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Comprehensive English Grade 8 Notes ๐๐ก
Jona Mariz De Venecia
@jonadv
1 / 10
Context Clues - Your Secret to Understanding Any Text
Ever get stuck on a difficult word while reading? Context clues are hints hidden in sentences that help you figure out what unfamiliar words mean without running to the dictionary every time.
There are 8 main types of context clues to look for. Definition clues directly explain the word in the same sentence. Synonym clues give you a similar word nearby, while antonym clues show you the opposite meaning.
Comparison clues help by showing similar meanings, and example clues provide specific samples. Sometimes you'll find explanation clues that describe the word, cause-effect clues that show what happens, or you might need to use inference to make an educated guess based on the description.
Pro Tip: When you see an unfamiliar word, always read the whole sentence and the sentences around it - the answer is usually hiding there!
Story Elements - The Building Blocks of Every Tale
Understanding story elements makes reading so much easier and helps you analyze any text for exams. Every story has a setting (where and when it happens) and different types of characters with specific roles.
Characters come in different types based on their roles. The protagonist is your main hero, while the antagonist serves as the villain. Don't forget the confidant - that close friend character who listens to everyone's problems.
Characters also develop differently throughout stories. Flat or static characters never change from beginning to end. Round or dynamic characters grow and change as the story progresses - these are usually the most interesting ones to follow.
Remember: The protagonist isn't always the "good guy" - they're just the main character whose story you're following!
Plot Structure and Conflict - How Stories Unfold
Every good story follows a similar plot structure that builds tension and keeps you interested. It starts with exposition (background info), moves through rising action (building tension), hits the climax (the big moment), then falling action, and finally the resolution (ending).
Conflict drives every story forward - it's the main problem characters face. This opposing force creates all the drama and keeps readers hooked until the very end.
The theme tells you what the story is really about - the deeper message or lesson. Mood refers to the feeling the story creates, whether it's sad, happy, mysterious, or exciting.
Test Tip: Teachers love asking about plot structure, so memorize that sequence: exposition โ rising action โ climax โ falling action โ resolution!
"Soul of the Great Bell" - A Classic Chinese Tale
This Chinese folktale teaches us about sacrifice and family love through the story of Ko-Ngai and her father Konan-Yu. When the bell-maker faces execution for failing to create a perfect bell, his daughter discovers the terrible secret ingredient needed.
The protagonist Ko-Ngai represents ultimate sacrifice, while the antagonist Son of Heaven creates the conflict with his impossible demands. The story's theme focuses on a daughter's sacrifice to save her father's life.
Understanding Chinese civilization helps you appreciate this story better. China has over 20,000 characters in its language, and red symbolizes good luck in their culture.
Cultural Note: This story shows how folktales from different cultures often share similar themes about family loyalty and sacrifice.
Bibliography - Giving Credit Where It's Due
A bibliography lists all the books and sources you used in your research projects. It comes from Greek words meaning "book" and "to write" - basically, it's writing about books you've read.
Every book has specific parts you need to know: title page, copyright page, contents, body, glossary, references, and index. When creating bibliography entries, you'll need the author's name, title, publisher, and publication date.
There are different bibliography styles depending on your subject. APA style works for social sciences, MLA style for literature papers, and Chicago style for humanities subjects.
Assignment Saver: Always keep track of your sources while researching - it's much harder to find them again later!
Modal Verbs and Adverbs - Expressing Possibility and Certainty
Modal verbs like may, will, can, should, and must help you express different levels of certainty, possibility, and obligation. They're essential for clear communication in both speaking and writing.
Modal adverbs work similarly but as describing words. Words like "possibly," "certainly," and "necessarily" show how sure you are about something. "Possibly" suggests something might happen, while "certainly" shows you're confident about it.
These words help you express permission (can, may), ability (can), obligation (should, must), and future certainty (will). Understanding these makes your writing more precise and mature.
Writing Tip: Using modal verbs correctly makes you sound more sophisticated and shows you understand different levels of certainty.
"Makato and the Cowrie Shells" - Character Analysis
This Thai folktale demonstrates both direct and indirect characterization techniques that authors use to reveal character traits. Understanding these methods helps you analyze any story more effectively.
Direct characterization happens when authors directly tell you about characters - like describing Makato as "tall and handsome" or "an orphan." Indirect characterization requires you to figure out traits from character actions and what others say about them.
Makato shows positive traits through his actions: he's hardworking, sensible, and good-tempered. Other characters like Pra Ruang demonstrate kindness, while the old woman shows helpfulness by giving Makato water.
Analysis Skill: Look for both what the author tells you directly and what you can infer from character behavior - this deeper reading impresses teachers!
We thought youโd never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help โ all at your fingertips.
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4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think itโs very much worth it and youโll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still donโt get it!!! In the end I think itโs worth it ๐๐ โ ๏ธAlso DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DONโT HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLYโ๏ธโ๏ธโ ๏ธ
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app Iโve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help๐ค๐ค
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.๐๐ฉท๐
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as Iโve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think itโs very much worth it and youโll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still donโt get it!!! In the end I think itโs worth it ๐๐ โ ๏ธAlso DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DONโT HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLYโ๏ธโ๏ธโ ๏ธ
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app Iโve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help๐ค๐ค
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.๐๐ฉท๐
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as Iโve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Comprehensive English Grade 8 Notes ๐๐ก
Jona Mariz De Venecia
@jonadv
These English 8 notes cover essential reading and writing skills you'll use throughout high school. You'll learn how to figure out word meanings using context clues, understand story elements, and create proper bibliographies for your research projects.
Context Clues - Your Secret to Understanding Any Text
Ever get stuck on a difficult word while reading? Context clues are hints hidden in sentences that help you figure out what unfamiliar words mean without running to the dictionary every time.
There are 8 main types of context clues to look for. Definition clues directly explain the word in the same sentence. Synonym clues give you a similar word nearby, while antonym clues show you the opposite meaning.
Comparison clues help by showing similar meanings, and example clues provide specific samples. Sometimes you'll find explanation clues that describe the word, cause-effect clues that show what happens, or you might need to use inference to make an educated guess based on the description.
Pro Tip: When you see an unfamiliar word, always read the whole sentence and the sentences around it - the answer is usually hiding there!
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Story Elements - The Building Blocks of Every Tale
Understanding story elements makes reading so much easier and helps you analyze any text for exams. Every story has a setting (where and when it happens) and different types of characters with specific roles.
Characters come in different types based on their roles. The protagonist is your main hero, while the antagonist serves as the villain. Don't forget the confidant - that close friend character who listens to everyone's problems.
Characters also develop differently throughout stories. Flat or static characters never change from beginning to end. Round or dynamic characters grow and change as the story progresses - these are usually the most interesting ones to follow.
Remember: The protagonist isn't always the "good guy" - they're just the main character whose story you're following!
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Plot Structure and Conflict - How Stories Unfold
Every good story follows a similar plot structure that builds tension and keeps you interested. It starts with exposition (background info), moves through rising action (building tension), hits the climax (the big moment), then falling action, and finally the resolution (ending).
Conflict drives every story forward - it's the main problem characters face. This opposing force creates all the drama and keeps readers hooked until the very end.
The theme tells you what the story is really about - the deeper message or lesson. Mood refers to the feeling the story creates, whether it's sad, happy, mysterious, or exciting.
Test Tip: Teachers love asking about plot structure, so memorize that sequence: exposition โ rising action โ climax โ falling action โ resolution!
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"Soul of the Great Bell" - A Classic Chinese Tale
This Chinese folktale teaches us about sacrifice and family love through the story of Ko-Ngai and her father Konan-Yu. When the bell-maker faces execution for failing to create a perfect bell, his daughter discovers the terrible secret ingredient needed.
The protagonist Ko-Ngai represents ultimate sacrifice, while the antagonist Son of Heaven creates the conflict with his impossible demands. The story's theme focuses on a daughter's sacrifice to save her father's life.
Understanding Chinese civilization helps you appreciate this story better. China has over 20,000 characters in its language, and red symbolizes good luck in their culture.
Cultural Note: This story shows how folktales from different cultures often share similar themes about family loyalty and sacrifice.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
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Bibliography - Giving Credit Where It's Due
A bibliography lists all the books and sources you used in your research projects. It comes from Greek words meaning "book" and "to write" - basically, it's writing about books you've read.
Every book has specific parts you need to know: title page, copyright page, contents, body, glossary, references, and index. When creating bibliography entries, you'll need the author's name, title, publisher, and publication date.
There are different bibliography styles depending on your subject. APA style works for social sciences, MLA style for literature papers, and Chicago style for humanities subjects.
Assignment Saver: Always keep track of your sources while researching - it's much harder to find them again later!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Modal Verbs and Adverbs - Expressing Possibility and Certainty
Modal verbs like may, will, can, should, and must help you express different levels of certainty, possibility, and obligation. They're essential for clear communication in both speaking and writing.
Modal adverbs work similarly but as describing words. Words like "possibly," "certainly," and "necessarily" show how sure you are about something. "Possibly" suggests something might happen, while "certainly" shows you're confident about it.
These words help you express permission (can, may), ability (can), obligation (should, must), and future certainty (will). Understanding these makes your writing more precise and mature.
Writing Tip: Using modal verbs correctly makes you sound more sophisticated and shows you understand different levels of certainty.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
"Makato and the Cowrie Shells" - Character Analysis
This Thai folktale demonstrates both direct and indirect characterization techniques that authors use to reveal character traits. Understanding these methods helps you analyze any story more effectively.
Direct characterization happens when authors directly tell you about characters - like describing Makato as "tall and handsome" or "an orphan." Indirect characterization requires you to figure out traits from character actions and what others say about them.
Makato shows positive traits through his actions: he's hardworking, sensible, and good-tempered. Other characters like Pra Ruang demonstrate kindness, while the old woman shows helpfulness by giving Makato water.
Analysis Skill: Look for both what the author tells you directly and what you can infer from character behavior - this deeper reading impresses teachers!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
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Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
We thought youโd never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help โ all at your fingertips.
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4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think itโs very much worth it and youโll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still donโt get it!!! In the end I think itโs worth it ๐๐ โ ๏ธAlso DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DONโT HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLYโ๏ธโ๏ธโ ๏ธ
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app Iโve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help๐ค๐ค
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.๐๐ฉท๐
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as Iโve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think itโs very much worth it and youโll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still donโt get it!!! In the end I think itโs worth it ๐๐ โ ๏ธAlso DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DONโT HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLYโ๏ธโ๏ธโ ๏ธ
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app Iโve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help๐ค๐ค
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.๐๐ฉท๐
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as Iโve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user