8th Grade Language Arts
Final Exam Study Guide
200 points – Thursday, May 24, 2012
Part I: Grammar Application - 25 questions – 50 points/2 points each; Selected
Response and Matching; Diagramming – 2 questions – 10 points/5 points each
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Adjectives (articles & demonstratives; comparative & superlative)
Adverbs (modifying verbs, adjectives & other adverbs; comparative & superlative)
Prepositions and Prepositional Phrases (Object of the Preposition)
Complex Sentences
Noun Clauses
Participles and Participial Phrases
Gerunds and Gerund Phrases
Infinitives and Infinitive Phrases
Diagramming basic parts of speech and prepositional phrases
Part II: Vocabulary Content and Application
A. Vocabulary Content - 10 questions – 20 points/2 point each; Selected Response
Words to Study:
defiance
peril
somber
sentinel
condemn
consecrate
detract
proposition
conceive
omnipotent
reproach
disgruntled
vibrant
summit
arrogant
loathe
conspicuous
vile
subdued
poised
frenzy
belfry
genocide
tragedy
diversion
enmity
intercession
abyss
obliged
appalled
remorse
futility
horde
delouse
foreboding
suffice
rued
impetuous
apprehension
intuition
stealthily
pandemonium
aggravating
jubilation
unabashed
**The format will be similar to your midterm exam (definitions, synonyms, and
antonyms).
B. Vocabulary Application - 15 questions – 30 points/2 points each; Selected
Response
** See list above.
Part III: Comprehension - 25 questions-50 points/2 points each; Selected Response
A. Literature
**Be able to recall plot details and identify characters from the following short stories
and novels:
1. Parallel Journeys
2. “The Diary of Anne Frank” – pg. 696
3. “The Kid Nobody Could Handle” – pg. 146
4. “The Ransom of Red Chief” – pg. 337
5. “Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind” – pg. 361
7. “Lazy Peter and His Three Cornered Hat” – pg. 371
8. “The Souls in Purgatory” – pg. 399
9. “Spotted Eagle and Black Crow” – pg. 409
10. “Paul Revere’s Ride” – pg.449
11. “Barbara Frietchie” – pg.459
12. The 3 Robert Frost Poems – pg.303-305
B. Literary Elements
**Know the definition of each literary term and be able to identify it in literature:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Theme
Folktale
Act
Climax
Symbol
6. Dialogue
7. Atmosphere
8. Suspense
9. Scene
10. Stage Directions
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
Tall Tale
Plot
Falling Action
Legend
Drama
16.
17.
18.
19.
Historical Fiction
Nonfiction
Lyric Poetry
Foreshadowing
Part IV: Writing – 2 questions - 40 points/ 20 points each
A. Know specifics about Parallel Journeys - (20 points)
 Written in essay format (5 points)
 Use details from the literature to back up opinion (10 points)
 Attention to mechanics, usage and grammar. (5 points)
 Be prepared to compare and write about:
A. Setting and Characters
B. Theme
C. Type of Literature
D. Historical Connection and Significance of Literature
B. Know specifics about the Write Traits - (20 Points)

Be familiar with elements of the Write Traits five point grading
rubric.
Review Sheets and Graphic Organizers will be passed out in class. Students are
expected to make study cards for the vocabulary words and participate in all
classroom review activities.