Foundational to both seventh and eighth grade literature and writing class is reading a variety of genre, followed by writing an outline and literary response essay for each selection. Novels are read by each grade, assessed with quizzes and essays. Students write an an MLA research paper on a topic of interest. Also, students participate in class presentations, speeches and comparison of a novel to its movie. Students learn about and write poetry. Many enter poetry contests for publication.
Additionally, in eighth grade, students learn how to write marginal notes and notations, participate in a modified Harvard style debate, participate in the "America and Me" essay contest and compose a "12th Grade Me" letter.