The second of seven related guides, this curriculum guide for eighth grade English outlines opportunities for students to use the skills they have acquired previously, to be involved in well-planned educational experiences in critical thinking and in oral and written expression, and to develop an understanding of others. The first half of the guide contains a course syllabus, a statement of general philosophy and objectives, a list of the principle features of the new English curriculum, a diagram of the multilevel course organization, a list of literature-related activities, general policies for written assignments, a section on grammar instruction, a cross-reference table for the standards of learning, directions for the implementation of the individualized reading session within the curriculum context, and guidelines for using the computer. The second half of the guide contains the four instructional units, which focus on adolescence and its relationship to the following themes: identity and self-fullment, communication and interpersonal relationships, compassion and the common struggle, and facing reality. Each unit includes a rationale, objectives, a list of resources, a scope and sequence statement, lists of activities for each week spent on the unit, and a statement on evaluation. (EL)