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English Language Arts Courses

English 7 – In-Depth Overview

1. Reading Comprehension & Literary Analysis
Students in English 7 read a mix of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama. They learn to:

  • Identify key literary elements such as character development, conflict, theme, and point of view.

  • Analyze how setting and plot influence character behavior and development.

  • Read nonfiction texts (articles, essays, speeches) to evaluate the author’s claims, reasoning, and use of evidence.

  • Make inferences and support them with direct textual evidence.

  • Begin comparing texts across genres and mediums (e.g., book vs. film).

2. Writing Development
Seventh-grade students refine their writing in three major genres:

  • Argumentative writing: Present clear claims, acknowledge counterclaims, and support reasoning with textual evidence.

  • Informative/explanatory writing: Organize ideas logically, use domain-specific vocabulary, and explain complex ideas clearly.

  • Narrative writing: Develop real or imagined experiences using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and a clear structure.
    Students also engage in the writing process: brainstorming, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing.

3. Language and Conventions
Students build fluency in the conventions of standard English:

  • Use correct grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure, including varied sentence types.

  • Develop a broader academic vocabulary, using context clues, word parts (prefixes/suffixes), and dictionaries.

  • Learn the function of phrases and clauses in sentences and how to improve clarity and coherence in writing.

4. Speaking and Listening Skills
Oral communication is emphasized through:

  • Structured academic discussions, where students listen actively, build on others’ ideas, and express their own clearly.

  • Oral presentations using appropriate volume, pacing, and visuals.

  • Evaluating speakers’ arguments and identifying whether evidence supports their claims.

English 8 – In-Depth Overview

1. Reading & Critical Text Analysis
Eighth-grade students deepen their analysis and tackle more complex texts. They:

  • Analyze how themes develop over the course of a text and how specific dialogue or incidents propel the action or reveal aspects of characters.

  • Study author’s craft, including use of irony, symbolism, and figurative language.

  • Evaluate nonfiction for argument structure, assessing the relevance and sufficiency of evidence.

  • Compare texts on similar themes or topics, including literature and informational texts, across different cultures and time periods.

2. Writing Proficiency
Writing expectations become more rigorous and academic:

  • Argumentative writing includes clear claims, logical organization, acknowledgment of opposing viewpoints, and strong, relevant evidence.

  • Expository writing requires well-developed ideas, transitions, and analysis of information or concepts.

  • Narrative writing incorporates rich sensory language, dialogue, pacing, and character development.
    Students are expected to revise their writing independently and with peer feedback, enhancing clarity, cohesion, and style.

3. Language and Word Knowledge
Students improve command of standard English and enrich their vocabulary by:

  • Applying grammar in context, especially with complex sentence structures, verb moods, and proper punctuation.

  • Learning word meanings through Greek/Latin roots, affixes, and word relationships (synonyms, antonyms, analogies).

  • Using language deliberately to convey tone, style, and meaning in both writing and speech.

4. Speaking and Listening for Academic Engagement
Students practice sophisticated communication by:

  • Leading and participating in collaborative discussions, using textual evidence to support opinions and analysis.

  • Delivering multi-modal presentations, integrating visual aids, audio, and digital media effectively.

  • Critically evaluating a speaker’s point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence.

  • Practicing formal and informal speaking in a range of settings, including Socratic seminars, debates, and group projects.

Summary of Progression:

  • English 7 lays the foundation for analytical thinking, organized writing, and structured discussion.

  • English 8 strengthens students’ abilities to engage with complex texts, argue effectively in writing, and communicate with clarity and confidence.