Classes
ICSE Class 8

Subject: Middle School


Introduction

ICSE Class 8 Syllabus

ICSE Class 8 English Syllabus: Listening and Speaking

1) Listen to a variety of texts from different genres and registers such as story, poems, narratives, lecture etc. for aural/written comprehension.

2) Listen and comprehend issues/topics raised in spoken texts e.g.

speech
lecture
discourse
debate
discussion
Group discussions

3) Analyse and evaluate use of language in different contexts (newspapers, television, billboards and advertising campaigns) and its interpretation.

4) Adapts speech to a variety of contexts and tasks e.g.

tone
gestures
stress
facial expressions
body language
voice modulation
choice of words

5) Collect and collate ideas and seek clarification to keep discussions relevant.

 

ICSE Class 8 English Syllabus: Reading
1) Literary/ non-literary texts on a wide range of themes covering different genres and registers. The themes may include:
Self, Family, Home, Friends etc.

Neighbourhood and Community.
The Nation – diversity (sociocultural, religious and ethnic, as well as linguistic), heritage Myths/legends/folktales)
The World – India’s neighbours and other countries (their cultures, literature and customs)
Adventure and Imagination
Sports and Yoga
Issues relating to Adolescence
Science and Technology
Peace and Harmony
Travel and Tourism
Mass Media
Art and Culture
Health and Sanitation.
Famous Personalities & achievers,
Environmental concerns – water conservation, cleanliness and sanitation, Safety – personal safety & awareness about child abuse, conservation energy, sustainable development.

2) Extensive and intensive reading of the texts for comprehension, inference etc.

3) Focus on choice of vocabulary/figurative language and tone/mood used in the text.

4) Deconstruct the textual piece to understand the

central theme
point of view
character
plot
dialogue / incident
structure
suspense
humour
points of view
Evaluate and analyse the text from the point of view of its

production
drama
Film content
ICSE Class 8 English Syllabus – Reading and Writing
Write a:

Composition (250 -300 words)
Letters (formal and informal)
Personal narratives
Story
Write across disciplines
Use of technology as a resource to enhance research work.
Process approach to writing by planning, writing, revising, editing, and rewriting

 

ICSE Class 8 English Grammar and Vocabulary in Context

Phrases and clauses
Sentence transformation from simple to complex /compound sentences
Use phrases, idioms figures of speech in context

 

ICSE Class 8 English Literature Syllabus:Suggested Reading List
Lord of the Flies – William Golding
A Wizard of Earth Sea – Ursula Le Guin
The Hobbit – J.R.R. Tolkien
Watership Down – Richard Adams
To Kill a Mockingbird – Harper Lee
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas – John Boyne
A tale of Two Cities – Charles Dickens
Les Misérables – Victor Hugo (Abridged)
Sherlock Holmes – Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
The Old Man and the Sea – Ernest Hemingway
The Pearl– John Steinbeck
P.G. Wodehouse (Jeeves/ Blandings Castle etc.)
The Ramayana/ Mahabharata – C. Rajagopalachari
Graphic Novels (e.g. Maus – Art Spiegelman)
David Copperfield – Charles Dickens


ICSE Class 8 Maths Syllabus

Number System

1) Rational Numbers
Revision of “What is a rational number?” with examples and only discussion of properties.
Between any two rational numbers there lies another rational number (Problems related to inserting 1,2,3, ….. n rational numbers between two rational numbers).
Word problems based on real life situations using rational numbers.

2) Exponents Powers
Laws of exponents with integral powers
Square and Square roots using division method for numbers containing
no more than total 4 digits
no more than 2 decimal places
Cubes and cubes roots (only factor method for numbers containing at most 3 digits)

3) Sets
Union and intersection of sets
Disjoint-set
The complement of a set

Ratio and Proportion
Compound Interest (compounded yearly up to 3 years)
Problems on tax (rebate sum included)
Direct and inverse variations – Simple and direct word problems
Time and work problems – Simple and direct word problems

Algebra
Algebraic Expressions
Multiplication and division of algebraic expression (Coefficient should be integers)
Inequalities and solution of simple inequalities in one variable.
Factorisation (simple cases only) as examples the following types a (x + y), ax (c + d)
Solving linear equations in one variable in contextual problems involving multiplication and division (word problems) (avoid complex coefficient in the equations)

Geometry
Understanding shapes:
i. Properties of quadrilaterals – Angle Sum property
ii. Properties of a parallelogram (By verification)

Opposite sides of a parallelogram are equal,
Opposite angles of a parallelogram are equal,
Diagonals of a parallelogram bisect each other.
Diagonals of a rectangle are equal and bisect each other.
Diagonals of a rhombus bisect each other at right angles.
Diagonals of a square are equal and bisect each other at right angles.

Mensuration
Surface area of a cube, cuboid, cylinder.
The idea of Total surface area of cubes and cuboid.
Concept of volume, measurement of volume using a basic unit, the volume of a cube, cuboid and cylinder
Volume and capacity (the measurement of capacity)

Data Handling
Simple Pie charts with reasonable data numbers

Recommended textbooks
ICSE Mathematics for Class 8 by Asit Das Gupta-English-Bharati Bhawan (English) by Asit Das Gupta
Mathematics Today-8 (ICSE) (English) 01 Edition (Paperback) by S K Gupta
Longman ICSE Mathematics Book 8 (Paperback) by Sehgal

 

ICSE Class 8 Physics Syllabus

Theme 1: Matter
Kinetic Theory of Matter.

Three states of matter in terms of movement of particles.
Energy content in the three states of matter.
Change of state in matter using the Kinetic theory:
Boiling
Vaporization
Melting
Fusion
Evaporation
Condensation
Sublimation
Deposition
Freezing
Change of state diagrams (using the terms mentioned above).

Theme 2: Physical Quantities and Measurement
Density
Units of density in various systems of units and relation between them.
Finding density of regular solids.
Relative Density
Definition
Relation with Density
Measurement of Density of Fluids:
Basic Concept
Concept of Flotation and sinking of a substance (relate to density)
Comparison of densities in the three states of matter.

Theme 3: Force and Pressure
Turning effect of force(moment of force): concept, definition and calculation
Pressure:
Definition
Unit
Factor affecting pressure
The pressure exerted by liquids (Qualitative only).
The pressure exerted by gases – Atmospheric pressure (Qualitative only).

Theme 4: Energy
Concept of Work
Unit of Work (Joule)
Calculation of Work done in simple cases
Kinetic Energy
Basic Concept
Potential Energy
Basic Concept
Gravitational Potential Energy
Energy transformation in common daily life situations
Difference between Energy and power

Theme 5: Light Energy
Refraction:
Definition
Examples of Refraction.
Curved Mirrors:
Convex
Concave
Reflecting surface (Convex and Concave)
Uses of Curved mirrors
Terms related to Curved mirrors –Focus, Principal Axis, centre of curvature, radius of curvature
Dispersion of white light into constituent colours.

Theme 6: Heat Transfer
Difference between Boiling and Evaporation.
Thermal Expansion:
Linear Expansion
Volume Expansion
Superficial Expansion
Compare expansivity in Solids, Liquids and Gases.
Examples and Real-world applications.

Theme 7: Sound
Sound as a longitudinal wave
Terms – amplitude, Time period and frequency
Pitch and Frequency
Loudness and Amplitude
Unit of loudness (decibels)

Theme 8: Electricity
Identify Live wire, neutral wire and earth wire in terms of their energy and path they travel
Safety Components (fuses/circuit breakers (Qualitative approach only)/ grounding)
Static Electricity
Conservation of charges
Conduction
Induction
Electroscope (Gold Leaf Electroscope)
Lightning Conductor
Battery as a collection of cells connected in series.


Recommended Physics Textbooks

NOMS Physics 8 (2/E) (Paperback) by Annie Jacob
Physics For Middle Class-8 By R P Rana


ICSE Class 8 Chemistry Syllabus

Theme 1: Matter
Main postulates of kinetic molecular theory of matter.
Explanation of change of state of the matter on the basis of inter particle space and interparticle attraction and collision.
Law of conservation of mass.(statement and explanation with examples).

Theme 2: Atomic Structure
Fundamental subatomic particles present in an atom: electrons, protons, neutrons.
Nucleus and extra nuclear parts.
Atomic number and mass number.
Theme 3: Language of Chemistry
Symbols of elements.
Formulae of compounds.
Chemical equations (from word equations).
Law of conservation of mass.
Balancing simple equations
Relate the law to the balancing of simple equations.
Information gathered from a chemical equation.
Limitations of a chemical equation: Catalyst, conditions for the reaction, state of reactants and products, nature of the chemical reaction are not gathered from the equation.

Theme 4: Chemical Reactions
Types of reactions:
Combination
Decomposition
Displacement
Double displacement.
Reactivity series:
In reactivity series metals are arranged in order of their reactivity.
The metal that displaces the metal ion from the solution is more reactive.
Predict the reactivity of metals.
Endothermic and exothermic processes/reactions.
Neutralization reaction.
Decomposition reactions to form Oxides.
Classification of oxides:
Acidic
Basic
Amphoteric
Neutral
Metal oxides are basic; nonmetal oxides are acidic in nature.
Acidic oxides react with base and basic oxides react with acids. some oxides such as ZnO, PbO react with both acids and bases. These are amphoteric oxides.

Theme 5: Carbon and its Compounds
Allotropes of Carbon – definition and explanation.
Crystalline and amorphous nature of allotropes of carbon.
Uses of diamond, graphite, coke, coal, soot.
Physical properties of Carbon dioxide.
Chemical properties of Carbon Dioxide.
Acidic nature.
Reaction with lime water.
Properties and uses of Carbon monoxide.
Emphasis on use as reducing agent in the extraction of iron.
Emphasize the harmful properties of Carbon monoxide when inhaled – Asphyxia.

Recommended Chemistry Textbooks

Chemistry For Middle Class – 8 By R P Rana Noms
Chemistry 8 (2/E) (Paperback) by John West


ICSE Class 8 Biology Syllabus

Theme 1: Transport of Food and Minerals in Plants
Diffusion – definition;
Osmosis – definition, example, semipermeable membrane, root pressure; active transport.
Transpiration – definition, importance and factors affecting transpiration.
Structure and function of Xylem and Phloem in detail;

Theme 2: Reproduction in Plant and Animals
Plants:
Sexual reproduction in Plants:
Review of parts of a typical flower (4 whorls and their structure and function)
Pollination: self and cross;
Agents of pollination: three characteristics of plants pollinated by insects, water and wind (with examples).Characteristics of flowers of each kind.
Fertilization process in brief by a flow chart.
Animals:
Sexual reproduction in humans:
Main organs of the male and female reproductive system

Theme 3: Ecosystems
Understanding ecosystems: definition, interaction between biotic and abiotic factors.
Biotic components consisting of producers, consumers, decomposers. Meaning of food chain. Food web, and pyramid of numbers.
Interdependence between organisms: symbiosis, parasitism and predation.
Only, forest ecosystem with its flora and fauna to be taught.

Theme 4: Human Body – Endocrine, Circulatory and Nervous System
Endocrine System
Two types of glands- exocrine, endocrine (basic concept and difference);
Hormone (definition).
Hormonal glands – (thyroid, adrenal, pancreas, pituitary); location and function of each.
Following points to be studied in tabular form: name of the gland, location in body, secretion, function.
Adolescence and accompanying changes
Physical and emotional changes in the body during adolescence.
Importance of personal hygiene
Stress management (meaning of stress; ways to tackle stress: yoga, meditation, time management, sports, hobbies, rational thinking etc.)
Circulatory System (Revisit learning of earlier class)
Internal structure of heart in detail (including valves, septum; pacemaker).
Schematic diagram of the heart;
Blood vessels – aorta, pulmonary trunk, coronary artery & vein, vena cava.
Circulation of blood as double circulation.
Blood Groups (A, B, AB and O): universal donor and universal acceptor.
Nervous System (Revisit learning of earlier class)
Central nervous system (CNS) in detail with its parts and their functions.
Reflex action: definition and basic terms used to describe reflex action stimulus, response, impulse, receptor, effector); common examples of reflex action.

Recommended Biology Textbooks

Noms Biology 8 (2/E) (Paperback) By P. A. Paulose
Biology For Middle Class-8 (English) By A P Misra


ICSE Class 8 History and Civics Syllabus

A Period of Transition
The period of transition – basic understanding.

Sources – Primary and Secondary.
The Industrial Revolution – meaning and reasons why it began in England, major inventions, Impacts of Industrial Revolution. Imperialism- Its meaning, caused and impacts with special reference to South Asian Countries.

The Growth of Nationalism
The French Revolution – Causes, the outbreak, impact, the post – revolution period, Napoleon Bonaparte (brief study of the revolution).

India in the 18th Century
Decline of the Mughal Empire – (Major factors/causes).

Traders to Rulers
Advent of English East India Company- a brief mention
Conquest of BengalBattle of Plassey, Buxar- causes and results.

The Great Uprising of 1857
Reasons – political, socio religious, economic, military.
Immediate causes.
Leaders.
Consequences.
Nature of the Uprising.

 

ICSE Class 8 Civics Syllabus 2020-21

The three main organs of the Indian Government: Legislature, Executive, Judiciary
Legislature – Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, composition, term, election, qualifications, Presidency officer.
Executive – The President, The Vice – President, Prime Minister and Council of Ministers- qualifications, election (method not procedure).
The Judiciary – The Supreme Court and high Court – Composition, qualifications of judges, appointment.
United Nations
Aims and Principles, Organs (all SLR mention in brief)- General Assembly, Security Council, International Court of Justice (detail) – functions.
Agencies of UN – UNESCO, UNICEF, WHO – functions only.


ICSE Class 8 Geography Syllabus

Theme 1: Population Dynamics
Distribution of population in the world.
Overpopulation and under population: meaning with examples of countries from the world.
Impact of overpopulation and under population on the society.
Factors affecting the population of a place, birth and death rate, immigration and emigration.
Composition of population – Age and sex, rural and urban; population pyramid.

Theme 2: Migration
Migration: Introduction.
Types of migration-immigration, emigration, rural- urban and urban-urban. (examples from the world).
Impact of migration on socioeconomic structure of the society (examples from India and the world).
Brain Drain: introduction, causes of brain-drain, positive and negative

Theme 3: Urbanisation
Urbanisation – meaning and causes.
Positive and negative impacts of urbanisation; satellite cities.
Concept of Smart Cities (examples from the World).


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