The 8th-grade second semester course in the United States typically includes a diverse range of poems that cater to various literary styles and themes. These poems are chosen to enhance students' understanding of different poetic forms, such as free verse, sonnets, and haikus, as well as to explore various topics like nature, identity, and social issues. Some of the poems commonly included in this curriculum are "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost, "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" by T.S. Eliot, and "The Waste Land" by T.S. Eliot. These selections are made to challenge students' critical thinking and analytical skills while fostering their appreciation for literary works.

The inclusion of such poems in the 8th-grade curriculum is based on several educational objectives. Firstly, these poems are selected to introduce students to a variety of poetic forms and techniques, which helps them develop a broader understanding of literature. For instance, "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost is a classic example of a free verse poem, which allows students to explore the nuances of this form. Secondly, the themes of these poems are designed to resonate with the experiences and emotions of adolescents, making the learning process more relatable and engaging. Poems like "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" and "The Waste Land" address complex issues such as existential crisis and the struggle for identity, which are pertinent to the developmental stage of 8th graders.

Data from the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) supports the inclusion of diverse poetry in the curriculum. According to the NCTE, poetry is an essential component of a well-rounded education, as it fosters critical thinking, creativity, and empathy. The NCTE also emphasizes the importance of including a variety of voices and perspectives in the curriculum to promote cultural understanding and social justice. By incorporating poems from different authors and backgrounds, the 8th-grade second semester course aims to achieve these educational goals and provide students with a rich and comprehensive literary experience.