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📚 8th Grade ELA – Week 4 Vocabulary Homework

SAVVAS ELA

Vocabulary Words: Theme, Tone, Mood, Symbolism, Figurative Language

Directions: You have already learned the definitions of this week's vocabulary words. This week, you will analyze how authors use literary elements to create meaning.

🎭 MONDAY – Tone Detective

Read each sentence.

Sentence 1

"The little girl skipped through the garden, laughing as butterflies floated around her."

Tone: __________________

Mood: __________________

Evidence: ______________________________________

Sentence 2

"The hallway was empty. A single light flickered above the door as footsteps echoed in the distance."

Tone: __________________

Mood: __________________

Evidence: ______________________________________

Sentence 3

"He stared at the broken trophy, remembering how hard he had worked to win it."

Tone: __________________

Mood: __________________

Evidence: ______________________________________

Challenge:

Explain the difference between tone and mood in your own words.

Write 4–5 sentences.

🎨 TUESDAY – Figurative Language Analysis

Identify the type of figurative language in each sentence.

Choose from:

Simile | Metaphor | Personification | Hyperbole

1. "The wind whispered through the trees."
   Type: __________________

2. "Her smile was as bright as the sun."
   Type: __________________

3. "I have told you a million times to clean your room."
   Type: __________________

4. "The classroom was a zoo."
   Type: __________________

Analysis:

Choose one example and explain:

What does the figurative language mean, and why is it more effective than saying the idea directly?

🔮 WEDNESDAY – Symbolism Investigation

Think of a symbol used in a story, movie, song, or poem.

Complete:

Symbol: __________________________________

What does it literally represent?

What does it symbolize?

What idea, emotion, or theme does it connect to?

Evidence: What makes you believe the symbol has this meaning?

Challenge:

Explain how the symbol would affect the story if it were removed.

Write 5–7 sentences.

🎬 THURSDAY – Theme & Evidence

Choose a story, chapter, movie, or poem.

Title: __________________________________

Possible Theme:

Evidence #1:

Evidence #2:

Evidence #3:

Now explain:

How do the events of the story develop the theme?

Write 6–8 complete sentences.

Important: Do not simply state the theme. Explain how the author develops it.

🧠 FRIDAY – Literary Analysis Challenge

Read the short passage:

The Last Seat

Jordan entered the crowded auditorium and looked around. Every seat seemed to be taken except one in the front row. He hesitated. Sitting there would mean being alone while everyone else sat with their friends. For a moment, Jordan considered leaving. Then he remembered his grandmother's advice: "Sometimes courage means doing something uncomfortable because you know it is right." Jordan walked to the empty seat and sat down.

Answer:

1. What is the tone of the passage?

2. What mood does the passage create for the reader?

3. What is a possible theme?

4. What does the empty seat symbolize?

5. Identify one example of figurative language.

🔥 Final Analysis

How do the tone, mood, symbolism, and theme work together to develop the author's message?

Write 8–10 complete sentences and use at least three vocabulary words in your response.

Grade 8 – Week 3 Vocabulary Homework: AUGUST 24-28

Words: theme, tone, mood, symbolism, figurative language

Monday – Identify It

Students read five short examples and identify which vocabulary word is being demonstrated.

Example:

The author describes the dark, empty house as silent and frightening.

Answer: Mood

Tuesday – Change the Mood

Students take the same basic sentence and rewrite it three different ways.

Original:
The boy walked into the room.

Rewrite it to create:

1. A happy mood

2. A scary mood

3. A mysterious mood

Wednesday – Symbolism Hunt

Students find three symbols in a book, movie, television show, or song.

For each:

Symbol:
What it represents:
Why the author/creator may have chosen it:

Thursday – Figurative Language Challenge

Students create:

• 1 simile

• 1 metaphor

• 1 example of personification

• 1 example of hyperbole

Then illustrate one of their examples.

Friday – Literary Analysis Challenge

Choose a story, poem, movie, or chapter.

Answer:

1. What is the theme?

2. What is the tone?

3. What is the mood?

4. What is one example of symbolism?

5. What is one example of figurative language?

Final Challenge: Explain how two of these elements work together in 3–5 sentences.

Grade 8 ELA – Week 2 Vocabulary Homework: August 17-21

Monday

Words: connotation, objective, subjective, evaluate, credibility

1. Write each word and its definition.

2. Identify the word's root or affix.

3. Write a sentence using the word correctly.

Tuesday

1. Find one synonym and one antonym for each word.

2. Write two examples and two non-examples.

Wednesday

Vocabulary Application Activity

Read a short passage and answer the following questions:

• Which words have positive connotations?

• Which statements are objective?

• Which statements are subjective?

Thursday

Read independently for 20 minutes.

Write:

• Two examples of credible evidence.

• One objective statement.

• One subjective statement.

Friday

Vocabulary Quiz

• Matching

• Fill in the blank

• Short response

Writing Prompt: Explain why credibility is important when evaluating information.