COURSE TITLE:
English – Grade 8
PREREQUISITE:
N/A
DESCRIPTION:
The Grade 8 English curriculum is an integrated program of reading and
writing skills, activities, and applications designed to develop clear and
effective written and oral communication, a life-long appreciation of
literature, and those skills necessary to incorporate electronic technology
into the research and writing process. Specific goals include helping
students 1) improve critical thinking skills; 2) develop a literary
background; 3) read challenging literature; 4) learn grammar, usage,
spelling, and mechanics through the writing process; 5) develop skills in
the use of electronic technology; and 6) practice oral communication skills
through individual, small group, and large group learning experiences.
MAIN TOPICS:
The items listed below outline the required topics for this level. All
teachers reinforce the requirements from previous years and, depending on
the needs of individual students, may extend instruction beyond the
required curriculum. Teachers incorporate activities to review and
practice the skills tested on the Grade 8 SOL writing and reading tests.
STRAND
Writing
MAIN EMPHASES
Review grammar and mechanics as necessary. Edit for correct
spelling, capitalization, and punctuation. Use the writing process and
a variety of writing experiences to create style, tone, sentence variety,
organization, unity, elaboration. Write to a specific purpose, including
writing for the work place; use descriptive, narrative, and expository
styles; select appropriate vocabulary
Probe, narrow research topics; avoid plagiarism; practice note-taking
skills; paraphrase; explore and utilize print and non-print references;
practice Internet safety; create a works cited page; generate research
reports
Survey/analyze a variety of genres of literature including biography,
poetry, novel, short story, and Greek mythology. Study literary
elements, poetic devices, persuasive, and expository essays
Develop oral communication skills through performances,
presentations, reports, readers’ theater, drama, and various other
formal and informal oral activities. Explore mass media messages,
persuasive techniques in mass media, intent, and factual content.
Incorporate interview techniques, note taking, and use of electronic
databases into written and oral presentations.
Continue exploration of Latin and Greek word elements including
prefixes, suffixes, and roots. Participate in word study through
literature.
Research
Literature/Reading
Oral Language
Vocabulary
CREDIT INFO:
N/A
COURSE TITLE:
Honors English – Grade 8
PREREQUISITE:
N/A
DESCRIPTION:
The Grade 8 Honors English curriculum is an extension of the academic
program. Instruction at the honors level emphasizes the appreciation and
analysis of challenging literature; refined, articulate, and astute communications;
and activities requiring high levels of critical and creative thinking.
The Grade 8 Honors English curriculum is an integrated program of reading and
writing skills, activities, and applications designed to develop clear and effective
written and oral communication, a life-long appreciation of literature, and those
skills necessary to incorporate electronic technology into the research and writing
process. Specific goals include helping students 1) improve critical thinking
skills; 2) develop a literary background; 3) read challenging literature; 4) learn
grammar, usage, spelling and mechanics through the writing process, 5) develop
skills in the use of electronic technology; and 6) develop oral communication
skills through individual, small group, and large group learning experiences.
MAIN TOPICS:
The items listed below outline the required topics for this level. All teachers
reinforce the requirements from previous years and, depending on the needs of
individual students, may extend instruction beyond the required curriculum.
Teachers incorporate activities to review and practice the skills tested on the
Grade 8 SOL writing and reading tests.
STRAND
Writing
Research
Literature/Reading
Oral Language
Vocabulary
CREDIT INFO:
MAIN EMPHASES
Review grammar and mechanics as necessary. Edit for correct
spelling, capitalization and punctuation. Use the writing process and a
variety of writing experiences to create style, tone, sentence variety,
organization, unity, elaboration. Write to a specific purpose including
writing for the work place; use descriptive, narrative, and expository
styles; select appropriate vocabulary.
Probe, narrow research topics; avoid plagiarism; practice note-taking
skills; paraphrase; explore and utilize print and non-print references;
practice Internet safety; create a works cited page; generate research
reports
Survey/analyze a variety of genres of literature including biography,
poetry, novel, short story; study literary elements, poetic devices,
persuasive, and expository essays
Demonstrate oral communication skills through performances,
presentations, reports, readers’ theater, drama, and various other
formal and informal oral activities. Explore mass media messages,
persuasive techniques in mass media, intent, and factual content.
Incorporate interview techniques, note taking, and use of electronic
databases into written and oral presentations.
Continue exploration of Latin and Greek word elements including
prefixes, suffixes, and roots. Participate in word study through
literature.
N/A