Honors English 8 addresses reading, writing, listening and speaking within a rigorous standards-based program. Instruction will include reading comprehension, writing in narrative, argumentative, and informative/explanatory, language conventions, vocabulary development in meaningful contexts, and reference skills. Students will study various genres including the short story, novel, drama, biography, poetry, and informational materials as dictated by California Common Core Standards. Honors goes beyond English 8 with extended learning activities that require students to increase their use of critical thinking skills to include analysis, synthesis, and problem solving. The curriculum moves at an accelerated pace with a more concentrated focus.