Grade 8 English (Virginia SOL)

Developing Skilled Readers and Building Reading Stamina (DSR)

• 8.DSR Build knowledge and comprehension by reading challenging, content-rich texts and using strategies when confused.
• Read grade-level complex texts accurately, smoothly, and with expression, self-correcting as needed.
• Understand literary and informational texts in the upper part of the grades 6–8 complexity band.
• Support claims with several accurate pieces of evidence, noting where they appear.
• Read related texts on a topic over time to build knowledge and vocabulary and apply it to new learning.
• Use strategies such as questioning, summarizing, and analyzing structure when a text becomes challenging.

Reading and Vocabulary (RV)

• Build vocabulary and word knowledge systematically through grade 8 content and texts.
• 8.RV.1 Grow vocabulary and analyze words using grade 8 texts and topics.
• Learn general academic and subject-specific words by listening to, reading, and discussing texts.
• Use sentence or paragraph context to work out the meaning of words and phrases.
• Use Greek and Latin roots and affixes to decode unfamiliar words.
• Use synonyms, antonyms, and analogies to deepen understanding of words.
• Analyze authors' use of symbols, analogies, and figurative language such as simile, metaphor, and idiom.
• Tell connotative meanings of words from their literal meanings.
• Use print or digital references for pronunciation, word origins, derivations, and parts of speech.
• Use newly learned words and phrases in discussion, speaking, and writing.

Reading Literary Text (RL)

• Use textual evidence to show comprehension and build knowledge from complex literary texts.
• 8.RL.1 Key ideas and details: theme, plot patterns, and how characters change.
• Explain how themes develop and relate to characters, setting, plot, and overall message.
• Explain how plot patterns and subplots create meaning and affect character, theme, pace, and point of view.
• Justify the decisions and actions of dynamic and static characters using dialogue or events.
• 8.RL.2 Craft and style: poetic elements, tone and voice, point of view, and literary devices.
• Interpret poetic elements such as rhyme, rhythm, repetition, alliteration, and onomatopoeia and their effect.
• Analyze how dialogue, sentence structure, and word choice shape tone and voice.
• Analyze how an author develops and contrasts the points of view of characters or narrators.
• Analyze how foreshadowing, flashback, symbolism, and irony create mystery, suspense, or surprise.
• 8.RL.3 Integrate concepts: structures, fiction and history, and texts across forms.
• Compare the structures of stories, poems, and plays and how structure affects meaning and style.
• Compare fictional portrayals of a time, place, or character with historical accounts.
• Compare and contrast texts in different forms or genres on similar themes and topics.

Reading Informational Text (RI)

• Use textual evidence to show comprehension and build knowledge from complex informational texts.
• 8.RI.1 Key ideas and details: main idea, development of ideas, and arguments.
• Write a main-idea statement and an accurate summary showing how key details and events relate.
• Analyze how authors of historical, scientific, or technical texts develop and connect ideas.
• Trace and evaluate an argument's claims, judging whether reasoning and evidence are relevant and sufficient.
• 8.RI.2 Craft and style: text features, word choice, and the author's perspective.
• Evaluate how text features such as headings, graphics, and footnotes support understanding.
• Analyze how word choice, organization, and language affect meaning and credibility.
• Analyze how an author establishes perspective or purpose and responds to conflicting evidence or views.
• 8.RI.3 Integrate ideas within and across informational texts.
• Analyze how sentences, paragraphs, sections, and text features develop and refine ideas.
• Compare how two or more authors present conflicting information and where their reasoning differs.

Writing (W)

• Compose a range of texts for different audiences and purposes linked to grade 8 content and texts.
• 8.W.1 Modes and purposes: narrative, expository, persuasive, and reflective writing.
• Write narratives of real or imagined events with a clear sequence, precise language, and transitions.
• Write expository texts that explain a topic with focused, credible facts and examples.
• Write persuasive texts that defend a position with relevant evidence and clear reasoning.
• Write reflectively about reading, supported by details and evidence.
• 8.W.2 Organization and composition: build multi-paragraph texts through a writing process.
• Use a writing process to build multi-paragraph texts with a thesis and evidence.
• 8.W.3 Usage and mechanics: revise and edit for clarity, conventions, and effectiveness.
• Revise for clarity, word choice, sentence variety, and transitions between paragraphs.
• Self- and peer-edit for capitals, spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, and Standard English.

Language Usage (LU)

• Use Standard English conventions and tell formal from informal contexts.
• 8.LU.1 Grammar: sentence types, pronouns, modifiers, phrases and clauses, and tense.
• Write simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences for clarity and variety.
• Use pronoun-antecedent agreement with indefinite, reflexive, and relative pronouns.
• Use precise adjectives and adverbs to improve speech and writing.
• Arrange phrases and clauses to improve meaning, interest, and style.
• Keep verb tense consistent across paragraphs.
• 8.LU.2 Mechanics: punctuation, quotations, and spelling.
• Write complete, correctly punctuated sentences, avoiding comma splices and run-ons.
• Punctuate dialogue and direct quotations correctly.
• Spell frequently used words accurately and consistently.
• Use reference materials to check and correct spelling.

Communication and Multimodal Literacies (C)

• Develop oral communication and collaboration skills to build a community of learners.
• 8.C.1 Communication, listening, and collaboration in discussions.
• Lead and take part in respectful discussions with a range of partners on grade 8 topics.
• 8.C.2 Speaking and presenting ideas.
• Give organized presentations with supporting details and suitable language, citing sources.
• 8.C.3 Integrating multimodal literacies.
• Plan and give multimodal presentations with a logical sequence, evidence, several modes, and varied viewpoints.
• Create media messages for a specific audience that present claims and findings with evidence.
• 8.C.4 Examining media messages.
• Explain how media use persuasive techniques to shape beliefs, behavior, and interpretation.
• Compare how similar information appears in print, electronic, and mass media.
• Evaluate sources for relationships, motives, intent, and content.

Research (R)

• Conduct research and read related texts to build knowledge, solve problems, and support cross-curricular learning.
• 8.R.1 Evaluate and synthesise information from research sources.
• Write and revise research questions, broadening or narrowing them as needed.
• Collect, organize, and synthesise information from several sources through note-taking.
• Evaluate sources for relevance, validity, credibility, bias, and conflicting information.
• Quote, summarize, and paraphrase findings in own words, avoiding plagiarism.
• Organize and share findings in formal and informal oral or written formats.
• Cite sources using MLA or APA style.
• Use sources, AI tools, and new technologies ethically and responsibly.