8th Grade ELA (Indiana Academic Standards)

Reading Comprehension (RC)

• 8.RC.1 Analyze what a text says directly and infer from it, citing strong textual evidence.
• 8.RC.2 Trace how a theme or central idea develops through characters, setting and plot, and summarize in detail.
• 8.RC.3 Compare the structures of related literary works and evaluate how structure shapes meaning and style.
• 8.RC.4 Trace how a central idea and supporting ideas develop across a text and give a detailed objective summary.
• 8.RC.5 Identify an author's point of view or purpose and how the author responds to conflicting evidence or views.
• 8.RC.6 Evaluate an argument's reasoning and evidence for soundness, relevance and sufficiency, spotting irrelevant evidence.
• 8.RC.7 Analyze texts that disagree on a topic and identify where they differ on facts or interpretation.
• 8.RC.8 Use context to work out or clarify the meaning of words and phrases.
• 8.RC.9 Tell apart the connotations of words with similar denotations.
• 8.RC.10 Use common grade-level Greek and Latin affixes and roots to work out word meanings.
• 8.RC.11 Interpret figures of speech such as verbal irony and puns in context.

Writing (W)

• 8.W.1 Write arguments with clear claims and counterclaims, logical reasoning, credible evidence, cohesive transitions, consistent style and a conclusion.
• 8.W.2 Write informative texts that introduce a topic, develop it from varied sources in precise language and conclude.
• 8.W.3 Write narratives with context, point of view, sequenced events, narrative techniques, sensory details and a reflective ending.
• 8.W.4 Use the writing process for formal writing (plan, draft, revise, edit) with peer and adult support.
• 8.W.5 Do research projects: form questions, gather and assess sources, cite properly, avoid plagiarism and present findings.
• 8.W.6 Use grade 8 grammar: explain verbals, use active and passive voice and avoid unwanted shifts in voice.
• 8.W.7 Use standard capitals, punctuation and spelling, including commas, ellipses and dashes for pauses or omissions.

Communication and Collaboration (CC)

• 8.CC.1 Take part in a range of discussions with diverse partners, building on others' ideas and sharing one's own clearly.
• 8.CC.2 Ask questions that connect several speakers' ideas and respond with relevant evidence and ideas.
• 8.CC.3 Acknowledge new information and, when warranted, qualify or justify one's views with evidence.
• 8.CC.4 Analyze the purpose of information in different media and formats and evaluate the motives behind it.
• 8.CC.5 Identify a speaker's argument and claims and judge reasoning and evidence, spotting irrelevant evidence.
• 8.CC.6 Present claims and findings clearly and coherently with evidence, sound reasoning, eye contact, volume and pronunciation.
• 8.CC.7 Give engaging presentations with multimedia and visuals that clarify information, strengthen claims and add interest.
• 8.CC.8 Identify and analyze persuasive and propaganda techniques and spot false or misleading information.