8th graders learn to analyze and evaluate arguments by identifying claims, reasons, and evidence, judging relevance and credibility, and quoting or paraphrasing accurately to write clear, evidence-based evaluations of texts and speeches.

8th graders learn to craft strong argumentative claims, match reasons with credible evidence, and organize logically with clear cohesion and audience awareness while practicing effective discussion and collaboration to refine ideas.

8th graders explore Greek and Latin roots, prefixes, and suffixes to decode meaning, use context clues effectively, and analyze figurative language, connotation, and nuance while expanding academic and domain-specific vocabulary.

8th graders learn to craft clear, focused theses, organize ideas logically, and develop explanations with facts, definitions, and examples while mastering transitions, domain vocabulary, and formal writing style in this informative writing unit.

Grade 8 ELA unit: students learn to determine central ideas in informational texts, write concise and objective summaries, and paraphrase key ideas from audio or video sources. Emphasis on citing precise evidence, avoiding opinion, and clearly tracking how ideas develop across sections.

Grade 8 ELA unit: students analyze how headings, graphics, and hyperlinks shape understanding and structure in informational texts. They compare print and multimedia sources, citing precise evidence to evaluate how each format impacts clarity, emphasis, and overall comprehension.

Grade 8 ELA unit: students analyze how narrator perspective shapes content, style, and meaning. They compare first-person and third-person points of view, examine irony and reliability, and practice rewriting scenes for precision, concision, and tone that match each narrative perspective.

Grade 8 ELA unit: students write personal narratives that orient readers, build purposeful pacing, and reflect on meaning. They craft vivid scenes with dialogue and description, use punctuation for effect, and conclude with insight that gives closure and emotional resonance.

Grade 8 ELA unit: students analyze how plot events and dialogue propel action, reveal character, and build tension. They examine how word choice shapes tone and how structure—pacing, flashback, and order—affects meaning, crafting clear, text-based literary analysis.

Grade 8 ELA unit: students strengthen evidence-based reading and discussion skills by asking text-dependent questions, citing precise evidence, and inferring themes. They analyze how authors develop central ideas and craft clear, text-supported written and spoken responses.

Grade 8 ELA unit: students build classroom routines for reading, writing, and discussion. They practice close reading, grammar, and workshop expectations while setting goals for stamina, clarity, and collaboration—laying the foundation for a year of strong literacy growth.