This course begins with the rules of usage and mechanics being applied to solid sentence structure. The student’s writing progress is closely monitored through essays, compositions, and one research paper. Reading comprehension is reinforced through novels, short stories, poems, and full length plays. At the eighth grade level we will read several required novels. Some of the novels will be read as class work and some will be through an independent study. Students continue their study of literature through a series of short stories read throughout the year. Poems are studied extensively as we celebrate Poetry Month during April.