Canada · Ontario Curriculum Expectations
Grade 8 Language Arts
This course explores how authors use language to challenge perspectives and shape identity. Students analyze complex literary and informational texts to develop critical thinking, sophisticated writing skills, and a refined understanding of rhetorical devices.
The Power of Narrative and Identity
Students examine how internal and external conflicts shape character development and thematic depth in contemporary fiction.
Analyzing how authors use dialogue and action to reveal multifaceted character traits and conflicting motivations.
Exploring how non-linear plot structures and manipulation of time affect the reader's emotional engagement.
Developing a distinct narrative voice through intentional word choice and varied sentence structures.
The Art of Argument and Persuasion
An investigation into rhetorical strategies and the ethical use of evidence in persuasive speaking and writing.
Identifying and evaluating the use of ethos, pathos, and logos in historical and contemporary speeches.
Critically analyzing informational texts for logical fallacies, author bias, and the validity of supporting data.
Learning to anticipate opposing viewpoints and address them through civil discourse and evidence-based rebuttals.
Informational Inquiry and Research
Students conduct independent research to synthesize information from multiple digital and print sources.
Developing criteria for assessing the reliability and relevance of online sources in the digital age.
Integrating information from various formats to create a comprehensive understanding of a complex topic.
Understanding intellectual property, proper citation styles, and the importance of academic integrity.
Poetry, Symbolism, and Figurative Meaning
An exploration of how poets use condensed language and imagery to communicate complex emotions and themes.
Analyzing how recurring symbols and extended metaphors contribute to the thematic layers of a poem.
Examining how alliteration, assonance, onomatopoeia, and meter create tone and emphasize meaning.
Exploring spoken word poetry and the role of performance in conveying intent and connecting with an audience.
Media Literacy and Visual Communication
Analyzing how visual media, advertisements, and digital platforms influence public opinion and consumer behavior.
Deconstructing the use of color, composition, and typography in print and digital advertisements.
Investigating how algorithms and social sharing impact the spread of information and the formation of opinions.
Applying literary analysis techniques to film, focusing on cinematography, editing, and sound design.
Language Conventions and Style
Refining the use of grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary to enhance clarity and sophistication in writing.
Mastering the use of phrases and clauses to create complex sentences that convey nuanced ideas.
Exploring the nuances of connotation and denotation to select the most effective words for a given context.
Using advanced punctuation such as semicolons, colons, and dashes to clarify relationships between ideas.