[ELA] English/Language Arts 8 Semester B (2 of 2): Extended Campus (SM)

In this course, you will build off what you learned in ENG 8A. As with that course, you will read and analyze both literary and informational texts. These texts come from a number of genres and from a number of sources, including short stories, novels, poems, Internet articles, and political speeches. The course’s reading selections demonstrate ways to understand explicit and implicit information, theme, central idea, and figurative language, among other ideas and concepts. You will read parts of the novels Fahrenheit 451, Hatchet, and Black Beauty, as well as short stories such as “How the World Was Saved,” “Harrison Bergeron,” and “All Summer in a Day.” You will examine informational texts to better your understanding of global warming and its effect on Earth, the role the fast-food industry plays in our lives, the widespread presence of corn in the food we eat, and the ways sleep affects the ability of students to learn, among other topics. Numerous infographics and videos help build on the instruction.

As you read the selections in this course, you will practice ways to use supporting evidence, identify central ideas, make inferences, analyze word choice, and identify figurative and connotative language in both literary and informational texts. In addition, you will learn about basics in grammar, usage, and punctuation, including phrases, clauses, sentence structures, verbals, mood, and active and passive voice. You will also review context clues to determine word meaning, and you will learn various vocabulary words and more about Greek and Latin prefixes, suffixes, and roots.

In addition, you will learn the elements of informational and argument writing so that you can plan, create, write, revise, and edit your own informational and argument essays. Through the lessons provided in this course, you will master techniques that help you achieve a deeper appreciation of literary and informational texts.