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Skills available for South Africa grade 8 English curriculum

Objectives are in black and IXL English skills are in dark green. Hold your mouse over the name of a skill to view a sample question. Click on the name of a skill to practise that skill.

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National Curriculum Statement: Language Structures and Conventions National Curriculum Statement: Language Structures and Conventions
National Curriculum Statement: Writing and Presenting National Curriculum Statement: Writing and Presenting

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WP Writing and Presenting

WP.WP Writing process and strategies
- WP.WP.1 Planning/ Pre-writing
  - WP.WP.1.1 Analyse the structure, language features and register of the text type that has been selected
  - WP.WP.1.2 Decide on the purpose and audience of a text to be written and/or designed
    - Identify audience and purpose (9-B.2)
  - WP.WP.1.3 Determine the requirements of format, style, point of view
  - WP.WP.1.4 Brainstorm ideas using, for example mind maps, spider web lists, flow charts or lists
  - WP.WP.1.5 Consult relevant sources, select relevant information
- WP.WP.2 Drafting
  - WP.WP.2.1 Use main and supporting ideas effectively from the planning process
  - WP.WP.2.2 Produce a first draft which takes into account purpose, audience, topic and genre
  - WP.WP.2.3 Determine word choice by using appropriate, descriptive and evocative words, phrases and expressions to make the writing clear and vivid
  - WP.WP.2.4 Show own point of view by explaining values, beliefs and experiences
  - WP.WP.2.5 Establish an identifiable voice and style by adapting language and tone to suit the audience and purpose for writing
  - WP.WP.2.6 Read drafts critically and get feedback from others (classmates);
    - Identify plagiarism (9-N.1)
  - WP.WP.2.7 Include specific details of the required text (use of quotations, substantiating and motivating the argument)
- WP.WP.3 Revising, editing, proofreading and presenting
WP.LSC Language structures and conventions during the writing
- WP.LSC.1 Language conventions (spelling and punctuation)
- WP.LSC.2 Word choice
  - WP.LSC.2.1 Use a variety of action verbs, adjectives and adverbs to give a specific impression and details and vivid description when writing, for example, a narrative essay, descriptive essay
  - WP.LSC.2.2 Use appropriate synonyms, antonyms, homophones, homonyms, one word for a phrase to express concepts
  - WP.LSC.2.3 Use formal and informal language (slang/colloquialism, jargon) appropriately
  - WP.LSC.2.4 Use borrowed and inherited words appropriately
  - WP.LSC.2.5 Give facts and express opinions
  - WP.LSC.2.6 Express denotative, connotative, implied/contextual meaning
  - WP.LSC.2.7 Position themselves as authors through implicit and explicit messages
    - Identify the narrative point of view (9-C.1)
  - WP.LSC.2.8 Express themselves on values, attitudes, bias, stereotypes, emotive language, persuasive and manipulative language e.g. in persuasive texts such as argumentative essays, newspaper articles
  - WP.LSC.2.9 Show respect by using certain words when writing texts such as dialogue, interviews
  - WP.LSC.2.10 Use resources and reference materials such as dictionaries and thesauruses to select effective and precise vocabulary.
- WP.LSC.3 Register, style and voice
  - WP.LSC.3.1 Use appropriate register: formal, informal e.g. Using informal/conversational style and first person in a friendly letter, formal language in an official letter
  - WP.LSC.3.2 Use figurative language (figures of speech, idioms, proverbs), tone, mood or humour, appropriately
  - WP.LSC.3.3 Speak directly to the reader
  - WP.LSC.3.4 Show passion towards message
    - Use appeals to ethos, pathos and logos in persuasive writing (9-I.2)
  - WP.LSC.3.5 Use different points of view/perspective
    - Identify the narrative point of view (9-C.1)
- WP.LSC.4 Sentence construction
- WP.LSC.5 Paragraph writing
  - WP.LSC.5.1 Write different parts of a paragraph: topic sentence, supporting and main ideas, an effective introduction, body and conclusion and a closing sentence
  - WP.LSC.5.1 Write different paragraphs and texts using related signal or transition words and phrases such as:
    - WP.LSC.5.1.a Chronological /sequential order: first, second, third, before, after, when, later, until, at last, next, recently, previously, afterwards
    - WP.LSC.5.1.b Explanation/Cause and effect: hence, consequently, because, for this reason, since, as a result of, is due to, therefore, thus, consequently, hence, it follows that, if…then
    - WP.LSC.5.1.c Procedure: first, second, third
    - WP.LSC.5.1.d Compare/contrast: similar, different, smaller than, bigger than, however, but
    - WP.LSC.5.1.e Order of importance: always, finally
    - WP.LSC.5.1.f Spatial order: above, below, left, right, etc.
    - WP.LSC.5.1.g Generalizations: generally, in conclusion
    - WP.LSC.5.1.h Choice paragraph: in my opinion, belief, idea, understanding, I think that, I consider, I believe, it seems to me, I prefer/ like/dislike/hope/feel
    - WP.LSC.5.1.i Classification paragraph: is a kind of, can be divided into, is a type of, falls under, belongs to, is a part of, fits into, is grouped with, is related to, is associated with
      - Organise information by main idea (9-F.2)
    - WP.LSC.5.1.j Description paragraph: above, below, beside, near, north/east/south/west, size, colour, shape, purpose, length, width, mass/weight, speed, is like, resembles
    - WP.LSC.5.1.k Evaluation paragraph: good/bad, correct/incorrect, moral/immoral, right/wrong, important/trivial, suggest, recommend, advise, argue
    - WP.LSC.5.1.l Definition paragraph: is defined as, is a kind of paragraph that defines an idea objectively.
      - Distinguish facts from opinions (9-H.1)
    - WP.LSC.5.1.m Concluding paragraph: to conclude, to sum up, in summary, in short, as you can see
WP.TW Types of writing texts
- WP.TW.1 Essays
  - WP.TW.1.1 Narrative essay
    - WP.TW.1.1.a Narrative writing is largely the presentation of a series of event in some meaningful order. The following are possible features of a narrative essay:
      - WP.TW.1.1.a.1 Write a story /a past event / fiction
      - WP.TW.1.1.a.2 Use a story line that is convincing
      - WP.TW.1.1.a.3 Usually use the past tense
        
        Irregular past tense: review (7-EE.1)
        
        Simple past, present and future tense: review (7-EE.2)
        
        Form the progressive verb tenses (7-EE.4)
        
        Form the perfect verb tenses (7-EE.5)
        
        Irregular past tense: review (8-FF.1)
        
        Simple past, present and future tense: review (8-FF.2)
        
        Form the progressive verb tenses (8-FF.4)
        
        Form the perfect verb tenses (8-FF.5)
        
        Form the progressive verb tenses (9-CC.1)
        
        Form the perfect verb tenses (9-CC.2)
      - WP.TW.1.1.a.4 Use captivating introductory paragraph
      - WP.TW.1.1.a.5 Reflect a point to be made
      - WP.TW.1.1.a.6 Use unusually interesting ending
      - WP.TW.1.1.a.7 Ensure sustained interest with style, rhetorical device and action
      - WP.TW.1.1.a.8 Highlight sensory details
        
        Identify adjectives (7-FF.1)
        
        Order adjectives (7-FF.2)
        
        Identify adjectives (8-GG.1)
        
        Order adjectives (8-GG.2)
      - WP.TW.1.1.a.9 Use descriptive elements
        
        Interpret the meaning of an allusion from its source (7-E.1)
        
        Recall the source of an allusion (7-E.2)
        
        Interpret figures of speech (7-E.3)
        
        Classify figures of speech (7-E.4)
        
        Interpret the meaning of an allusion from its source (8-E.1)
        
        Recall the source of an allusion (8-E.2)
        
        Interpret figures of speech (8-E.3)
        
        Classify figures of speech (8-E.4)
        
        Interpret the meaning of an allusion from its source (9-C.2)
        
        Recall the source of an allusion (9-C.3)
        
        Interpret figures of speech (9-C.4)
        
        Classify figures of speech: euphemism, hyperbole, oxymoron, paradox (9-C.5)
        
        Classify figures of speech: review (9-C.6)
        
        Use personification (9-J.1)
  - WP.TW.1.2 Descriptive essay
    - WP.TW.1.2.a Description is used often more to create atmosphere and mood: films do this visually, writers do this with words, where the choice of words is more determined by their connotations than by the accuracy of their denotative use.
      - WP.TW.1.2.a.1 Describe someone / something to allow the reader to experience the topic vividly
      - WP.TW.1.2.a.2 Create a picture in words
      - WP.TW.1.2.a.3 Choose words and expressions carefully to achieve the desired effect
        
        Describe the difference between related words (7-S.1)
        
        Positive and negative connotation (7-S.2)
        
        Describe the difference between related words (8-S.1)
        
        Positive and negative connotation (8-S.2)
        
        Choose the word whose connotation and denotation best match the sentence (9-S.1)
        
        Use words accurately and precisely (9-S.2)
      - WP.TW.1.2.a.4 Use images of sight, sound, hearing, taste and touch
      - WP.TW.1.2.a.5 Use figures of speech
        
        Interpret figures of speech (9-C.4)
  - WP.TW.1.3 Argumentative essay
    - WP.TW.1.3.a Argumentative essays present an argument for or against something ('why I believe that women are stronger than men').
    - WP.TW.1.3.a Argumentative essays tend to be subjectively argued; the defence or attack is consistent and as well argued as possible, but it will inevitably be one-sided; the conclusion clearly states where the writer stands and why.
      - WP.TW.1.3.a.1 Show a specific opinion or viewpoint and argue to defend or motivate a position
        
        Distinguish facts from opinions (9-H.1)
        
        Choose the best evidence to support a claim (9-H.3)
        
        Identify supporting evidence in a text (9-H.4)
        
        Choose the analysis that logically connects the evidence to the claim (9-H.6)
      - WP.TW.1.3.a.2 Sustain view clearly throughout
        
        Choose the best evidence to support a claim (9-H.3)
        
        Identify supporting evidence in a text (9-H.4)
        
        Choose the analysis that logically connects the evidence to the claim (9-H.6)
      - WP.TW.1.3.a.3 Try to convince the reader to share his or her point of view subjectively
        
        Distinguish facts from opinions (9-H.1)
        
        Identify appeals to ethos, pathos and logos in advertisements (9-I.1)

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WP Writing and Presenting

WP.WP Writing process and strategies

WP.WP.1 Planning/ Pre-writing

WP.WP.1.1 Analyse the structure, language features and register of the text type that has been selected

WP.WP.1.2 Decide on the purpose and audience of a text to be written and/or designed

WP.WP.1.3 Determine the requirements of format, style, point of view

WP.WP.1.4 Brainstorm ideas using, for example mind maps, spider web lists, flow charts or lists

WP.WP.1.5 Consult relevant sources, select relevant information

WP.WP.2 Drafting

WP.WP.2.1 Use main and supporting ideas effectively from the planning process

WP.WP.2.2 Produce a first draft which takes into account purpose, audience, topic and genre

WP.WP.2.3 Determine word choice by using appropriate, descriptive and evocative words, phrases and expressions to make the writing clear and vivid

WP.WP.2.4 Show own point of view by explaining values, beliefs and experiences

WP.WP.2.5 Establish an identifiable voice and style by adapting language and tone to suit the audience and purpose for writing

WP.WP.2.6 Read drafts critically and get feedback from others (classmates);

WP.WP.2.7 Include specific details of the required text (use of quotations, substantiating and motivating the argument)

WP.WP.3 Revising, editing, proofreading and presenting

WP.WP.3.1 Use set criteria for overall evaluation of own work and others' writing for improvement

WP.WP.3.2 Refine word choice, sentence and paragraph structure (insert additional information, use appropriate transition words)

WP.WP.3.3 Work on the sequencing and linking of paragraphs

WP.WP.3.4 Eliminate ambiguity, verbosity, redundancy, slang and offensive language

WP.WP.3.5 Evaluate content, style and register

WP.WP.3.6 Use punctuation marks, spelling and grammar correctly and appropriately

WP.WP.3.7 Prepare the final draft including layout, for example, headings and fonts

WP.WP.3.8 Present the text

WP.LSC Language structures and conventions during the writing

WP.LSC.1 Language conventions (spelling and punctuation)

WP.LSC.1.1 Use of spacing, capital letters, commas, quotation marks, colons, underlining, italics, bolding, semi colons, apostrophe, hyphens, dashes, parentheses

WP.LSC.1.1 Use knowledge of spelling patterns and rules to spell words correctly:

WP.LSC.1.1.a Knowledge of word patterns and families

WP.LSC.1.1.b Knowledge of roots, prefixes and suffixes

WP.LSC.1.1.c Knowledge of syllabication

WP.LSC.1.2 Use dictionaries and spell checkers

WP.LSC.1.3 Use abbreviation forms appropriate to different media and audiences

WP.LSC.2 Word choice

WP.LSC.2.1 Use a variety of action verbs, adjectives and adverbs to give a specific impression and details and vivid description when writing, for example, a narrative essay, descriptive essay

WP.LSC.2.2 Use appropriate synonyms, antonyms, homophones, homonyms, one word for a phrase to express concepts

WP.LSC.2.3 Use formal and informal language (slang/colloquialism, jargon) appropriately

WP.LSC.2.4 Use borrowed and inherited words appropriately

WP.LSC.2.5 Give facts and express opinions

WP.LSC.2.6 Express denotative, connotative, implied/contextual meaning

WP.LSC.2.7 Position themselves as authors through implicit and explicit messages

WP.LSC.2.8 Express themselves on values, attitudes, bias, stereotypes, emotive language, persuasive and manipulative language e.g. in persuasive texts such as argumentative essays, newspaper articles

WP.LSC.2.9 Show respect by using certain words when writing texts such as dialogue, interviews

WP.LSC.2.10 Use resources and reference materials such as dictionaries and thesauruses to select effective and precise vocabulary.

WP.LSC.3 Register, style and voice

WP.LSC.3.1 Use appropriate register: formal, informal e.g. Using informal/conversational style and first person in a friendly letter, formal language in an official letter

WP.LSC.3.2 Use figurative language (figures of speech, idioms, proverbs), tone, mood or humour, appropriately

WP.LSC.3.3 Speak directly to the reader

WP.LSC.3.4 Show passion towards message

WP.LSC.3.5 Use different points of view/perspective

WP.LSC.4 Sentence construction

WP.LSC.4.1 Write a variety of sentences and sentences of various lengths

WP.LSC.4.2 Use parts of speech appropriately

WP.LSC.4.3 Use subject, verb, object, tenses, moods, affirmatives, negations, modal verbs, active or passive voice, direct and indirect speech

WP.LSC.4.4 Use interrogatives (why, when, how, what)

WP.LSC.4.5 Use different types of sentences, e.g. statements, questions, simple, compound, complex, compound-complex sentences

WP.LSC.4.6 Use conjunctions, pronouns, adverbs and transitional words to create cohesive sentences

WP.LSC.4.7 Use different types of pronouns to show focus, emphasis, the objective case and to eliminate verbosity

WP.LSC.4.8 Use correct word order in sentences to demonstrate interest and emphasis

WP.LSC.4.9 Use concord accurately

WP.LSC.5 Paragraph writing

WP.LSC.5.1 Write different parts of a paragraph: topic sentence, supporting and main ideas, an effective introduction, body and conclusion and a closing sentence

WP.LSC.5.1 Write different paragraphs and texts using related signal or transition words and phrases such as:

WP.LSC.5.1.a Chronological /sequential order: first, second, third, before, after, when, later, until, at last, next, recently, previously, afterwards

WP.LSC.5.1.b Explanation/Cause and effect: hence, consequently, because, for this reason, since, as a result of, is due to, therefore, thus, consequently, hence, it follows that, if…then

WP.LSC.5.1.c Procedure: first, second, third

WP.LSC.5.1.d Compare/contrast: similar, different, smaller than, bigger than, however, but

WP.LSC.5.1.e Order of importance: always, finally

WP.LSC.5.1.f Spatial order: above, below, left, right, etc.

WP.LSC.5.1.g Generalizations: generally, in conclusion

WP.LSC.5.1.h Choice paragraph: in my opinion, belief, idea, understanding, I think that, I consider, I believe, it seems to me, I prefer/ like/dislike/hope/feel

WP.LSC.5.1.i Classification paragraph: is a kind of, can be divided into, is a type of, falls under, belongs to, is a part of, fits into, is grouped with, is related to, is associated with

WP.LSC.5.1.j Description paragraph: above, below, beside, near, north/east/south/west, size, colour, shape, purpose, length, width, mass/weight, speed, is like, resembles

WP.LSC.5.1.k Evaluation paragraph: good/bad, correct/incorrect, moral/immoral, right/wrong, important/trivial, suggest, recommend, advise, argue

WP.LSC.5.1.l Definition paragraph: is defined as, is a kind of paragraph that defines an idea objectively.

WP.LSC.5.1.m Concluding paragraph: to conclude, to sum up, in summary, in short, as you can see