English+8

Welcome to English 8! English 8 continues to form a solid foundation for the Secondary English Integrated Language Arts Program. Holistic instruction in reading, writing, listening, speaking, and research skills is delivered on a broader and deeper level. Understanding fiction and nonfiction, components within/between texts, literary devices, and organizational concepts within texts assist in both understanding literature and developing reading skills. Students focus on various types of literature such as short story, novel, poetry, and nonfiction. Students use reader response journals, double entry journals, etc. as guides to understand and make personal connections with literature.

Students learn the five domains of good writing (focus, content, organization, style, and conventions) by producing works in the informative and persuasive modes. Process writing (prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing) and writing assessment blend with instruction of grammar and reading throughout the English curriculum. Students also begin the process of research as they compose a paper using MLA style.

Speaking and listening skills are developed through oral presentations as well as other activities. Throughout the curriculum, technology is incorporated in applicable areas. (Wilkes-Barre Area Curriculum Guide, page 22)