What should 10th graders know

There are many versions of digital flashcards that can help your child expand her vocabulary. Use different strategies to understand new words and phrases; for example, use context as a clue; use related words as a clue conceive, conception, conceivable ; consult a dictionary or thesaurus online or in print. Write arguments to support claims on important topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.

Develop claims and counterclaims fairly, providing evidence for each while also pointing out their strengths and limitations. Write informative or explanatory papers that examine a topic and express ideas by carefully selecting and analyzing information. Use precise language and content area vocabulary to express ideas. Write stories or narratives about real or imaginary experiences. Set out a problem, situation, or observation; establish one or more points of view; and develop story elements such as characters, a well-sequenced plot, and descriptive details.

Use technology to produce and publish writing, to work with others on writing, and to link to new information. Use basic rules of English grammar, capitalization, punctuation, and spelling in written work.

Initiate and participate in class discussions about complex 9th and 10th grade topics, texts, and issues. Be prepared to draw on textual or research evidence when expressing ideas, to respond thoughtfully to diverse perspectives, and to make new connections based on evidence and reasoning that others present.

Identify faulty reasoning or misleading evidence. So, if your school offers 10 AP classes total, you want to take as many of those 10 as possible over your entire high school career, probably at least 8 for admission to selective schools.

You have two main options for the summer: you can participate in an organized activity like a summer program, or you can craft your own path. Either option is equally valid in the admissions process, as long as you spend your time learning something whether academic or life skills and exploring your interests and passions.

There are also study abroad and leadership programs that provide great experiences to write about in your eventual college essays. You could get a part-time job, which shows admissions officers your ability to maintain a schedule and work hard and also earn some money! You could start a personal project or teach yourself a new skill You could explore internship or volunteer opportunities at local companies or non-profits.

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We know you probably have plenty of questions about making the most of 10th grade and your eventual college applications. Check out our free resources, including blog posts, livestreams, and guides, to get quality information to help you throughout your journey.

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If you force your child to take a class, the end result might be an F. But in other cases, Hartline sides with the parents. Most states require a certain number of foreign language courses to graduate, and college admissions officers expect students to tackle a foreign language, regardless of their intended major. Another indicator of whether a parent needs to step in: grades. Students who breezed through middle school are at particular risk of falling down sophomore year, she says.

But by 10th grade, students should be reviewing what they learned in class in each subject every night, Hartline says. By sophomore year, many students and their families are already worried about college.

The biggest pitfall for sophomores is choosing courses that are too easy just to guarantee a high grade. Kids are especially tempted to scale back on math out of fear, which is often shared by their parents. Because most sophomores have already taken a geography course, your child may move on to American history or economy and government.

The goal for high school social studies is to help the children develop a holistic view of world affairs. They should know how the United States was formed, as well as all of the major events that led up to the present day. Government and economy will also help them to understand and explore their own role in the democracy. Elective credits are just as important as mandatory classes, with options ranging from art to physical education to foreign languages. Your child may be able to take extra science classes, an SAT prep course, or a home economics class.

This is a great time to find out what they really like and to impress colleges with their vast interests and skills. The sophomore year is a pivotal year in the high school experience. Many children will need some guidance to develop their own interests and to stay involved in their academics.