sentences contribute to the impact of a text.
Narrative Truths and Literary Craft
Focusing on short stories and novels, students explore how authors use symbolism and point of view to convey complex human experiences.
Exploring how a limited or biased point of view shapes the reader's understanding of the plot.
Analyzing how concrete objects and settings represent abstract ideas and universal themes.
Examining traditional character roles and how modern authors subvert expectations to create complexity.
The Power of Poetry and Sound
Students dive into poetic devices and the oral tradition, focusing on how sound creates meaning and mood.
Analyzing how poets use precise diction to evoke specific sensory experiences and emotions.
Examining the mathematical and musical elements of verse and their impact on the reader's pace.
Studying the transition of poetry from the written page to performance and public recitation.
Dramatic Tension and Conflict
An exploration of classical and modern drama, focusing on dialogue as a driver of action and character development.
Analyzing what characters say versus what they actually mean and how this creates dramatic irony.
Considering how stage directions and physical movements contribute to the narrative of a play.
Investigating the elements of tragedy, including the tragic flaw and the concept of catharsis.
Media Literacy and Digital Ethics
Students evaluate the credibility of digital sources and analyze the persuasive techniques used in mass media.
Developing criteria for assessing the reliability of news sources and social media content.
Analyzing how images, colors, and layouts are used to influence consumer behavior and beliefs.
Discussing the responsibilities of creators and consumers in a globalized digital landscape.
Research and Inquiry
Students conduct an independent research project, synthesizing multiple sources to support a complex thesis.
Learning to integrate diverse perspectives and evidence into a cohesive long-form argument.
Mastering the technical aspects of citation and understanding the importance of intellectual property.
Adapting complex research for different audiences through oral presentations and visual aids.