English

English — Grade 8

American Curriculum · Ages 13-14

Eighth grade is the bridge into high school English. Students analyze how dialogue and incidents propel action, evaluate the soundness of an argument and spot irrelevant evidence, analyze how differences in character knowledge create suspense or humor, and compare a modern work with the older text it draws on.

Writing requires a formal style with clear transitions, and research projects assess whether a source's reasoning is valid. Grammar covers verbals, active and passive voice, verb mood and consistent tense across a piece.

Key topics covered

• Analyzing Literature — How dialogue and incidents shape action, character and decisions.
• Evaluating Arguments — Judging soundness of reasoning and identifying irrelevant evidence.
• Comparing & Contrasting Texts — Modern works and the traditional texts and themes they draw on.
• Argument & Explanatory Writing — Formal style, clear transitions, and well-supported claims.
• Research — Multiple sources, credibility, validity of reasoning and citation.
• Vocabulary — Roots, connotation, verbal irony, puns and academic vocabulary.
• Grammar & Conventions — Verbals, active and passive voice, verb mood and tense consistency.