ENG4U
English
This Grade 12 university preparation English course consolidates the literacy, communication, critical-thinking and creative-thinking skills needed for university, college, the workplace and daily life. Students analyze challenging literary, informational, graphic and media texts and create oral, written and media texts with increasing control, coherence and academic precision.
Grade
12
Credit
1.0
Delivery
Online
Prerequisite
ENG3U
About This Course
This Grade 12 university preparation English course consolidates the literacy, communication, critical-thinking and creative-thinking skills needed for university, college, the workplace and daily life. Students analyze challenging literary, informational, graphic and media texts and create oral, written and media texts with increasing control, coherence and academic precision.
What You'll Learn
- Read and interpret complex literary, informational, graphic and media texts using appropriate strategies.
- Analyze form, style, language, literary techniques and the relationship between text and context.
- Develop academic arguments supported by precise textual evidence and credible research.
- Plan, draft, revise, edit and publish polished writing for different purposes and audiences.
- Communicate ideas through seminars, presentations, debates and structured discussion.
- Analyze and create media texts while applying critical literacy and ethical source-use practices.
Skills You'll Develop
- Advanced literary and critical analysis
- Academic writing and research
- Close reading and textual evidence
- Oral communication and seminar discussion
- Media literacy, editing and precise academic language
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Listen, speak and respond effectively for different audiences and purposes.
- Read and demonstrate understanding of complex literary, informational and graphic texts.
- Analyze text forms, features, style and language to explain how meaning is created.
- Generate, organize and develop ideas and information for academic writing.
- Draft, revise, edit, proofread and publish polished texts using appropriate conventions.
- Interpret, evaluate and create media texts for different purposes and audiences.
- Reflect on communication strategies and use feedback to improve reading, writing and oral communication.
Course Units
The following reflects the school’s planned organization of the course. Approximate time allocations may be adjusted while all curriculum expectations and required planned learning are maintained.
| Unit | Title / Major Learning Focus | Approx. Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Short Story | 21 hours |
| 2 | Poetry and Writing Analysis | 25 hours |
| 3 | The Novel: The Great Gatsby | 28 hours |
| 4 | The Drama: William Shakespeare's Hamlet | 28 hours |
| Culminating | Course Culminating Assignment: Creating a Game | 6 hours |
| Final | Mandatory Written Final Examination | 2 hours |
Assessment
Assessment uses evidence gathered over time from student work, conversations and observations. The final grade for 2026–2027 is determined as follows:
| Component | Weight | How It Is Determined |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework throughout the course | 65% | Includes the course culminating assignment and other evaluation evidence gathered throughout the course. |
| Mandatory written final examination | 25% | Mandatory Grade 12 English written final examination during the designated final-evaluation period. |
| Attendance and participation | 10% | Based on meaningful attendance and participation; excused absences do not negatively affect this component. |
Examples of Assessment Evidence
Evidence may include close-reading responses, literary essays, research tasks, poetry and prose analysis, seminars, oral presentations, debates, media work, polished writing, the course culminating assignment and the mandatory written final examination.
Pathways
Students connect advanced communication, critical literacy, research, analysis, editing, presentation and digital-media skills to university, college, workplace and career pathways such as journalism, communications, law, education, publishing, media, public relations, business and research.
ENG4U is the compulsory Grade 12 university preparation English course and meets admission requirements for most Ontario university programs.
Teacher Support
- Students learn through the school's secure online learning environment and receive ongoing support from qualified teachers.
- Teacher-supported conferencing, tutorials and scheduled live support are available as appropriate.
- Teachers model critical literacy, annotation, interpretation, synthesis, argumentation and academic research strategies.
- Writing workshops support planning, drafting, peer review, teacher conferencing, revision, editing and publication.
- Students receive guidance with close reading, literary analysis, seminars, oral presentations, debates and media creation.
- Differentiated supports, text or topic choice where appropriate, scaffolding and descriptive feedback support sustained independent work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the course code?
ENG4U — English, Grade 12, University Preparation.
What is the prerequisite?
English, Grade 11, University Preparation (ENG3U).
How many credits is ENG4U?
The course is worth 1.0 Ontario secondary school credit.
Which major literary works are planned?
The planned course includes The Great Gatsby and William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, along with short stories, poetry, informational, graphic and media texts.
How is the final grade calculated?
65% coursework (including the culminating assignment), 25% mandatory written final examination, and 10% attendance and participation.
Is there a culminating assignment?
Yes. A course culminating assignment titled Creating a Game is completed within the 65% coursework component.
What does ENG4U prepare students for?
University, college, the workplace and careers requiring advanced literacy, research, analysis and communication.
Ready to Take This Course?
$549 / Credit
- Provided by CSW — Canadian School of the World
- Ontario Ministry of Education registered
- Delivered fully online
Need Help Deciding?
Not sure if this is the right course? Book a free 30-minute meeting with a CSW advisor.
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