Basic Elements of Mrs. Rose's 8th Grade English Program

Grammar:

1. Review of punctuation (commas, apostrophes, capitalization, semi-colons, etc.)
2. Sentence combining (emphasis on the use of dependent clauses and phrases)
3. Introduction to parallel construction
4. Elimination of sentence fragments
5. Elimination of run-on sentences

Literature:

1. Elements of the novel:
   plot structure, setting, character development, point of view
2. Literary terms:
   irony, conflict, theme, paradox, symbolism
3. Metaphor in prose and poetry
4. Concrete vs. Abstract
5. Literal vs. Figurative Language
6. Analysis of literature (basic techniques)
7. Discussion skills

Writing:

1. Introduction and implementation of The Writing Process
2. Organization of points
3. Use of details
4. Use of evidence to support opinion
5. Expansion of vocabulary
6. Word choice (appropriateness , specificity)
7. Transition between and within paragraphs
8. Various types of writing:
   * Descriptive paragraphs
   * Essays (in-class and take home)
   * Poetry
   * Short story
   * Research paper

Texts:

Ye Gods by Helen Britt; The Odyssey by Homer; To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee; Night by Eli Wiesel; Macbeth by William Shakespeare; Vocabulary Workshop, Level E; The English Workshop, Fourth Course;and selected poetry, short stories, and videos. Students are required to read two selections from a summer reading list before the beginning of the new school year and are encouraged to read at least one outside reading books per trimester.

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