English Language Arts: Grade 8

Reading: LiteratureRL

  • 1a

    Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly.LC.RL.8.1a

  • 1b

    Use two or more pieces of evidence to support inferences, conclusions, or summaries or text.LC.RL.8.1b

  • 1c

    Determine which piece(s) of evidence provide the strongest support for inferences, conclusions, or summaries or text.LC.RL.8.1c

  • 2a

    Determine the theme or central idea of a text.LC.RL.8.2a

  • 2b

    Analyze the development of the theme or central idea over the course of the text including its relationship to the characters, setting and plot.LC.RL.8.2b

  • 2c

    Create an objective summary of a text.LC.RL.8.2c

  • 3a

    Analyze how particular lines of dialogue or incidents in a story or drama propel the action, reveal aspects of a character or provoke a decision.LC.RL.8.3a

  • 3b

    Identify the use of literary techniques within a text.LC.RL.8.3b

  • 3c

    Explain how the use of literary techniques within a text advances the plot or reveal aspects of a character.LC.RL.8.3c

  • 4a

    Identify and interpret an analogy within a text.LC.RL.8.4a

  • 4b

    Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text including figurative (i.e., metaphors, similes, and idioms) and connotative meanings.LC.RL.8.4b

  • 5a

    Compare and contrast the structure of two or more texts.LC.RL.8.5a

  • 5b

    Explain how language use contributes to the meaning of a poem or drama.LC.RL.8.5b

  • 6a

    Compare and contrast the points of view of different characters in the same text.LC.RL.8.6a

  • 6b

    Analyze how differences in points of view of the characters and the audience or reader (e.g., created through the use of dramatic irony) creates such effects as suspense or humor.LC.RL.8.6b

  • 7

    Compare and contrast content presented in text, media, and live performance.LC.RL.8.7

  • 9

    Compare modern works of literature to the texts from which they draw ideas.LC.RL.8.9

  • 10a

    Read or be read to a variety of literary texts or adapted texts including historical novels, dramas or plays, poetry (including soliloquies and sonnets), and fiction.LC.RL.8.10a

  • 10b

    Use a variety of strategies to derive meaning from a variety of print and non-print literary texts.LC.RL.8.10b

Reading: Informational TextRI

  • 1a

    Use two or more pieces of evidence to support inferences, conclusions, or summaries of text.LC.RI.8.1a

  • 1b

    Determine which piece(s) of evidence provide the strongest support for inferences, conclusions, or summaries or text.LC.RI.8.1b

  • 2a

    Determine two or more central ideas in a text.LC.RI.8.2a

  • 2b

    Analyze the development of the central ideas over the course of the text.LC.RI.8.2b

  • 2c

    Provide/create an objective summary of a text.LC.RI.8.2c

  • 3

    Analyze how a text makes connections among and distinctions between individuals, ideas, or events (e.g., through comparisons, analogies, or categories).LC.RI.8.3

  • 4a

    Identify and interpret an analogy within a text.LC.RI.8.4a

  • 4b

    Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text including figurative (i.e., metaphors, similes, and idioms) and connotative meanings.LC.RI.8.4b

  • 4c

    Analyze how the use of figurative, connotative or technical terms affects the meaning or tone of text.LC.RI.8.4c

  • 5a

    Use signal words as a means of locating information.LC.RI.8.5a

  • 5b

    Outline the structure (i.e., sentence that identifies key concept(s), supporting details) within a paragraph.LC.RI.8.5b

  • 5c

    Determine the structure of a text.LC.RI.8.5c

  • 5d

    Determine how the information in each section contributes to the whole or to the development of ideas.LC.RI.8.5d

  • 6

    Determine an author's point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how the author acknowledges and responds to conflicting evidence or viewpoints.LC.RI.8.6

  • 8a

    Identify an argument or claim that the author makes.LC.RI.8.8a

  • 8b

    Evaluate the claim or argument to determine if it is supported by evidence.LC.RI.8.8b

  • 9

    Analyze a case in which two or more texts provide conflicting information on the same topic and identify where the texts disagree on matters of fact or interpretation.LC.RI.8.9

  • 10a

    Read or be read to a variety of informational texts or adapted texts.LC.RI.8.10a

  • 10b

    Use a variety of strategies to derive meaning from a variety of print and non-print informational texts.LC.RI.8.10b

WritingW

  • 1a

    Produce a persuasive permanent product which has an introduction that introduces a claim and distinguishes it from alternate or opposing claims.LC.W.8.1a

  • 1b

    Create an organizational structure in which ideas are logically grouped to support the claim.LC.W.8.1b

  • 1c

    Support the claim with logical reasoning and relevant evidence from credible sources.LC.W.8.1c

  • 1d

    Use words, phrases and clauses to link the claim and reasons and clarify relationship among ideas.LC.W.8.1d

  • 1e

    Maintain a consistent style and voice.LC.W.8.1e

  • 1f

    Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.LC.W.8.1f

  • 2a

    Produce an informative/explanatory permanent product which has an introduction that clearly previews information to follow about a topic.LC.W.8.2a

  • 2b

    Create an organizational structure (e.g., cause/effect, compare/contrast, descriptions and examples) that groups information logically to support the stated topic.LC.W.8.2b

  • 2c

    Develop the topic (i.e., add additional information related to the topic) with relevant, well-chosen facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples.LC.W.8.2c

  • 2d

    Use transitional words, phrases, and clauses that connect ideas and create cohesion.LC.W.8.2d

  • 2e

    Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.LC.W.8.2e

  • 2f

    Maintain a consistent style and voice.LC.W.8.2f

  • 2g

    Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the information or explanation presented.LC.W.8.2g

  • 3a

    Produce a narrative permanent product which engages and orients the reader by establishing a context and point of view and introducing a narrator and/or characters.LC.W.8.3a

  • 3b

    Organize events so they unfold naturally.LC.W.8.3b

  • 3c

    When appropriate, use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, and description, to develop experiences, events, and/or characters.LC.W.8.3c

  • 3d

    Use a variety of transition words, phrases, and clauses to convey sequence, signal shifts from one time frame or setting to another, and show the relationships among experiences and events.LC.W.8.3d

  • 3e

    Use precise words and phrases, relevant descriptive details, and sensory language to capture the action and convey experiences and events.LC.W.8.3e

  • 3f

    Provide a conclusion that follows from the narrated experiences or events.LC.W.8.3f

  • 3g

    Use literacy devices (e.g., similes, metaphors, hyperbole, personification, imagery) when communicating.LC.W.8.3g

  • 4

    Produce a clear, coherent permanent product that is appropriate to the specific task (e.g., topic or text), purpose (e.g., to persuade or inform), and audience (e.g., reader).LC.W.8.4

  • 5a

    With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop a plan for permanent products (e.g., brainstorm topics, select a topic, gather information, create a draft).LC.W.8.5a

  • 5b

    With guidance and support from peers and adults, strengthen writing by revising and editing (e.g., review a permanent product, strengthen a persuasive permanent product by adding a reason, vary sentence types).LC.W.8.5b

  • 6

    Use technology to produce and publish permanent products (e.g., use word processing to generate and collaborate on writing).LC.W.8.6

  • 7

    Follow steps to complete a short research project (e.g., determine topic, locate information on a topic, organize information related to the topic, draft a permanent product).LC.W.8.7

  • 8a

    Gather relevant information (e.g., highlight in text, quote or paraphrase from text or discussion) from print (e.g., text read aloud, printed image) and/or digital sources (e.g., video, audio, images/graphics) relevant to a topic.LC.W.8.8a

  • 8b

    Quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism.LC.W.8.8b

  • 8c

    Use a standard format to produce citations.LC.W.8.8c

  • 8d

    Provide a bibliography for sources that contributed to the creation of a permanent product.LC.W.8.8d

  • 9

    Provide evidence from grade-appropriate literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.LC.W.8.9

Speaking & ListeningSL

  • 1a

    Use information and feedback to refine understanding.LC.SL.8.1a

  • 1b

    Use information and feedback to clarify meaning for readers.LC.SL.8.1b

  • 1c

    Discuss how own view or opinion changes using new information provided by others.LC.SL.8.1c

  • 2a

    Analyze the purpose of information presented in diverse media (e.g., visually, personal communication, periodicals, social media).LC.SL.8.2a

  • 2b

    Identify the motives behind information presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, personal communication, periodicals, social media).LC.SL.8.2b

  • 2c

    Evaluate the motives and purpose behind information presented in diverse media and format for persuasive reasons.LC.SL.8.2c

  • 3a

    Evaluate the soundness of reasoning and the relevance and sufficiency of evidence provided in an argument.LC.SL.8.3a

  • 3b

    Identify when irrelevant evidence is introduced within an argument.LC.SL.8.3b

  • 3c

    Evaluate the soundness or accuracy (e.g., multiple sources to validate information) of reasons presented to support a claim.LC.SL.8.3c

  • 4a

    Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a coherent manner with relevant evidence.LC.SL.8.4a

  • 4b

    Report on a topic, with a logical sequence of ideas, appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details which support the main ideas.LC.SL.8.4b

  • 5

    Include multimedia components and visual displays in presentations to clarify claims and findings and emphasize salient points.LC.SL.8.5

LanguageL

  • 1a

    Use active and passive verbs when communicating.LC.L.8.1a

  • 1b

    Use verbs in indicative, imperative, interrogative, conditional, and/or subjunctive mood when communicating.LC.L.8.1b

  • 2a

    Use punctuation (e.g., comma, ellipsis, dash) to indicate a pause or break.LC.L.8.2a

  • 2b

    Spell words correctly.LC.L.8.2b

  • 3a

    Use active and passive voice in writing to achieve a particular effect.LC.L.8.3a

  • 3b

    Use verbs in the conditional and subjunctive mood to achieve a particular effect.LC.L.8.3b

  • 4a

    Use context as a clue to the meaning of a grade-appropriate word or phrase.LC.L.8.4a

  • 4b

    Consult print or digital reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses) to find the pronunciation of a word.LC.L.8.4b

  • 4c

    Consult print or digital reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses) to find the synonym for a word.LC.L.8.4c

  • 4d

    Consult print or digital reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses) to find the precise meaning of a word.LC.L.8.4d

  • 4e

    Verify the prediction of the meaning of a new word or phrase (e.g., by checking a dictionary).LC.L.8.4e

  • 5a

    Identify irony within a text or mediaLC.L.8.5a

  • 5b

    Identify a pun within a text or media.LC.L.8.5b

  • 5c

    Interpret figures of speech (e.g., allusions, verbal irony, puns) in context.LC.L.8.5c

  • 5d

    Use literacy devices (e.g., similes, metaphors, hyperbole, personification, imagery) in narrative writing.LC.L.8.5d

  • 5e

    Use the relationship between particular words to better understand each of the words.LC.L.8.5e

  • 5f

    Distinguish among the connotations (i.e., associations) of words with similar denotations (i.e., definitions) (e.g., bullheaded, willful, firm, persistent, resolute).LC.L.8.5f

  • 6a

    Use grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases accurately.LC.L.8.6a

Frequently asked questions

What grade levels do these standards cover?
Grade 8