Our Curriculum › Writing & Grammar › 8th Grade
Writing 8
A year of 8th-grade writing that pairs arguments aimed at a specific audience with analytical, research, personal and creative pieces. Grammar covers verbals, voice, mood and agreement, and the last quarter is mostly review.
180 lessons
One a day for a school year
10 units
Each opens to its lessons
Personal essay & satire
Plus a dystopian story and a poem
Standards
Common Core Grade 8 writing & language
What's taught, unit by unit
Audience-aware arguments, informative essay & grammarDays 1–20
Guessing a reader's concerns and answering them in an argument, then an informative essay on a complex topic with formatting and precise language. Grammar: gerunds, participles, infinitives, active and passive voice, mood, agreement, concise wording.
- 1 · Welcome to Writing 8: Anticipating Audience Concerns
- 2 · Identifying Your Audience's Likely Concerns
- 3 · Writing to Address Audience Concerns Directly
- 4 · Organizing an Argument with Audience in Mind
- 6 · Using Gerunds and Participles
- 7 · Using Infinitives
- 8 · Using Active and Passive Voice Purposefully
- 9 · Using Verb Mood
- 11 · Writing an Informative Essay: Introducing a Complex Topic
- 12 · Organizing Information with Formatting
- 13 · Using Precise Language for Complex Topics
- 14 · Writing a Formal Conclusion That Supports the Topic
- 16 · Using Subject-Verb Agreement with Intervening Phrases
- 17 · Using Subject-Verb Agreement with Collective Nouns
- 18 · Revising for Concise Language
- 19 · Final Editing: Grammar Check
Plus 4 review days, not listed.
Narrative techniques, argument essay & civic speechDays 21–35
Narrative craft: point of view, suspense, analogies and out-of-order structure. Then an argument essay with a precise claim and a civic speech with rhetorical strategies, audience concerns and a call to action.
- 21 · Writing a Narrative with Multiple POV Techniques
- 22 · Creating Suspense Through Differing Knowledge
- 23 · Using Analogies to Deepen Meaning
- 24 · Using a Non-Chronological Structure
- 26 · Writing an Argument: Precise Claim
- 27 · Anticipating and Addressing Audience Concerns
- 28 · Using Verbals to Add Sophistication
- 29 · Finalizing Your Argument
- 31 · Writing a Speech: Choosing a Civic Topic
- 32 · Using Rhetorical Strategies
- 33 · Anticipating Audience Concerns in Your Speech
- 34 · Writing a Powerful Call to Action
Plus 3 review days, not listed.
Analytical essay, complex characters & research reportDays 36–50
An analytical essay with a precise thesis and textual evidence, a narrative about a complex character with tone and resolution, and a research report with a focused question, source credibility checks and citations.
- 36 · Writing an Analytical Essay: Precise Thesis
- 37 · Selecting Strong Evidence for Analysis
- 38 · Writing Body Paragraphs with Deep Analysis
- 39 · Finalizing Your Analytical Essay
- 41 · Writing a Narrative with a Complex Character
- 42 · Writing Character Interactions That Advance the Plot
- 43 · Choosing Words That Reinforce Your Tone
- 44 · Writing a Satisfying Resolution
- 46 · Writing a Research Report: Formulating a Research Question
- 47 · Evaluating Source Credibility for Research
- 48 · Drafting a Research Report with Citations
- 49 · Finalizing Your Research Report
Plus 3 review days, not listed.
Dystopia, comparison, editorial & technical writingDays 51–70
A dystopian short story (using The Giver and Fahrenheit 451 as models), a comparative analysis of two texts, a persuasive editorial that separates fact from opinion, and technical instructions tested on a real reader.
- 51 · Writing a Dystopian Scene: World-Building
- 52 · Writing a Character's Response to Their World
- 53 · Embedding Real-World Commentary
- 54 · Writing an Ambiguous or Thought-Provoking Ending
- 56 · Writing a Comparative Analysis: Two Texts, Similar Theme
- 57 · Structuring a Point-by-Point Comparison
- 58 · Using Comparative Transitions Effectively
- 59 · Finalizing Your Comparative Analysis
- 61 · Writing a Persuasive Editorial: Choosing Your Claim
- 62 · Addressing Your Audience's Concerns
- 63 · Using Persuasive Techniques Strategically
- 64 · Distinguishing Fact from Opinion in Your Own Writing
- 66 · Writing Technical Instructions
- 67 · Using Domain-Specific Vocabulary Precisely
- 68 · Testing Your Instructions for Clarity
- 69 · Finalizing Your Technical Writing
Plus 4 review days, not listed.
Personal essay, satire & argument revisionDays 71–90
A halfway portfolio, a personal essay with an extended metaphor and a reflective ending, a satirical piece using irony and exaggeration, then argument revision and a reflection on the first semester.
- 71 · Halfway Milestone: Writing Portfolio
- 72 · Writing a Personal Essay: Choosing an Experience
- 73 · Connecting Your Experience to a Universal Truth
- 74 · Developing Your Own Authorial Voice
- 76 · Writing an Extended Metaphor
- 77 · Writing a Reflective Conclusion
- 78 · Peer Reviewing for Voice and Authenticity
- 79 · Finalizing Your Personal Essay
- 81 · Writing a Satirical Piece: Choosing a Target
- 82 · Using Verbal Irony in Your Writing
- 83 · Using Exaggeration for Effect
- 84 · Revealing Your Satirical Purpose
- 86 · Writing an Argument with Anticipated Concerns
- 87 · Using Verbals and Complex Grammar Together
- 88 · Revising for Maximum Persuasive Impact
- 89 · Reflecting on a Semester of Writing 8
Plus 4 review days, not listed.
Poetry, unreliable narrator & resilience storyDays 91–110
A poem with deliberate structure and sound devices, a short story with an unreliable narrator and a twist, a story about overcoming adversity, a piece of social critique through irony, and a semester portfolio.
- 91 · Writing a Poem with Deliberate Structure
- 92 · Using Sound Devices for Emotional Effect
- 93 · Writing with Multiple Layers of Meaning
- 94 · Finalizing Your Poem
- 96 · Writing a Short Story with an Unreliable Narrator
- 97 · Using Foreshadowing Cumulatively
- 98 · Writing a Twist Revealing the Narrator's Unreliability
- 99 · Finalizing Your Unreliable Narrator Story
- 101 · Writing About Overcoming Adversity: Choosing a Story
- 102 · Writing a Mentorship Relationship
- 103 · Showing How Setting Shapes Your Character's Opportunities
- 104 · Writing a Resolution Showing Growth
- 106 · Writing Social Critique Through Irony
- 107 · Building Reader Sympathy for a Complex Character
- 108 · Combining Multiple Craft Techniques
- 109 · Building a Semester Writing Portfolio
Plus 4 review days, not listed.
Mixed review & portfolioDays 111–120
Mixed reviews of narrative, argument, informative writing and grammar, a preview of high school rhetoric, a practice test, and choosing and revising a best piece for a portfolio.
- 111 · Mixed Review: Narrative Writing Skills
- 112 · Mixed Review: Argumentative Writing Skills
- 113 · Mixed Review: Informative and Research Writing Skills
- 114 · Mixed Review: Grammar and Sentence Craft
- 116 · Preparing for High School Writing: Formal Rhetoric Preview
- 117 · Choosing Your Best Piece for a Final Portfolio
- 118 · Revising Your Chosen Piece One More Time
- 119 · Practice Test: Comprehensive Writing Skills
Plus 2 review days, not listed.
Practical writing, goals & a final argument essayDays 121–140
Practical pieces on a financial decision, consumer choices, instructions and preparing for high school, then a letter to a future self with written goals, and a final argument essay with strategic counterargument and tone checks.
- 121 · Writing About a Financial Decision
- 122 · Writing a Persuasive Piece About Consumer Choices
- 123 · Writing Clear Practical Instructions
- 124 · Writing About Preparing for High School
- 126 · Writing a Letter to Your Future Self
- 127 · Setting Written Goals for High School
- 128 · Writing a Reflection on Your Growth as a Writer
- 129 · Finalizing Your Letter and Goals
- 131 · Writing a Central Claim and Supporting Claims
- 132 · Selecting High-Quality Evidence
- 133 · Placing Your Counterargument Strategically
- 134 · Organizing for Maximum Persuasive Impact
- 136 · Drafting Your Full Argument Essay
- 137 · Writing a Powerful Introduction and Conclusion
- 138 · Revising for Tone Consistency
- 139 · Final Editing: Comprehensive Grammar Check
Plus 4 review days, not listed.
Comprehensive review, mastery checks & practice testsDays 141–170
About 30 days of review: mixed review weeks, a final portfolio piece and reflection, mastery checks, practice tests, a two-part final practice test and a look back at favorite pieces. Little new instruction.
- 141 · Comprehensive Mixed Review: Narrative and Poetry Writing
- 142 · Comprehensive Mixed Review: Argumentative Writing
- 143 · Comprehensive Mixed Review: Informative and Practical Writing
- 144 · Comprehensive Mixed Review: Grammar and Sentence Craft
- 146 · Choosing Your Best Piece of the Year: Skill, Polish, and Growth
- 147 · Revising Your Chosen Piece One Final Time
- 148 · Writing a Year-End Reflection on Your Growth as a Writer
- 149 · Setting Writing Goals for High School
- 151 · Mastery Check: Narrative Writing
- 152 · Mastery Check: Argumentative Writing
- 153 · Mastery Check: Informative and Practical Writing
- 154 · Mastery Check: Grammar and Sentence Craft
- 156 · Practice Test: Grammar and Mechanics
- 157 · Practice Test: Writing Process Skills
- 158 · Practice Test: Argumentation and Persuasion
- 159 · Reviewing the Writing Process One Last Time
- 161 · Reviewing Complex Multi-Paragraph Writing
- 162 · Mastery Check: Comprehensive Writing Skills
- 163 · Practice Test: Comprehensive Cumulative Review
- 164 · Reviewing Common Writing Mistakes
- 166 · Final Practice Test: Part 1
- 167 · Final Practice Test: Part 2
- 168 · Reviewing Test-Taking Confidence Strategies
- 169 · Reviewing Your Favorite Pieces This Year
Plus 6 review days, not listed.
Final review, portfolio presentation & celebrationDays 171–180
Final reviews of narrative, argument and grammar, portfolio preparation and presentation, celebration days, and a look ahead to high school writing.
- 171 · Final Review: Narrative and Poetry Writing
- 172 · Final Review: Argumentative and Analytical Writing
- 173 · Final Review: Grammar and Sentence Craft
- 174 · Preparing Your Writing 8 Portfolio Presentation
- 175 · Presenting Your Writing 8 Journey
- 176 · Writing 8 Celebration Day: Favorite Pieces
- 177 · Writing 8 Celebration Day: Skills Showcase
- 178 · Looking Ahead: Preparing for High School Writing
- 179 · Final Reflection: A Year of Writing 8
- 180 · Congratulations! You Completed Writing 8!
By the end of the year, your child can
- Write an argument that anticipates and answers a specific audience's concerns
- Write an analytical essay that supports a thesis with textual evidence
- Research a question, check source credibility and cite sources
- Write narratives with complex characters, point of view and suspense
- Use gerunds, participles, infinitives, active and passive voice, and verb mood on purpose
- Write a personal essay, a poem and a satirical piece
Other 8th Grade subjects: Math 8 · Reading 8 · Science 8 · History 8