The English curriculum is designed to improve reading, writing, listening, speaking, and thinking skills for students of all abilities. All students are required to earn four credits in English to graduate. Throughout the curriculum students are introduced to a variety of literature, including novels, short stories, plays, poems, and non-fiction. They are expected to do an extensive amount of writing, including both creative and analytical essays. Each year every student must complete a significant research paper incorporating a variety of sources and adhering to the format of the Framingham High School Research Guide, which is based on the Modern Language Association guidelines. All student writing is kept on file in the classroom for the duration of the year so that students can monitor their own progress. Class discussions and cooperative learning are major components of English classes, and all students are expected to participate fully. A variety of elective courses are offered for those students who wish to go beyond the standard departmental requirements or who are interested in exploring specific areas of literature or writing.