ENG4U – English Grade 12

Unit 1: Critical Thinking Skills

Students learn to analyze information, ask questions, and think critically. This unit provides a foundation for all other course concepts.

Unit 2: MLA Citations and Essay Writing

Students learn essay structures, MLA formatting, and techniques to write clear, organized academic essays.

Unit 3: Literary Theories

Explore critical frameworks like Formalism, Marxism, and Feminism to analyze texts. Students also create media infographics to demonstrate understanding.

Unit 4: Animal Farm

Focuses on power, persuasion, propaganda, and communication strategies. Students complete media assignments and understand the influence of audience and purpose.

Unit 5: Hamlet

Students study Shakespeare’s play to explore character motivation, human behavior, and rhetorical strategies. Includes media-focused projects.

Unit 6: Medicine Walk

Analyze themes of “Illusion versus Reality” and explore indigenous perspectives, justice, and coming-of-age concepts. Students complete oral presentations and unit tests.

Unit 7: Independent Study Unit

Students select a text and apply research skills to write original literary analysis essays, integrating lessons and feedback from previous units.

Oral Communication

• Listen to understand and respond appropriately
• Use speaking strategies for different audiences
• Reflect on strengths and areas for improvement

Reading and Literature Studies

• Read and analyze literary, informational, and graphic texts
• Understand text forms and stylistic elements
• Reflect on reading strategies and fluency

Writing

• Generate, organize, and revise ideas
• Apply literary and informational writing styles
• Edit, proofread, and present polished work

Media Studies

• Understand media texts, conventions, and techniques
• Create media for different audiences
• Reflect on media interpretation and creation

Students will engage with a variety of learning activities designed to develop strong literacy, analytical, and communication skills while supporting independent, self-paced learning:

• Presentations & Media: Interactive videos, simulations, and quizzes help reinforce course concepts and provide opportunities to practice skills in a dynamic, engaging format.
• Discussions & Feedback: Online forums, video conferences, and reflective exercises allow students to share ideas, ask questions, and receive timely feedback from instructors, fostering deeper understanding and critical thinking.
• Research & Writing: Inquiry-based projects, structured essays, and guided assignments develop research, analysis, and writing skills, helping students apply knowledge to academic and real-world contexts.
• Individualized Support: Teachers provide accommodations, personalized guidance, and constructive feedback for students with IEPs or other learning needs, ensuring every student can succeed.
• Practical Applications: Lessons and assignments connect concepts to real-world examples, helping students see the relevance of what they learn and apply skills beyond the classroom.

These strategies combine to ensure students build critical reading and writing skills, enhance media literacy, and gain practical understanding of texts and communication in diverse contexts, preparing them for success in post-secondary education and everyday life.

Assessment and evaluation are designed to support learning, provide meaningful feedback, and ensure students meet Ontario curriculum expectations. Following Growing Success 2010, the primary goal is to improve student achievement by identifying strengths, areas for growth, and guiding instruction.

70% Ongoing Assessment:
Most of the grade comes from essays, projects, discussions, and other assignments. Ongoing assessments:

• Measure both what students learn and how well they learn
• Reflect knowledge, critical thinking, communication, and application skills
• Include varied formats over time to show a full range of abilities
• Provide clear feedback to help students set goals and improve

Teachers use professional judgment to evaluate both overall and specific expectations, giving descriptive feedback that guides student growth.

30% Final Evaluation:
The final evaluation occurs at the end of the course and may include exams, performances, or other suitable methods. It allows students to demonstrate comprehensive achievement of the course’s overall expectations.

Fairness and Validity

ENG4U assessments are valid, reliable, and inclusive, accommodating special education needs and English language learners. Sample work may be used to illustrate standards, and evaluation is communicated clearly to students and parents.

This balanced approach ensures grades reflect consistent performance and mastery of the curriculum, while providing actionable feedback to help students succeed.

OES is committed to ensuring that all students can succeed. Some students benefit from specific accommodations that allow them to participate fully in the regular course curriculum and demonstrate learning independently. These accommodations provide access to the course without altering the knowledge and skills students are expected to achieve. 

The accommodations required to facilitate the student’s learning can be identified by the teacher, but recommendations from a School Board generated Individual Education Plan (IEP) if available can also be consulted. Instruction based on principles of universal design and differentiated instruction focuses on the provision of accommodations to meet the diverse needs of learners.

Examples of accommodations include, but are not limited to:

• Adjustment and or extension of time required to complete assignments or summative tasks
• Providing alternative assignments or summative tasks
• Use of scribes and/or other assistive technologies
• Simplifying the language of instruction

For more information, go to our Individual Education Plan (IEP) page.

What is the prerequisite for ENG4U?
Students must have completed ENG3U, Grade 11 English.

Can I complete grade 12 English  at my own pace?
Yes, OES is an Ontario online highschool that offers self-paced high school courses, allowing flexible scheduling.

Is ENG4U recognized for university admission?
Yes, ENG4U is a University preparation English course accepted for post-secondary admissions.

Can international students enroll in grade 12 English?
Yes, international students should contact info@oeshighschool.com prior to registration.

How long does it take to complete the grade 12 English course?
The course requires approximately 110 hours, including units and the final exam.