North Carolina State Standards for Language Arts: Grade 8

NC.1. The learner will use language to express individual perspectives through analysis of personal, social, cultural, and historical issues.

1.01. Narrate a personal account which:

1.01.a. Creates a coherent, organizing structure appropriate to purpose, audience, and context. 6
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 1.01.a.

1.01.b. Establishes a point of view and sharpens focus. 6
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 1.01.b.

1.01.c. Uses remembered feelings. 11
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 1.01.c.

1.01.d. Selects details that best illuminate the topic. 6
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 1.01.d.

1.01.e. Connects events to self/society. 11
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 1.01.e.

1.02. Analyze expressive materials that are read, heard, and/or viewed by:

1.02.a. Monitoring comprehension for understanding of what is read, heard and/or viewed. 6
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 1.02.a.

1.02.b. Reviewing the characteristics of expressive works. 267
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 1.02.b.

1.02.c. Determining the importance of literary effects on the reader/viewer/listener. 267
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 1.02.c.

1.02.d. Making connections between works, self and related topics 7
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 1.02.d.

1.02.e. Drawing inferences. 13
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 1.02.e.

1.02.f. Generating a learning log or journal. 1
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 1.02.f.

1.02.g. Maintaining an annotated list of works that are read or viewed, including personal reactions. 1
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 1.02.g.

1.02.h. Taking an active role in and/or leading formal/informal book/media talks. 23
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 1.02.h.

1.03. Interact in group activities and/or seminars in which the student:

1.03.b. Gives reasons and cites examples from text in support of expressed opinions. 267
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 1.03.b.

1.03.c. Clarifies, illustrates, or expands on a response when asked to do so, and asks classmates for similar expansion. 267
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 1.03.c.

1.04. Reflect on learning experiences by:

1.04.a. Evaluating how personal perspectives are influenced by society, cultural differences, and historical issues. 267
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 1.04.a.

NC.2. The learner will use and evaluate information from a variety of sources.

2.01. Analyze and evaluate informational materials that are read, heard, and/or viewed by:

2.01.a. Monitoring comprehension for understanding of what is read, heard and/or viewed. 7
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 2.01.a.

2.01.b. Recognizing the characteristics of informational materials. 4
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 2.01.b.

2.01.c. Summarizing information. 7
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 2.01.c.

2.01.d. Determining the importance and accuracy of information. 8
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 2.01.d.

2.01.e. Making connections to related topics/information. 13
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 2.01.e.

2.01.f. Drawing inferences and/or conclusions. 13
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 2.01.f.

2.01.g. Generating questions. 2
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 2.01.g.

2.01.h. Extending ideas. 12
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 2.01.h.

2.02. Use multiple sources of print and non-print information to explore and create research products in both written and presentational forms by:

2.02.a. Determining purpose, audience, and context. 17
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 2.02.a.

2.02.b. Understanding the focus. 17
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 2.02.b.

2.02.c. Recognizing and/or choosing a relevant topic. 17
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 2.02.c.

2.02.d. Recognizing and/or selecting presentational format (e.g., video, essay, interactive technology) appropriate to audience. 17
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 2.02.d.

2.02.e. Evaluating information for extraneous detail, inconsistencies, relevant facts, and organization. 8
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 2.02.e.

2.02.f. Researching and organizing information to achieve purpose. 17
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 2.02.f.

2.02.g. Using notes and/or memory aids to structure information. 18
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 2.02.g.

2.02.h. Supporting ideas with examples, definitions, analogies, and direct references to primary and secondary sources. 21
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 2.02.h.

2.02.i. Noting and/or citing sources used. 6
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 2.02.i.

2.02.j. Recognizing the use of and/or employing graphics such as charts, diagrams, and graphs to enhance the communication of information. 2
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 2.02.j.

NC.3. The learner will continue to refine the understanding and use of argument.

3.01. Explore and evaluate argumentative works that are read, heard and/or viewed by:

3.01.a. Monitoring comprehension for understanding of what is read, heard and/or viewed. 7
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 3.01.a.

3.01.b. Analyzing the work by identifying the arguments and positions stated or implied and the evidence used to support them. 8
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 3.01.b.

3.01.c. Identifying the social context of the argument. 8
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 3.01.c.

3.01.d. Recognizing the effects of bias, emotional factors, and/or semantic slanting. 11
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 3.01.d.

3.01.e. Comparing the argument and counter-argument presented. 13
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 3.01.e.

3.01.f. Identifying/evaluating the effectiveness of tone, style, and use of language. 17
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 3.01.f.

3.01.g. Evaluating the author's purpose and stance. 13
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 3.01.g.

3.01.i. Responding to public documents (such as but not limited to editorials, reviews, local, state, and national policies/issues including those with a historical context). 13
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 3.01.i.

3.02. Continue to explore and analyze the use of the problem-solution process by:

3.02.a. Evaluating problems and solutions within various texts and situations. 3
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 3.02.a.

3.02.b. Utilizing the problem-solution process within various contexts/situations. 21
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 3.02.b.

3.02.c. Constructing essays/presentations that respond to a given problem by proposing a solution that includes relevant details. 9
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 3.02.c.

3.02.d. Recognizing and/or creating an organizing structure appropriate to purpose, audience, and context. 21
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 3.02.d.

3.03. Evaluate and create arguments that persuade by:

3.03.a. Understanding the importance of the engagement of audience by establishing a context, creating a persona, and otherwise developing interest. 7
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 3.03.a.

3.03.b. Noting and/or developing a controlling idea that makes a clear and knowledgeable judgment. 7
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 3.03.b.

3.03.c. Arranging details, reasons, and examples effectively and persuasively. 7
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 3.03.c.

3.03.d. Anticipating and addressing reader/listener concerns and counterarguments. 7
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 3.03.d.

3.03.e. Recognizing and/or creating an organizing structure appropriate to purpose, audience, and context. 7
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 3.03.e.

NC.4. The learner will continue to refine critical thinking skills and create criteria to evaluate print and non-print materials.

4.01. Analyze the purpose of the author or creator and the impact of that purpose by:

4.01.a. Monitoring comprehension for understanding of what is read, heard, and/or viewed. 6
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 4.01.a.

4.01.b. Evaluating any bias, apparent or hidden messages, emotional factors, and/or propaganda techniques. 16
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 4.01.b.

4.01.c. Evaluating the underlying assumptions of the author/creator. 11
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 4.01.c.

4.01.d. Evaluating the effects of author's craft on the reader/viewer/listener. 11
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 4.01.d.

4.02. Analyze and develop (with limited assistance) and apply appropriate criteria to evaluate the quality of the communication by:

4.02.a. Using knowledge of language structure and literary or media techniques. 8
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 4.02.a.

4.02.b. Drawing conclusions based on evidence, reasons, or relevant information. 16
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 4.02.b.

4.02.c. Considering the implications, consequences, or impact of those conclusions. 15
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 4.02.c.

4.03. Use the stance of a critic to:

4.03.a. Consider alternative points of view or reasons. 13
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 4.03.a.

4.03.b. Remain fair-minded and open to other interpretations. 13
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 4.03.b.

4.03.c. Construct a critical response/review of a work/topic. 13
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 4.03.c.

NC.5. The learner will respond to various literary genres using interpretive and evaluative processes.

5.01. Increase fluency, comprehension, and insight through a meaningful and comprehensive literacy program by:

5.01.a. Using effective reading strategies to match type of text. 13
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 5.01.a.

5.01.b. Reading self-selected literature and other materials of interest to the individual. 40
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 5.01.b.

5.01.c. Reading literature and other materials selected by the teacher. 40
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 5.01.c.

5.01.e. Leading small group discussions. 9
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 5.01.e.

5.01.g. Analyzing the effects of elements such as plot, theme, characterization, style, mood, and tone. 36
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 5.01.g.

5.01.h. Discussing the effects of such literary devices as figurative language, dialogue, flashback, allusion, irony, and symbolism. 7
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 5.01.h.

5.01.i. Analyzing and evaluating themes and central ideas in literature and other texts in relation to personal and societal issues. 10
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 5.01.i.

5.01.j. Extending understanding by creating products for different purposes, different audiences, and within various contexts. 3
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 5.01.j.

5.01.k. Analyzing and evaluating the relationships between and among characters, ideas, concepts, and/or experiences. 24
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 5.01.k.

5.02. Study the characteristics of literary genres (fiction, nonfiction, drama, and poetry) through:

5.02.a. Reading a variety of literature and other text (e.g., young adult novels, short stories, biographies, plays, free verse, narrative poems). 89
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 5.02.a.

5.02.b. Evaluating what impact genre-specific characteristics have on the meaning of the text. 4
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 5.02.b.

5.02.c. Evaluating how the author's choice and use of a genre shapes the meaning of the literary work. 4
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 5.02.c.

5.02.d. Evaluating what impact literary elements have on the meaning of the text. 32
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 5.02.d.

NC.6. The learner will apply conventions of grammar and language usage.

6.01. Model an understanding of conventional written and spoken expression by:

6.01.a. Using a variety of sentence types, punctuating properly, and avoiding fragments and run-ons. 11
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 6.01.a.

6.01.b. Using subject-verb agreement and verb tense that are appropriate for the meaning of the sentence. 11
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 6.01.b.

6.01.c. Applying the parts of speech to clarify language usage. 6
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 6.01.c.

6.01.d. Using pronouns correctly, including clear antecedents and case. 6
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 6.01.d.

6.01.e. Using phrases and clauses correctly, including proper punctuation (e.g. prepositional phrases, appositives, dependent and independent clauses.) 6
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 6.01.e.

6.01.f. Determining the meaning of unfamiliar vocabulary words using context clues, a dictionary, a glossary, a thesaurus, and/or structural analysis (roots, prefixes, suffixes) of words. 6
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 6.01.f.

6.01.g. Extending vocabulary knowledge by learning and using new words. 6
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 6.01.g.

6.01.h. Evaluating the use and power of dialects in standard/nonstandard English usage. 6
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 6.01.h.

6.01.i. Applying correct language conventions and usage during formal oral presentations. 7
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 6.01.i.

6.02. Continue to identify and edit errors in spoken and written English by:

6.02.a. Using correct spelling of words appropriate in difficulty for eighth graders and refining mastery of an individualized list of commonly misspelled words. 7
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 6.02.a.

6.02.b. Producing final drafts/presentations that demonstrate accurate spelling and the correct use of punctuation, capitalization, and format. 6
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 6.02.b.

6.02.d. Independently practicing formal oral presentations. 2
Suggested Titles for North Carolina Language Arts State Standard 6.02.d.