Language Arts Grade 8 English

EAST LONGMEADOW PUBLIC SCHOOLS
2006 - 2007 DISTRICT CURRICULUM GUIDES

Language Arts - Grade 8 English

Language Arts

The Massachusetts English Language Arts Curriculum Framework is designed to guide local school district personnel in the development of effective English language arts curricula. Learning in English language arts is recursive. That is, students at every grade level apply similar language skills and concepts as they use increasingly more complex materials. In this way, students build upon and refine their knowledge, gaining sophistication and independence as they grow. Language, Reading and Literature, Composition, and Media are interdependent. Each strand intertwines with and supports the others. Students might at any time read and write, view and discuss, or interpret and perform in order to understand and communicate meaning. Thus, at all grade levels, effective English language arts curriculum units weave together skills and concepts from several strands to support student learning.

Grade 8 English

The Massachusetts English Language Arts Curriculum Framework provides learning standards for students in grade 8.

Genres

This unit includes identifying and comparing key characteristics of literary genres, as designated by a work's subject, theme, style, and time period. Some examples of genres are: science fiction, poetry, drama, British literature, and multicultural literature.

Nonfiction: Purpose/Structure/Elements
The learner will be able to recognize, analyze, and apply knowledge of purpose, structure, and elements of nonfiction or informational materials and provide evidence from the text to support their comprehension.

Strand	Scope	Source
Nonfiction	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 13

Poetry: Graphical Features/Analyze
The learner will be able to analyze the graphical features in poetry.

Strand	Scope	Source
Poetry	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 14.4

Author Intention: Analyze/Purpose
The learner will be able to analyze genre characteristics as forms selected by an author to accomplish a purpose.

Strand	Scope	Source
Author: Intentions	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 10.4

Poetry: Structure/Apply
The learner will be able to apply knowledge of structural elements of poems.

Strand	Scope	Source
Poetry: Sound/Form	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 14

Poetry: Structure/Analyze
The learner will be able to analyze structural elements of poems.

Strand	Scope	Source
Poetry: Sound/Form	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 14, 14.4

Poetry: Theme/Apply
The learner will be able to apply knowledge of theme in a poem.

Strand	Scope	Source
Poetry: Story Elements	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 14

Word Choice: Mood/Analyze
The learner will be able to analyze how an author's word choice suggests mood.

Strand	Scope	Source
Author: Word Choice	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 15.6

Analyze: Characteristics
The learner will be able to analyze key characteristics of a variety of genres.

Strand	Scope	Source
Genre: Analyze	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 10

Elements: Knowledge/Apply
The learner will be able to apply knowledge of poetic elements.

Strand	Scope	Source
Poetry: Elements	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 14

Analyze: Figurative Language
The learner will be able to analyze the use of figurative language within a given poem.

Strand	Scope	Source
Poetry: Analyze Figurative Language	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 14.4

Analyze: Theme
The learner will be able to analyze the theme in a poem.

Strand	Scope	Source
Poetry: Analyze Story Elements	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 14

Language Arts Processes

Language Arts Processes is an integrated Language Arts unit. It addresses multiple processes: reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing, and representing. This unit includes language processes used in real-world, career, and other settings as well as traditional school settings. Language Arts Processes also deals with multiple forms of text: written, oral, and visual.

Oral/Written Text: Scoring Guides
The learner will be able to collaboratively develop and use scoring guides or rubrics to enhance organization and presentation of written and oral projects.

Strand	Scope	Source
Oral/Written/Visual Text: Evaluating	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 25.4

Language Expressions

This unit focuses on language conventions, structure, usage, and language study. It also addresses parts of speech, figures of speech, syntax, paragraph and sentence structure, word agreement, modifiers, and grammar.

Sentence Structure: Apply
The learner will be able to apply grammar and usage by combining, including, reordering, and reducing sentences.

Strand	Scope	Source
Sentence Structure	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 5.21

Expression: Standard English/Grammar
The learner will be able to examine the role of Standard English grammar and usage and identify how its vocabulary has developed and been influenced by other languages.

Strand	Scope	Source
Language Expression	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 5

Pronoun: Referent/Identify
The learner will be able to identify the appropriate pronoun referent.

Strand	Scope	Source
Pronoun	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 5.19

Sentence Structure: Apply/Variety
The learner will be able to apply a variety of sentence structures in his/her writing.

Strand	Scope	Source
Sentence Structure	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 19.23

Sentence Structure: Phrase/Clause
The learner will be able to know the difference between phrases and clauses.

Strand	Scope	Source
Sentence Structure	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 5.16

Conventions: Standard English
The learner will be able to demonstrate appropriate use of Standard English in writing.

Strand	Scope	Source
Language Conventions	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 22

Formal/Informal: Analyze/Role
The learner will be able to analyze the role of Standard English in formal and informal communication.

Strand	Scope	Source
Language Conventions: Formal/Informal	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 6

Compound/Complex: Recognize
The learner will be able to recognize complex sentences.

Strand	Scope	Source
Sentence Structure: Compound/Complex	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 5.18

Preposition: Makeup/Function
The learner will be able to identify the makeup and function of prepositional phrases.

Strand	Scope	Source
Preposition	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 5.17

Language Mechanics

This unit includes comprehending and applying the rules which govern punctuation and capitalization when writing and editing written works.

Mechanics: Use Correct
The learner will be able to write using correct mechanics.

Strand	Scope	Source
Mechanics	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 22.8

Speaking

This unit focuses on techniques and strategies (voice modulation, body language, ordering of ideas, visual aids, etc.) to convey meaning and to present information and opinions to groups. This unit includes: formal and informal communication, debate skills, and verbal/nonverbal communication.

Strategies: Effective/Purpose/Delivery
The learner will be able to use effective strategies for different purposes when delivering oral presentations.

Strand	Scope	Source
Speaking Strategies	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 3.12

Strategies: Questions/Ideas/Information
The learner will be able to ask questions, listen to others' ideas, and contribute his or her own ideas or information in group discussions or interviews as a way of acquiring new knowledge.

Strand	Scope	Source
Speaking Strategies	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 2

Formal: Audience/Purpose/Create/Deliver
The learner will be able to create and deliver formal and informal presentations appropriate to specific audiences and purposes.

Strand	Scope	Source
Communication: Formal	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 3

Discussion:Formal/ Informal/Large/Small
The learner will be able to follow guidelines for formal and informal discussions in large and small groups.

Strand	Scope	Source
Discussion/Conversation	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 1

Evaluating: Scoring Guide/Categories
The learner will be able to develop a scoring guide based on categories given by the teacher to prepare and evaluate his or her presentation.

Strand	Scope	Source
Evaluator	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 3.13

Techniques: Use
The learner will be able to use persuasive techniques while speaking.

Strand	Scope	Source
Persuasion: Techniques	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 3.11

Spelling

This unit includes studying language and word structure knowledge to discern the correct spelling of words. It includes skills related to editing passages for correct spelling by making connections between spelling, meaning, and structure.

Spelling: Write/Correct
The learner will be able to write using correct spelling.

Strand	Scope	Source
Spelling Applications	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 22.8

Study and Research Skills

This unit includes developing organization and research skills needed to find appropriate resources, to judge resources as relevant or not relevant to a given topic, to categorize and synthesize information, to take notes in class, and to study for exams.

Organizing Information: Using
The learner will be able to obtain and use information from a variety of sources for different purposes.

Strand	Scope	Source
Organization	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 24

Dictionary: Entry/Meaning
The learner will be able to identify the meaning of a word based on the dictionary entry.

Strand	Scope	Source
Dictionary	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 4.22

Dictionary: Parts of Speech
The learner will be able to use a dictionary to identify parts of speech.

Strand	Scope	Source
Dictionary	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 4.22

Dictionary: Pronunciation
The learner will be able to discern the correct pronunciation of a word from a dictionary entry.

Strand	Scope	Source
Dictionary	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 4.22

Dictionary: Etymology/Identify
The learner will be able to use a sample dictionary entry to identify the etymology of a word.

Strand	Scope	Source
Dictionary	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 4.22

Sources: Cite
The learner will be able to cite sources of information.

Strand	Scope	Source
Reference	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 24.4

Sources: Document/Avoid Plagiarism
The learner will be able to document sources used in research to avoid plagiarism.

Strand	Scope	Source
Reference	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 24.4

Bibliography: Format/Apply
The learner will be able to apply the use of the correct format in bibliographies.

Strand	Scope	Source
Bibliography	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 24.4

Graphical Formats: Locate Information
The learner will be able to use graphical features to locate information.

Strand	Scope	Source
Graphical Format	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 13.19

Organization: Structure/Use
The learner will be able to use various organizational structures.

Strand	Scope	Source
Organization	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 13.20

Research Project: Independent
The learner will be able to use the research process to conduct a research project independently.

Strand	Scope	Source
Research Project	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 24.4

Research Project: Results/Writing
The learner will be able to present research results in writing.

Strand	Scope	Source
Research Project	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 24.4

Research Project: Information/Synthesize
The learner will be able to synthesize information gathered from interviews and group discussions for reports.

Strand	Scope	Source
Research Project	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 2.4

Organize: Research/Data
The learner will be able to organize materials and data collected through research.

Strand	Scope	Source
Research Skills: Organize	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 24.4

Cite: Sources/Plagiarism
The learner will be able to cite quoted sources to avoid plagiarism.

Strand	Scope	Source
Research Skills: Cite	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 24.4

Cite: Paraphrase/Quote/Distinguish
The learner will be able to distinguish between paraphrasing and direct quotation.

Strand	Scope	Source
Research Skills: Cite	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 24.4

Vocabulary

This unit includes studying and applying knowledge of word structure (bases and affixes), concrete analogies, synonyms, antonyms, and syllables. It also includes applying knowledge of connotation, denotation and words with multiple levels of meaning.

Base Word: Greek/Latin/Recognize
The learner will be able to recognize and use common Greek and Latin prefixes, suffixes, and roots to determine word meaning.

Strand	Scope	Source
Base/Root Word	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 4.21

Vocabulary: Read/Identify/Understand
The learner will be able to read, identify, and understand grade specific vocabulary words.

Strand	Scope	Source
Vocabulary	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 4

Foreign Words: Phrases/Meanings/Explain
The learner will be able to explain meanings of foreign phrases used in the English language.

Strand	Scope	Source
Vocabulary: Foreign	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 5.22

Context: Unfamiliar Words
The learner will be able to use context clues to decide the meaning of unfamiliar words.

Strand	Scope	Source
Context	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 4.20

Word Choice: Variety/Resources
The learner will be able to use a variety of resources to make word choices.

Strand	Scope	Source
Word Choice	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 21.7

Writing: Use/Expand
The learner will be able to use an expanded vocabulary when writing.

Strand	Scope	Source
Vocabulary: Writing	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 4

Writing

This unit focuses on each stage of the writing process: prewriting, writing, revising, and publishing. It includes skills covering a variety of organizational formats and purposes for writing (communicating ideas, opinions, and feelings, clarifying thoughts, and solving problems). Some example writing formats are: expository, narrative, poetry, and drama.

Revise: Improvement/Demonstrate/Content
The learner will be able to show improvement in organization, content, paragraph development, level of detail, style, tone, and word choice after revision.

Strand	Scope	Source
Revising	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 21

Purposes: Variety
The learner will be able to write for a variety of purposes.

Strand	Scope	Source
Writing Purposes	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 20

Audience: Variety
The learner will be able to write for a variety of audiences.

Strand	Scope	Source
Audience	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 20

Character: Create/Describe/Develop
The learner will be able to create, describe, and develop characters when writing a story.

Strand	Scope	Source
Story Elements: Character	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 19.19

Introduction/Conclusion: Cohesive
The learner will be able to write an introduction and conclusion that brings the composition together.

Strand	Scope	Source
Introduction/Conclusion	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 23.10

Drafting: Organize Facts
The learner will be able to organize facts in a composition.

Strand	Scope	Source
Drafting	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 23.10

Essay: Thesis/Clear
The learner will be able to write essays that include a clear thesis.

Strand	Scope	Source
Essay/Composition	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 23.10

Organization: Structure/Coherence
The learner will be able to write with an organizing structure that creates coherence.

Strand	Scope	Source
Organization	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 19

Organization: Purpose/Support
The learner will be able to organize information to support his/her purpose in writing.

Strand	Scope	Source
Organization	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 23

Organization: Compare/Contrast
The learner will be able to use compare and contrast structures to organize writing.

Strand	Scope	Source
Organization	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 23.11

Poetry: Techniques
The learner will be able to apply poetic techniques to writing.

Strand	Scope	Source
Poetry	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 19.20

Poetry: Figurative Language/Apply
The learner will be able to use figurative language when writing poetry.

Strand	Scope	Source
Poetry	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 19.20

Response: Interpretation/Support
The learner will be able to write and support an interpretation of literary, informational, or expository texts that includes a topic sentence, supporting details from the text, and a conclusion.

Strand	Scope	Source
Writing Responses	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 19.22

Paragraph: Multiple
The learner will be able to write papers with multiple paragraphs.

Strand	Scope	Source
Paragraph Content	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 19.23

Story Elements: Setting
The learner will be able to create and describe a setting when writing a story.

Strand	Scope	Source
Story Elements	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 19.19

Story Elements: Dialogue
The learner will be able to compose narratives or short stories with dialogue.

Strand	Scope	Source
Story Elements	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 19.19

Story Elements: Plot/Develop
The learner will be able to write a story with a well-developed plot, including a problem and resolution.

Strand	Scope	Source
Story Elements	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 19.19

Sequence: Chronological/Break Up
The learner will be able to use organizing strategies that break up chronological order.

Strand	Scope	Source
Sequence	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 23.9

Research Paper: Direct Quotation
The learner will be able to write a paper which includes direct quotations.

Strand	Scope	Source
Research Paper	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 19.21

Research: Bibliography/Include
The learner will be able to include a bibliography with his/her research.

Strand	Scope	Source
Research Paper	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 19.21

Edit: Standard English Conventions
The learner will be able to apply knowledge of Standard English language conventions to edit written works.

Strand	Scope	Source
Editing: Language Conventions	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 22

Revise: English Conventions
The learner will be able to apply knowledge of Standard English language conventions to revise written works.

Strand	Scope	Source
Revising: Language Conventions	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 22

Topic: Develop
The learner will be able to develop the topic in his/her writing.

Strand	Scope	Source
Topic	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 19.23

Transition: Composition
The learner will be able to write a composition with effective transitions.

Strand	Scope	Source
Transition	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 23.10

Sentence: Main Idea/Focus
The learner will be able to create sentences focusing clearly on a main idea.

Strand	Scope	Source
Emergent Writing: Sentence	Master	MA: Curriculum Framework, 2001, Grade 8, 19