Critical Reading & Analysis (G7-10)

Year-Round Program | 8-Week Sessions | Live Online (4–5 students/class)

The Critical Reading & Analysis class is designed for advanced readers who want to strengthen academic reading comprehension, analytical thinking, and evidence-based writing. Students learn how to approach complex nonfiction and fiction texts the way high-performing middle and high school students do—by examining structure, argument, literary techniques, and deeper meaning.

This course prepares students for AP-style analysis, stronger school English grades, and long-term success in debate, public speaking, and academic writing.

Class Themes by Month

Class Structure

Once per week, 80 minutes

Weekly components include:

• Required pre-reading

• Mini-lesson on rhetorical and literary devices
  (tone, symbolism, logical fallacies, counterarguments, etc.)

• Socratic-style discussion and debate on the weekly reading

• In-class analytical writing (bi-weekly)

• Weekly comprehension quiz

Homework Plan (Choose Your Level)

Basic

• Weekly vocabulary list (20 words)

• Discussion questions

• Debating question

• Quote analysis

Pro

• Everything in Basic

• Two analytical essays (Week 4 and Week 8)

• Essays scored using an AP-style rubric

Max

• Everything in Basic

• Four analytical essays (Week 2, Week 4, Week 6, Week 8)

• Detailed teacher feedback using AP rubric

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the 8-week session, students will be able to:

• Analyze complex texts using evidence-based reasoning

• Identify an author’s purpose, argument, and rhetorical strategies

• Write clear, well-structured analytical essays

• Engage in thoughtful academic discussions and debates

• Develop mastery of academic vocabulary

• Build confidence for school assessments, PSAT/SAT reading, and future AP courses