Class VIII English Syllabus (20192020)

1. Objectives of the Syllabus

• Enhance comprehension of prose and poetry.
• Develop expressive writing abilities.
• Strengthen grammar and vocabulary.
• Promote effective communication and presentation skills.
• Encourage appreciation of literature and cultural values.

2. Core Components

2.1 Reading

The reading component comprises a balance of prose and poetry selected from the NCERT textbook EnglishII. It includes:

• Stories such as The Runaway Pancake, The Last Leaf, The Best Nest, and Nans Dream.
• Poems like From the Dark (poem of the day), The Day the Rains Came, When I was One and Twenty, and The Fox and the Grapes.
• Passages for comprehension practice, focusing on inference, main idea, and vocabulary in context.

2.2 Writing

Writing tasks are varied to develop different styles:

• Paragraph writing descriptive, narrative, and expository.
• Letter writing formal, informal, and email formats.
• Essay writing short essays on topics such as My Favourite Season, Importance of Water Conservation, and A Memorable Journey.
• Storytelling creating original short stories based on prompts.

2.3 Grammar

Key grammar topics covered include:

• Parts of Speech nouns, pronouns, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, interjections.
• Tenses simple, continuous, perfect forms.
• SubjectVerb Agreement.
• Active and Passive Voice.
• Direct and Indirect Speech.
• Conditional sentences (zero, first, second).
• Reported Speech.
• Correct usage of punctuation marks.

2.4 Vocabulary

Vocabulary development is woven throughout all units. Students learn:

• Synonyms and Antonyms.
• Idioms and Phrases.
• Homophones and Homographs.
• Word formation prefixes, suffixes, root words.

2.5 Speaking & Listening

Interactive activities focus on oral proficiency:

• Group discussions on social topics.
• Roleplay and dramatization of story scenes.
• Speech delivery prepared speeches on themes such as My Role Model.
• Listening comprehension exercises using audio clips.

3. Assessment Pattern

Evaluation is continuous and comprises:

• Periodic Tests (PT) 20% of total marks, covering reading, grammar, and vocabulary.
• HalfYearly Examination 30% of total marks, testing all four skills.
• Annual Examination 40% of total marks, with a greater emphasis on writing and oral activities.
• Class Work & Assignments 10% of total marks, including projects, presentations, and homework.

4. Suggested Study Plan

1. Read the textbook daily allocate 30minutes for a story or poem.
2. Maintain a vocabulary notebook note new words, meanings, and example sentences.
3. Practice grammar exercises at the end of each chapter.
4. Write a short paragraph or essay every week to improve fluency.
5. Participate in classroom discussions and deliver a short speech each month.
6. Revise previous units before each test to reinforce learning.

5. Resources & References

• NCERT Textbook EnglishII (Class VIII).
• Supplementary Reader Honeycomb (selected stories and poems).
• Online platforms for listening practice e.g., BBC Learning English, Voice of America.
• Grammar workbooks recommended by the school library.
• Educational YouTube channels for pronunciation and speaking tips.

6. Tips for Success

• Read Actively: Highlight unfamiliar words and infer meaning from context before checking the dictionary.
• Write Regularly: Draft, revise, and edit your work; focus on clarity and coherence.
• Speak Confidently: Practice speaking in front of a mirror or record yourself.
• Listen Attentively: Summarize audio clips in your own words.
• Collaborate: Form study groups to discuss chapters and share feedback.
• Seek Help: Consult teachers for doubts in grammar or literature.

7. Conclusion

The Class VIII English syllabus for 20192020 is structured to build a solid foundation in language skills while nurturing a love for literature. By following the outlined study plan, utilizing the recommended resources, and engaging actively in classroom activities, students can achieve proficiency and confidence in English, preparing them for the challenges of higher classes.