BELLE VERNON AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

GENERAL SYLLABUS OUTLINE

**This syllabus is subject to change**

Course Name:

English

Grade:

8

1.)

Course Description:

This general outline is tentative and dependent upon the needs and skill level of the students in any given

school year.  It is subject to change.

v     Grammar

The eight parts of speech and the structure of sentences will be explored and analyzed.

The parts of speech will be analyzed in a logical sequence leading to the examination of

basic sentence parts.  The ways a sentence can be expanded through the use of phrases

and clauses will be studied.  Ways in which sentence errors can be avoided or corrected will

be explored.  A diagramming section will be included to demonstrate the relationship

among various sentence parts.

v     Usage

The principal parts, tenses, and voice of verbs; the case forms of pronouns and

antecedents; the degrees of adjectives and adverbs; and usage pitfalls will be studied to

promote standard usage in writing and speaking.

v     Mechanics

A detailed study and explanation of capitalization, abbreviation, and punctuation will

provide a method of communicating ideas more effectively.

v     Composition

The three stages of the writing process (prewriting, writing a first draft, and revising) will

be the focus on the composition section.  Narrative, informational, and persuasive

paragraphs will be explored and practiced to develop writing skills which will enable the

effective communication of ideas.

v    Speaking

Effective speaking and listening skills will be studied in order to promote effective

communication.

2.)

Learning Standards:

1.4

Types of Writing (narrative, informational, persuasive)

1.5

Quality of Writing

1.6

Speaking and Listening (including discussion and presentation)

1.7

Characteristics and Functions of the English Language

1.8

Research

3.)

Student Objectives:

1.4.8     Types of Writing

v

Write short stories, poems, and plays.

v

Write multi-paragraph informational pieces (e.g., letters, descriptions, reports, instructions,

essays, articles, [and] interviews).

v

Write persuasive pieces.

v

Maintain a written record of activities, course work, experience, honors[,] and interests.

1.5.8     Quality of Writing

v

Write with sharp, distinct focus.

v

Write using well-developed content appropriate for the topic.

v

Write with controlled and/or subtle organization.

v

Write with an understanding of the stylistic aspects of composition.

v

Revise writing after rethinking logic [or] of organization and rechecking central idea, content,

paragraph development, level of detail, style, tone, and word choice.

v

Edit writing using the conventions of language.

v

Present and/or defend written work for publication when appropriate.

1.6.8     Speaking and Listening

v

Listen to others.

v

Listen to selections of literature (fiction and/or nonfiction).

v

Speak using skills appropriate to formal speech situations.

v

Contribute to discussions.

v

Participate in small and large group discussions and presentations.

v

Use media for learning purposes.

1.7.8     Characteristics and Functions of the English Language

v

Describe the origins and meanings of common, learned foreign words used frequently in

English language (e.g., carte blanche, faux pas).

v

Analyze the role and place of standard American English in speech, writing and literature.

v

Identify new words that have been added to the English language over time.

1.8.8     Research

v

Select and refine a topic for research.

v

Locate information using appropriate sources and strategies.

v

Organize, summarize, and present the main ideas from [the] research.

4.)

Course Text:

v  Prentice Hall Grammar and Composition:  Grade 8

v  Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, Fourth Edition, 1990

5.)

Major Units or Themes:  (May Include the following)

v     Dependent on the needs and skill level of the students

v     Grammar

v     Usage

v     Mechanics

v     Composition

v     Speaking and Listening Skills

v     Literature

6.)

Teaching Methods:

May include the following, depending upon the needs and skill level of the students.

v     Cooperative Learning

v     Demonstration

v     Lecture/Discussion

v     Experiential/Inquiry/Learning

v     Use of Multi-Media (When Appropriate)

7.)

Assessment:

Tentative and dependent upon the needs and skill level of the students in any given school year.

v     Essays

v     Tests/Quizzes

v     Daily Homework

v     Oral Presentation

v     Group Discussions

v     Student Projects

v     Research Evaluation