In eighth grade, students will build upon the skills they acquired in seventh grade ELA. There is an additional focus on preparing students for high school critical reading analysis as well as developing skills in expository and argumentative writing. Students will read texts including informational articles on a variety of academic topics, as well as fiction and poetry. Students will practice analyzing texts by discussing, writing, and presenting about themes, central ideas, and author’s purpose, to name a few. There will be extensive writing, proofreading and revising of paragraphs and essays. Students will continue to advance their spelling, mechanics, and grammar as they address these skills in the context of their writing. They will further improve test-taking skills as the course covers strategies in gaining confidence and expertise. Finally, ELA 8 includes a community service project (CSP) requirement of 15 hours of verified volunteer work outside of class time. The CSP hours are mandated for promotion.

In addition to all of the skills and requirements in ELA 8, Honors offers more extensive reading and writing with an enhanced and more rigorous curriculum. Students will prepare for high school advanced placement courses. There are more opportunities for critical reading and writing, such as novel reading, research projects, and professional presentations.  Moreover, students will be expected to use formal MLA format in their writing, which will provide a smooth transition into high school advanced placement courses.