Grade 8 English - Syllabus
Jenny Estrella
I. Course Purpose and Content
Students read and analyze a variety of literary genres for the purpose of identifying and
understanding the elements of each genre as well as to discuss how these texts represent the
human condition. Please note that both classic and modern texts are carefully selected to
create an awareness of global and social issues through time. Writing projects are assigned to
develop critical thinking, analysis skills, and the mechanics of writing. Vocabulary studies and a
review of grammar will also be included.
II. Methods of Assessment
Literature: Each genre studied (novel, short story, poetry, non-fiction, drama) will have one
significant writing assignment along with shorter writing exercises throughout the unit.
Concepts will also be tested in mid-quarter tests, quarter tests and semester exams.
Writing: In addition to literary analysis, students will practice expository, descriptive,
persuasive, and narrative writing in both long and shorter pieces, in class practices, and in their
journals.
Grammar: Mid-quarter tests, End of Quarter tests, and semester exams will measure students’
mastery of grammar.
Vocabulary: Students will be tested for mastery of vocabulary every day as they will need to
include their acquired vocabulary in writing assignments and oral communication. In addition,
they will have vocabulary specific quizzes periodically, about five times each quarter.
Mid-quarter and End of the quarter tests: these are summative in-class assessments lasting 3040 minutes each.
Semester Final: A comprehensive final exam, one-and-a-half to two hours in length, will be
given at the end of each semester.
III. GRADE ALLOTMENT PER QUARTER: All ISS grades are calculated in the same way – 10%
participation, 10% homework, 40% class work, 40% tests and exams. I have included a more
detailed break up so parents and students can weigh the importance of each component of the
course.
Participation, class preparation and attitude:
10%
Homework:
10%
Projects and class work:
Written assignments –
25%
Tests:
Journal/Notebook –
Reading component–
Spelling Tests –
5%
10%
10%
Quizzes/Exams-
30%
(Please note that the final grade of the class will be calculated as follows: 80% of the grade will
be the average of all four quarters; the remaining 20% comes from two semester exams.)
In order to receive your full percentage scores you will need to fulfill the following
requirements:
 Participation, class preparation and attitude:
- Come to class with everything you need for the day’s lesson. ALWAYS have your copy of the
assigned reading or your AR book and your binder, notebook, plus a pen, pencil, paper, and
eraser. You will be invited to leave your three ring binder and your notebook in the
classroom as you will need it to store handouts.
- Participate, show a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn.
- Be respectful of both the teacher and your peers; be attentive to both the teacher and your
peers when they are presenting or speaking.

-
Homework:
Hand in your homework on time. Make sure that it is neat and legible. Demonstrate that
you have put some thought and effort into it.
 Reading component:
- Fulfill 100% of your reading goal.

-

-
Written assignments:
For first drafts, make sure that your work is neat, clean and legible.
Whether handwritten or typewritten, ensure that it is the indicated length, that it answers
or develops the questions and/or topics specified, that it follows the instructions of spacing
and presentation laid out by your teacher.
Demonstrate that you have put some thought and effort into your work.
Incorporate the vocabulary, grammar, and concepts learned in class.
Hand in the finished piece on time.
Journal:
Complete all entries. Date them.
Put some thought into each entry and make sure you answer the questions or topics
specified.
Take some care with the presentation of each entry --- ensure your writing is neat and
legible. Make sure you have the correct length.
An explanation of the tests and quizzes:


Spelling quizzes: Every second week you will receive a list of 16-20 words. The words will
come from the readings done in class and/or from a list of words that are problematic to
students. You will be working with these words during three days and must know their
spelling and definition as well as how to use them in a sentence. Every fourth or fifth class
you will have a spelling test that will check your familiarity with these words; the test
format is spelling and definition of five words and spelling and use of the word in context of
another five words.
Tests/exams: you will have one-two tests per quarter. In these, you will demonstrate an
understanding of skills in reading, grammar, and literary concepts which have been taught
during the quarter. At the end of quarters 1 and 3, you will have a cumulative exam of all
the material from the quarter. At the end of quarters 2 and 4, you will have semester
exams.