Just a reminder-

Two independent reading book reports are due at the end of each quarter.  Each book needs to be 100 pages long or more.  This quarter's reports are due on Thursday, June 5, 2008.  You can find a copy of the book report sheet below.

The science paper is due on Friday, May 9.  You can find a copy of the entire assignment below.

The magazine project is due on June 2.  You can find a copy of the assignment below.

Final:  June 10-12.  Review sheet pasted below.

Review Sheet for English 8 Final

Note:  These are all of the literary terms and vocabulary words that may appear on the final test.

Literary Terms

Story Elements

plot: sequence of events in a story.

narrator: person telling the story.

theme: the main idea or message of a story or poem.

fiction: writing in which characters and situations are invented by authors.

nonfiction: writing based on fact, not imagination.

characterization: the methods an author uses to develop characters’ personalities.

conflict: a struggle between two opposing forces.

setting: time and place of a story.

foreshadowing: hints of what is to come.

Other Literary Elements

personification: giving human characteristics to something nonhuman (to describe it)

symbolism: when something stands for something else

imagery: words that create a mental picture (sounds, sights, colors, etc.)

simile: a comparison that uses “like” or “as”

metaphor: a comparison that doesn’t use “like” or “as”

General Vocabulary

conformist (noun):  someone who acts according to the prevailing (most widespread) social practices, attitudes, behaviors, etc.

nonconformist (noun): someone who refuses to act according to the most widespread social practices, etc.

delusion (noun):  a false belief or opinion.

ambiguous (adj.):  open to having several different meanings; lacking clearness or definiteness.

indignant (adj.): showing strong anger at something unfair, insulting, or offensive.

elaborate (verb):  to add details, expand, or explain further.

acute (adj.):  sharp or sever in effect; intense

mournful (adj.):  sad and gloomy

scrupulous (adj.):  showing moral principles that restrain one’s behavior

vehement (adj.):  marked by great energy, passion, or anger.

retribution (noun):  payback, especially for evil or unfairness

simultaneously (adv.):  two or more things happening at the same time.

monotonous (adj.):  repetitive, boring

abrupt (adj.):  sudden

aloof (adj.):  keeps apart from others, distant

vivid (adj.):  bright, vibrant

malevolence (noun):  ill will, wickedness

notorious (adj.):  well known for something bad

Also on the final:

-a short story with multiple choice questions

-a poem with multiple choice questions

Essay section:

You’ll be reading two passages (short stories, poems, or nonfiction passages), and writing an outline and an essay based upon the passages.  It will be very similar to what you saw on the ELA exam.  You will be graded on:

-your outline, and how well you followed your outline when writing your essay

-how well and completely you answer the essay question(s)

-how well you used details from the passages to support your answer

-how well organized your essay is

-how strong your introduction and conclusion are

-how well you follow the basic rules of grammar, spelling, and punctuation

Journals Quarter 4 (due June 9)

Journal #39

Is racism still a problem in America?  Why do you think people are racist?  Do you think media (TV, movies, music, etc.) helps or hurts the problem?  Explain/describe any of the above.

Journal #40

Have you ever accidentally hurt someone you cared about (physically, emotionally, or both)?  How did you both react?  How was it resolved?  Explain/describe.

Journal #41

Do you think it’s more important for someone to “play by the rules,” and try to succeed within the system, or to live life the way they want to, without worrying about the way things are “supposed to be done”?  Explain your choice.

Journal #42

When something upsets you or is bothering you, what do you do to relax/forget about it/calm yourself down?  Describe a few things.

Journal #43

Why are some people bullies?  What personality characteristics do they have in common?  Why are some people bullied?  What personality characteristics do they have in common?  Are you a bully, or someone who’s been bullied, or somewhere in between?  Explain.

Journal #44

Is it sometimes okay to give up your dreams, or should you never give up on them, no matter what?  Explain yourself and give some dreams that a person might give up, and/or should never give up.

Journal #45

Do you consider yourself a self-confident person?  Explain and describe why or why not. 

Journal #46

Define peer pressure.  What peer pressure do you experience in your life?  Is it good, or bad, or sometimes either?  Give some examples.  How do you usually react to the pressure?

Journal #47

Think of a “friend” you’ve had who’s turned out to be not-so-good of a friend, after all.  Describe this person, your relationship, and what happened to make you realize they weren’t a very good friend.

Journal #48

What is your personal reaction to violence?  Is there too much violence in our society?  Is violence always wrong, or are there times when it’s okay, or even good?  Explain your opinions and give some examples.

Journal #49

Describe something (sport, game, school subject, etc.) you’ve been a contender in, or something you would like to be a contender in.  What qualities would you need to be a contender in that something?

Journal #50

Describe a time you’ve had a friend who needed help.  Did you help that friend, or not?  Why?  How did it turn out?  Did you do the right thing?  Should you always help out friends who need help?  When should you stop helping (if ever)?  Explain/describe/respond to any and all of the above.