In English 8, the class is broken down into Units which typically completed within a quarter. Here is each quarter and a description of what we do.

Quarter 1: Literature Standards (using the novel, the Outsiders)

• • During this quarter, students will learn the standards and we will be using the novel, The Outsiders to practice the standards. We also will be using short stories in addition to the novel.

Quarter 2: Literary Terms

• • During this quarter, students will review the definitions and examples of literary terms. We will create mini-projects using technology. We will also use this quarter for writing a 6-paragraph persuasive essay.

Quarter 3: Informational Text Standards (using the novels: Anne Frank, Boy on the Wooden Box, or I Have Lived a Thousand Years)

• • During this quarter, students will learn the standards and we will be using the novels, Diary of Anne Frank, Boy on the Wooden Box, and I Have Lived A Thousand Years. The class will be split into two groups during this quarter for the novel. We will also be reading various non-fiction articles along with the novels.

Quarter 4: Literary Groups

• • During this quarter, students will be in a group reading a novel together and reviewing the literature standards. We will also use this quarter for test prep for the MCAs.

Literature

8.4.1.1.- I can cite the textual evidence that most strongly supports an analysis of what the text say as well as inferences drawn from the text.

8.4.2.2.- I can determine a theme of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to the characters, setting, and plot

8.4.3.3.- I can analyze how particular lines of dialogue or incidents in a story or drama propel the action, reveal aspects of a character, or provoke a decision.

8.4.4.4.- I can determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings (literary terms).

8.4.6.6.- I can analyze how differences in the points of view of the characters and the audience or reader (e.g., created through the use of dramatic irony) create such effects as suspense or humor.

Informational Text

8.5.1.1.- I can cite the textual evidence that most strongly supports an analysis of what the text says as well as inferences drawn from the text.

8.5.2.2.- I can determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

8.5.3.3.- I can analyze how a text makes connections among and distinctions between individuals, ideas, or events.

8.5.5.5.- I can analyze in detail the structure of a specific paragraph in a text, including the role of particular sentences in developing and refining a key concept.

8.5.6.6.- I can determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how the author acknowledges and responds to conflicting evidence or viewpoints.

Writing

8.7.1.1.- I can write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.

8.7.4.4.- I can produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.

8.7.5.5.- I can use a writing process to develop & strengthen writing.

8.7.6.6.- I can use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and present the relationships between information and ideas efficiently as well as to interact and collaborate with others.