CBSE Class 8 English

Learning Lessons: CBSE English Class 8

English language plays a vital role in our lives as it facilitates communication between different countries as the only common language across the globe. English books are the common available medium of literature and knowledge that's accessible to everyone.

Improving your English skills indicate building the confidence to succeed in your career and life. Here in this article we shall discuss about the English Curriculum relevant for CBSE Class 8.

Henceforth, the article will be based on the CBSE Syllabus for English Standard 8. The students of Class 8 in schools affiliated by CBSE, who are paving the way for the Class 8 examinations, must have a clear understanding about the CBSE syllabus of the session. Preparations cannot be initiated without the thorough knowledge of each and every subject of CBSE Class 8 Syllabus. Therefore it is the primary need of every student to ensure they know the CBSE syllabus for all subjects to avoid skipping any important topic by mistake.

In this article, first of all, we will share with you a detailed CBSE Syllabus for Class 8 English to make it simpler for you to prepare for this subject. Along with that we shall study about the outlines and description of the same. Plus, as a bonus we will share the tips and tricks to conquer every section step by step.

The subject is categorized into four main categories namely

Section A: Reading

Section B: Writing

Section C: Grammar

Section D: Literature

CBSE English Class 8 | SECTION A: READING

The first Section of the CBSE 8 English Curriculum is the ‘Reading Section’ which mainly consists of the Reading Comprehension or Unseen Passages for Class 8 students.

Reading comprehension is the talent to fully understand what is being read. A person with enormous reading capabilities can visualize, question, and interpret what they're reading, and that they can believe their own feelings and opinions while reading text. It is great for reading skills development for middle and high school students. The reading comprehension passages in this session include 8th grade appropriate reading passages and related questions.

The normal process of proceeding in this section is as follows. The student needs to read the passage carefully and check out to know the contents. After reading the passage thoroughly, the next step is to turn to the questions that follow. Answer the questions on the basis of the information given in the passage. The students must try to answer the questions in their own words but strictly to the purpose and as briefly as possible. It is advisable to the students not to add their own views, expressions and imagination. All students are suggested to practice related worksheets for optimum result. The 8th Class Reading Comprehension Worksheets encourage eighth grade students to dig deep into the text, to ascertain jewels of human understanding, author's intent, knowledge and layers of meaning, makes our reading comprehension passages a multifaceted process.

Tips & Tricks for Section A: Reading 

Now as far as scoring well in the CBSE English examination of class 8 is concerned, it is always better to follow the experts. After discussion with expert teachers and topper students we @ studies today have shortlisted the following mantras for success in Section A.

Mantra 1: As the reading section is the most time consuming section, thus the students must attempt it first.

Mantra 2: To save time while attempting the reading section, it is advisable to read the questions before going through the unseen passage. 

Mantra 3: Every student must practice one reading comprehension every week in the last month prior to the exams for error free performance in the section.

CBSE English Class 8 | SECTION B: WRITING

The second Section of the CBSE English Curriculum is the ‘Writing Section’ which mainly tests the writing skills of the students in English.

This section of English Composition consists of the following aspects for Class 8 students. English composition courses are arranged to provide students with a firm foundation in basic writing skills. It is considered to be an act of writing individual words to form a sentence, sentences to form paragraphs, paragraphs to form essays or novels etc., etc. The section B of English Writing teaches reading and writing skills that are necessary to excel in academic as well as professional fronts.

A typical English Language composition consists of four major parts, namely the heading, the introduction, the body and the conclusion. The composition remains incomplete if the student writes it without bringing in any of these four parts. And this can result in loss of vital marks.

Now let us take a look at the basic outline of writing a composition step by step-

Step 1: Think! Keeping in mind ‘Your Topic’.
Step 2: Draw a Levelheaded Outline
Step 3: Start  by writing a Blockbuster Introduction
Step 4: Frame the Main Body of the Composition
Step 5: Conclude with the most appropriate and precise summary

By following the above mentioned steps the students can frame any form of composition in the most appropriate and rewarding way.

Moving further, let us list and discuss the various formats included in this section: 

1. Letter Writing
2. E-mail Writing
3. Paragraph Writing
4. Message Writing
5. Notice Writing
6. Story Writing
7. Dialogue Writing
8. Speech Writing
9. Article Writing
10. Report Writing

Letter Writing for Students of Class 8

Letter writing is an important skill. Despite the commonness of e-mail and text messages, Letters continue to remain one of the most significant and famous means of communication. Letter writing is slightly different from other formats of writing because it is intended for a specific reader. A letter is written when something has to be expressed to someone, sitting far away.

Words are the most basic form of expression and letter plays an important role in maintaining our communication and relations with our close friends, acquaintances and relatives. It is also a well-established medium for communication in commercial and other kinds of relations with foreigners. Expressions in the form of Words are beyond boundaries and borders.

Following are few examples in the different types of Letter formats which every student should practice while going through this part of section B.  

Letter to Editor

1. Increasing Number of Old Age Home
2. Economical Accommodation for Students
3. Attacks on Senior Citizens
4. Help Road Accident Victims

Complaint Letter

1. Complaint for Defective Book
2. Complaint for Bad Transportation Facility
3. Complaint for Poor quality drinking water
4. Complaint for Defective Pair of Shoes

Order Cancellation Letter

1. Cancelling Order for Defective Sports Kits
2. Cancelling Order for Books and Stationery

Order Letter

1. Order for Sports Equipment for Academy
2. Order for Musical Instruments for School
3. Placing order for Books and Stationary
4. Placing order for Electronic Items for a Restaurant

Job Application

1. Mathematics Post Graduate Teacher
2. Leadership Training Programmer

Enquiry Letter

1. Enquiry about Teaching Centre
2. Enquiry about Accommodation
3. Enquiry for Abacus Classes
4. Enquiry for Issuing Duplicate Certificates

Letter to Principal

1. Enquiring about Course in Artificial Intelligence
2. Seeking Permission for attending School Late

Request/ Appeal

1. Letter to Police Commissioner on Road Rage
2. Request for Traffic Regulation around School
3. Permission to Participate in Marathon
4. Request for a Bus Stop in Village

Letter to Relatives

1. Letter to Mother- Informing about your Examinations
2. Letter to Grandfather- Thanking him for a Birthday Present
3. Letter to Sister- Best wishes for her Journey in the Hostel
4. Letter to Aunt- Skates for Birthday Gift

Letter to Friend

1. Expressing Concern on a sudden injury
2. Sharing Mountain Climbing Experience
3. Condolence on Grandmother’s Death

E-MAIL Writing for Students of Class 8

Email refers to the electronic mail which is the simplest and the most economical way of communication. In today’s technology savvy world e-mail is a means of expression in the organized as well as unorganized sector. Emails are basically divided in the following three Categories:

1. Informal Email: Informal E-mails include write-ups with polite, friendly and casual words along with proper greetings and closings remarks. For example, an email written for any friends, family members or relatives will fall under this category.
2. Semi-Formal Email: Semi-formal E-mails include write-ups with friendly language but with bounds and decorum. Clarity and proper greetings keeping in mind the length of the email play a vital role in this type of emails. For example, an email written for any teammates or colleague will fall under this category.
3. Formal Email: Formal E-mails include write-ups with polite, formal and professional words with a clear reason for writing the email. Proper greeting and closing lines are a must for this category of mails. For example, an email written for business communication or professional use, or an email written for any government department, school authority, and company will fall under this category. 

All the three categories have a similar type of pattern, whereas the choice of words and language might differ depending upon the type of email. The language used in informal emails can be friendly and casual, whereas the language used in formal emails should be professional, clear, and formal.

PARAGRAPH Writing for Students of Class 8

Paragraph writing is a descriptive form of writing which is written with the intention to describe a person, a thing, place or an event. The quality of the description helps the reader to have a clear picture of the expressed topic. The main aim of descriptive writing is to facilitate our readers to see, feel, and hear what the writer has seen, felt, and heard. A Paragraph is basically a short composition of writing that consists of a number of sentences written on a specific subject matter. These sentences are organised in a systematic manner to form a short composition complete in itself. In depth information facilitates the students create a paragraph with optimum success rate.

Paragraph Writing has three main sub-sections which form the building stones of the descriptive composition. First being Opening Sentences for Introduction.
This first sentence of a paragraph holds a very important place as it summarizes the main idea of the paragraph using the most relevant points of the topic. Second are the Supporting Sentences which mentions further details about the topic.
Third is the Conclusion. The last sentence of the paragraph is the concluding sentence which ties the supporting thoughts together and finishes the paragraph.

Students should keep certain points in mind for paragraph writing. As it is a short composition, thus lot of focus should be on clarity of the message. The tense should remain consistent throughout the paragraph. Also, students should try to avoid beginning every sentence with “I think”.  In this format, it is better to write to the point sentences which clearly explain the point.

Here are some of the examples which can be tried by the students for practicing this part of the section:

1. Paragraph on Diwali Celebration
2. Paragraph on the Importance of Trees
3. Paragraph on Bhagat Singh, a true Freedom Fighter
4. Paragraph on the Endangered Species
5. Paragraph on Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
6. Paragraph on the world epidemic

MESSAGE Writing for Students of Class 8

Message writing also refers to a short composition. It is an informal piece of writing, used to inform someone about something urgent. This message is send when the person conveying the message is not able to meet the other person. Even though it is a written message, but it may not always be written in complete sentences.

A message can be written for many reasons, like to apologize, to give instructions, to provide an explanation for not being able to do something, to request someone to do something, to warm someone, etc. There are few essential features which all good messages must have. Firstly, a good message must be to the point. Secondly, it should be written using an informal language. Thirdly, it contains the date and time of when it is written, the name of the person to whom the message is send along with the name and signature of the person who has written the message.

NOTICE Writing for Students of Class 8

Notice Writing is a formal means of communication. A notice includes information about something that has happened or is likely to happen. Notices are usually put on specific display boards in schools, universities, offices or in any other public places. Notices are created for displaying specific information to a segment of people together.

Different notices are used for different purposes. Let us discuss some of the common topics for notices. Notices issued by Schools are formed to highlight events, activities and issues related to the school. These include notices regarding trips, picnics, informing the students and staff about official matters, such as admission, change in school timings, etc. Notices issued by housing society or members of an Association are usually about common matters related to the residents or members of the society. Obituary Notices inform the general public about the demise of a loved one and give information about the funeral, last rites and other related ceremonies. Notices for Sale of Items are formed for directing the general public’s attention towards the event. Lost and Found Notices are issued informing the readers about personal belongings lost or found. These notices often attached to a reward in return.

Here are some of the examples which can be tried by the students for practicing this part of the section:

1. Notice on Golden Jubilee Celebration in the School
2. Notice on Change in School Timing
3. Notice on Cleanliness Drive Around the School
4. Notice on Blood Donation Camp in Society
5. Notice on Annual Day Celebration of School
6. Notice on Painting Competition in School
7. Notice on Water Supply suspended in Society

Speech Writing For Students Of Class 8

Speech writing has a very significant role for the students of class 8. It gives them clarity of mind and builds their confidence. In exact words, a speech is a formal talk presented by an individual to an audience. It is somewhat similar to a debate where the speaker expresses his or her views about an issue with the purpose to convince the listeners to understand the presented point of view. The speech is usually delivered on social issues and in public interests. They can be in the form of welcome and farewell speeches or speech by the chief guest during a function.
A speech is made for a good purpose in the context of inspiring anybody or to offer support for a particular subject.

The Main Purpose of Writing a Speech is to express facts, beliefs and truths and to deliver information verbally to a large gathering of people. A speech is slightly different from an essay or an article because an essay is supposed to be read whereas a speech is meant to be heard. Also unlike an essay, a speech starts with a formal address and finishes with a thank you.

The Speech is also to be written and expressed in a fixed format which is shared as follows-

Introduction: The students are advised to begin the speech with a meaningful quotation. A personal experience which is relevant to the topic of the speech can also be shared to start with. And once the speaker is able to win the audience’s attention, it is time to formally address the chief guest, fellow presenters and members of the audience and eventually introduce the topic of speech.

The Topic: The second level of the speech is to leave an impact by including rational arguments and authenticating the outlook with pertinent particulars and examples. The students are advised to use formal and powerful language while presenting their speech. It will leave the audience with a long lasting impression.

Summation: This is the third level of the speech which sums up the speech by highlighting the most relevant points and appropriate solutions to the problem discussed in the speech.

Conclusion: This is the last but the most important part of the speech. The speech must conclude with a plea, a request, a caution, an advice or with a demand for action. But, in the end it is very important to finish on a positive note. Thus, the students must say ‘Thank you’ at the end of speech.

Here are some of the examples which can be tried by the students for practicing this part of the section:

1. Speech on Cleanliness in School Premises
2. Speech on Benefits of Healthy Food
3. Speech on Causes of Corruption and its Solutions
4. Speech on Impact of Yoga in our Life
5. Speech on the Importance of Water
6. Speech on the Role of Library in our Life
7. Speech on Increasing Aggression
8. Speech on the Power of Positivity

ARTICLE Writing for Students of Class 8

An article is a portion of non-fiction style which is especially meant for newspaper and magazines. It basically explains something, for example, say, writer’s personal opinion, findings of research, etc. Article is useful to check the students‘s skills in expressing their ideas, formation of their thoughts, planning, presentation of their ideas in a sequential way, grasping their ideas and ultimately reaching at a conclusion.

While writing an article the students should be clear about the objectives of doing the same. The basic objective of writing an article is to express personal opinion and to present information on a variety of subjects with a long and sustained portion of writing. An article also makes the people aware about the particular topic with the purpose to persuade them, entertain them or to convince them. The Article must possess some basic features. First and foremost, it should have an attention-grabbing title which attracts the reader’s attention and recommends the theme of the article. Next feature is an introduction which clearly displays the topic to be covered and retains the reader’s attention. Third feature will be the main body of the article which should be around two to five paragraphs. It consists of the detailed description of the topic. Last but not the least, the forth feature of the article is the conclusion. It summarizes the topic and displays a final opinion or recommendation.

Students need to keep certain points in mind while writing an Article. They are as follows:

1. The students need to ensure that the ideas are presented in a planned and organised way, while writing the article.
2. The students must use simple but effectual language. It is advisable to avoid using vocabulary with which the students are not very familiar. 
3. One must follow the word limit given in the question to attain best result.

The Format of an Article consists of the following pointers:

“TITLE>>BY LINE>>INTRODUCTION>>BODY>>CONCLUSION”

Title: The article always begins with an eye-catching title or heading. Students are advised to choose a short title consisting of not more than four to five words. It develops the interest of the reader and reflects the summary of the subject discussed in the article.

By Line: By line refers to the name of the person who has written the article. It can be written in the left hand corner of the article or in the end.

Introduction: It is best to begin the article with a quote which catches the attention of the reader. The quotation must be related to the title and context of the article. Students are advised to introduce the topic while keeping in mind what, where and when in accordance with the topic.

Body: The body of the article includes the details of the topic. In this part of the article the students can explain in detail the aim, motives, benefits, shortcomings, effects, etc. of the main subject.

Conclusion: This is the final part of the article. This paragraph concludes the article giving probable keys, resolutions, anticipations and wishes.

Here are some of the examples which can be tried by the students for practicing this part of the section:

1. Article on Today’s youth as Tomorrow’s Leader
2. Article on Stress in Modern Times
3. Article on the Benefits of Physical Exercise
4. Article on Books are our Best Companions
5. Article on Clean India Campaign
6. Article on Damages caused by Deforestation
7. Article on Good Manners
8. Article on India of my Dreams
9. Article on Say No to Plastic

Tips & Tricks for Section B: Writing

Now as far as scoring well in the writing section of class 8 are concerned, it is always better to follow the experts. After discussion with expert teachers and topper students we @ studies today have shortlisted the following mantras for success in Section B.

Mantra 1: As the writing section requires a lot of thought process, thus this section should be performed second after the reading section.

Mantra 2: The students should properly revise the formats before appearing for the exams.

Mantra 3: Extra efforts should be made to remember the beginnings and endings of all formats.

Mantra 4: All students must keep in mind the word limit while appearing for this section.

CBSE English Class 8 | SECTION C: GRAMMAR

The third Section of the CBSE English Curriculum is the ‘Grammar Section’ which mainly tests the grammatical skills of the students in English.

Grammar holds an important place as it is the language which makes it possible for us to express in oral and written words. English Grammar helps in sentence formation and provides language users the control of expression and communication in day to day life. Victory over words facilitates the speakers to communicate their opinions and purpose more effectively. We can also say that Grammar is the foundation for communication. Thus, Students of class 8 should practice each mentioned segment as it will not only help in scoring well in the exams but will also help in improving the expressions for the life time. These grammar concepts play a very vital role in improving the language as a whole.

This section of English Grammar consists of the following aspects for Class 8 students.

1. Direct and Indirect Speech
2. Order of Words and Clauses
3. Active and Passive Voice
4. Pronoun
5. Verb
6. Tenses
7. Noun
8. Adverb
9. Prepositions
10. Conjunction
11. Vocabulary
12. Phrases and Idioms
13. Comprehension Reading

Tips & Tricks for Section C: Grammar

Now as far as scoring well in the grammar section of class 8 are concerned, it is always better to follow the experts. After discussion with expert teachers and topper students we @ studiestoday have shortlisted the following mantras for success in Section C.

Mantra 1: As the grammar section requires a lot of practice, thus the students must solve lots of worksheets and sample papers for optimum results.

Mantra 2: The students should properly revise the concepts before appearing for the exams.

Mantra 3: Extra efforts should be made in order to be accurate as this is the most scoring section in the English Examination.

CBSE English Class 8 | SECTION D: LITERATURE

The forth Section of the CBSE English Curriculum is the ‘Literature Section’ which mainly tests the vocabulary, reading comprehension and communication skills of the students in English.

Literature is essential for children because with the help of it they learn how to read and write at an early age. Literature is important for students because it helps the children to find solutions to the problems. One of the most essential skills children learn through literature is how to act in different situations. Reading drives the students towards experiencing situations and thinking about what they would do in the character's place which can for sure add value to their life.

This section of English Literature consists of the following Chapters and Poems for Class 8 students. This section is spread in two books – a textbook of English and a Supplementary Reader in English.

Let us discuss further details included in each of the two English Books.

English (Honeydew – Textbook in English for Class 8)

This book has the following ten chapters and poems:

1. Chapter 1: The Best Christmas Present in the World
   Poem: The Ant and the Cricket
2. Chapter 2: The Tsunami
   Poem: Geography Lesson
3. Chapter 3: Glimpses of the Past
   Poem: Macavity: The Mystery Cat
4. Chapter 4: Bepin Choudhury’s Lapse of Memory
   Poem: The Last Bargain
5. Chapter 5: The Summit Within
   Poem: The School Boy
6. Chapter 6: This is Jody’s Fawn
   Poem: The Duck and the Kangaroo
7. Chapter 7: A Visit to Cambridge
   Poem: When I set out for Lyonnesse
8. Chapter 8: A Short Monsoon Diary
   Poem: On the Grasshopper and Cricket
9. Chapter 9: The Great Stone Face- I
10. Chapter 10: The Great Stone Face- II

English (It So Happened –Supplementary Reader in English for Class 8)

This book also includes the following 10 chapters:

1. Chapter 1: How the Camel got his Hump
2. Chapter 2: Children at work
3. Chapter 3: The Selfish Giant
4. Chapter 4: The Treasure within
5. Chapter 5: Princess September
6. Chapter 6: The Fight
7. Chapter 7: The Open Window
8. Chapter 8: Jalebis
9. Chapter 9: The Comet- I
10. Chapter 10: The Comet- II

Tips & Tricks for Section D: Literature

After discussion with expert teachers and topper students we @ studies today have shortlisted the following mantras for success in Section D.

Mantra 1: As the literature section is the most familiar section, the students must attempt it in the end.

Mantra 2: The students must read all chapters at least once before appearing for the exams.

Mantra 3: All the questions with long answers should be done first to avoid un-necessary pressure in the end.

Standard 8 creates a base for the students. It has been observed that the syllabus of Class 9 and Class 10 are related to the syllabus of Class 8.To add on, the performance of aspiring students in various prestigious competitive exams also depend on how strong their foundation is. Thus, Standard 8 plays a very important role in shaping the future of the students.

We hope the above discussed points in the article will facilitate you to achieve your desired Goal. Best Wishes