English 8 Course Details
Teacher
Patsy McCarter
Prerequisite
It is recommended that students complete Grade 7.
Description
English 8 consists of three modules: two compulsory module (1 & 5) and a module selected from a choice of two modules (2, 3, or 4). Each module has five sections and a module test. The modules are thematic and focus on both fiction (short stories, novels, plays, poetry) and non-fiction (essays, articles, editorials, journals). Improving writing skills is one of the main goals; grammar workshops are included throughout the modules.
Module choices must be made at registration.
Please see selection sheet to make your module choice.
Use of an audio tape recorder is required for Modules 2 and 4, as well as for speaking activities in other modules.
Use of a video tape recorder or DVD player is recommended for Module 5 to view two videos. Alternative activities are included for those who are not able to view the videos.
Module 1: Choices
Module 2: In Character
Module 3: Possible Worlds
Module 4: Adventures
Module 5: Media Messages
Type
Credit
0
Delivery
Student-paced
Students can correspond in writing with the course marker through the submission sheets with each assignment.
Students will communicate with the teacher/advisor to get any needed support.
Summary
3 print modules (15 send-in assignments)
3 module tests, 1.5 hours each
Evaluation
40% Coursework
60% Tests
Support
Limited tutorial support by appointment at SIDES
Materials
Language to Go
In Context - Anthology Two
Responses - Non-fiction in Context Two
Language Arts Survival Guide
The Snow Goose
The Outsiders
Poetry Alive - Transitions
PlayMaking (Magazine)
PlayMaking (Anthology)
Plays from 3-D English: Scripts for Language Arts-Book 1
Futures
The Keeper of the Isis Light
Treasure Island
Heroic Adventures
Audio - Heroic Adventures
Media Mix (Anthology)
Media and Communications (Anthology)
Media and Communications (Magazine)
Video - Invisible Persuaders
Video - Don't be a TV Victim
Requirements
None
More Info
Module 1: Choices
- Section 1: Elements of writing-identify and make choices in relation to purpose, audience, points of view, style, and word usage; strategies for generating ideas; parts of speech; short story study
- Section 2: Story elements-study of character, setting, plot, mood, point of view; contrast/compare paragraphs; practise writing paragraphs; projects involve Response Journal entries to explore topics and ideas from readings and to organize own thoughts
- Section 3: In-depth character study; look at sentence structures; poetry imagery, free and traditional verse; create a poem
- Section 4: More poetry study-figurative language, reflection, character and allusion, sounds; write more poems; review
- Section 5: Novel: The Snow Goose or The Outsiders---choose which novel to read; keep a reading journal; keep track of new words; choose from a variety of activities and projects to complete the novel study
- Module 1 test covers the work of Module 1
Module 2: In Character
- Section 1: Study forms of drama; write a narrative and a descriptive paragraph; develop and practise scene-writing skills; learn about script format and how to design a set; use dialogue to write a first scene in a script
- Section 2: Study about and write a monologue; explore vocal techniques; study action verbs; record own monologue on audio or video tape
- Section 3: Further study of drama types; write a teleplay script; more study on verbs
- Section 4: Study dreams to make stories; build on play and scene-writing skills, more study on verbs; study of conflict and resolution
- Section 5: Prepare a complete one-act play with three or more scenes; study radio plays; review play structure
- Module 2 test covers the work of Module 2
Module 3: Possible Worlds
- Section 1: Use similes and metaphors to write predictions about future trends; study poetry, science fiction, punctuation; write a virtual reality program; practise writing in second person
- Section 2: Novel: The Keeper of the Isis Light-focus on character development; study more punctuation; practise writing in first person; compose an ad
- Section 3: Novel: The Keeper of the Isis Light-focus on character interaction and themes; write a book review
- Section 4: Conduct a personal interview using closed and open-ended questions; write a personal letter or spoof; explore technology uses; oral presentation tips and audio activity
- Section 5: Prepare and write a research report using one visual aid
- Module 3 test covers the work of Module 3
Module 4: Adventures
- Section 1: Study storytelling history and techniques; record a story and an interview using closed and open-ended questions; write a tape script
- Section 2: Study and write a narrative poem; script a poem for a choral reading; prepare an outline for a video; study punctuation
- Section 3: Novel: 'Treasure Island'-focus on writing style, character, irony; study more punctuation; write a book review; make a map based on setting descriptions
- Section 4: Novel: 'Treasure Island'-focus on first-person narratives; write an objective and a subjective response; study verb usage and more punctuation
- Section 5: Novel: 'Treasure Island'-focus on book review; study sentence structure; prepare and write a research report using one visual aid
- Module 4 test covers the work of Module 4
Module 5: Media Messages
- Section 1: Study and compare readings about the positive and negative effects of television; view a video about the hidden influences of TV; learn persuasive techniques; write an editorial
- Section 2: Study and compare the writing style of television and radio; write a tribute and a storyboard or shooting script; study commonly confused words; practise persuasive and descriptive writing
- Section 3: Study the uses of photography messages in media; study and write a newspaper report and a feature article; identify slant; learn spelling strategies and proofreading skills
- Section 4: Study the purpose and use of satire in media; compare the theme of two satirical pieces; write a satirical poem; study interactive media; write a virtual reality proposal
- Section 5: Study and identify persuasive techniques in advertising; write a letter to the editor; create an unusual ad campaign; write a public service message; study use of dictionary and thesaurus; module review
- Module 5 test covers the work of Module 5