Pennsylvania State Standards for Language Arts: Grade 8

PA.1.1.8.A. Learning to Read Independently: Locate appropriate texts (literature, information, documents) for an assigned purpose before reading.

PA.1.1.8.B. Learning to Read Independently: Identify and use common organizational structures and graphic features to comprehend information.

PA.1.1.8.C. Learning to Read Independently: Use knowledge of root words as well as context clues and glossaries to understand specialized vocabulary in the content areas during reading Use these words accurately in speaking and writing.

PA.1.1.8.D. Learning to Read Independently: Identify basic facts and ideas in text using specific strategies (e.g., recall genre characteristics, set a purpose for reading, generate essential questions as aids to comprehension and clarify understanding through rereading and discussion).

PA.1.1.8.E. Learning to Read Independently: Expand a reading vocabulary by identifying and correctly using idioms and words with literal and figurative meanings. Use a dictionary or related reference.

PA.1.1.8.F. Learning to Read Independently: Understand the meaning of and apply key vocabulary across the various subject areas.

PA.1.1.8.G. Learning to Read Independently: Demonstrate after reading understanding and interpretation of both fiction and nonfiction text, including public documents.

1.1.8.G.1. Make, and support with evidence, assertions about texts.

1.1.8.G.2. Compare and contrast texts using themes, settings, characters and ideas.

1.1.8.G.3. Make extensions to related ideas, topics or information.

1.1.8.G.4. Describe the context of a document.

1.1.8.G.5. Analyze the positions, arguments and evidence in public documents.

PA.1.1.8.H. Learning to Read Independently: Demonstrate fluency and comprehension in reading.

1.1.8.H.1. Read familiar materials aloud with accuracy.

1.1.8.H.2. Self-correct mistakes.

1.1.8.H.3. Use appropriate rhythm, flow, meter and pronunciation.

1.1.8.H.4. Read a variety of genres and types of text.

1.1.8.H.5. Demonstrate comprehension (Standard 1.1.8.G.) (Recommend: 25 books/year).

PA.1.2.8.A. Reading Critically in All Content Areas: Read and understand essential content of informational texts and documents in all academic areas.

1.2.8.A.1. Differentiate fact from opinion utilizing resources that go beyond traditional text (e.g., newspapers, magazines and periodicals) to electronic media.

1.2.8.A.2. Distinguish between essential and nonessential information across texts and going beyond texts to a variety of media; identify bias and propaganda where present.

1.2.8.A.3. Draw inferences based on a variety of information sources.

1.2.8.A.4. Evaluate text organization and content to determine the author's purpose and effectiveness according to the author's theses, accuracy and thoroughness.

PA.1.2.8.B. Reading Critically in All Content Areas: Use and understand a variety of media and evaluate the quality of material produced.

1.2.8.B.1. Compare and analyze how different media offer a unique perspective on the information presented.

1.2.8.B.2. Analyze the techniques of particular media messages and their effect on a targeted audience.

1.2.8.B.3. Use, design and develop a media project that expands understanding (e.g., authors and works from a particular historical period).

PA.1.2.8.C. Reading Critically in All Content Areas: Produce work in at least one literary genre that follows the conventions of the genre.

PA.1.3.8.A. Reading, Analyzing and Interpreting Literature: Read and understand works of literature.

PA.1.3.8.B. Reading, Analyzing and Interpreting Literature: Analyze the use of literary elements by an author including characterization, setting, plot, theme, point of view, tone and style.

PA.1.3.8.C. Reading, Analyzing and Interpreting Literature: Analyze the effect of various literary devices.

1.3.8.C.1. Sound techniques (e.g., rhyme, rhythm, meter, alliteration).

1.3.8.C.2. Figurative language (e.g., personification, simile, metaphor, hyperbole, allusion).

PA.1.3.8.D. Reading, Analyzing and Interpreting Literature: Identify poetic forms (e.g., ballad, sonnet, couplet).

PA.1.3.8.E. Reading, Analyzing and Interpreting Literature: Analyze drama to determine the reasons for a character's actions taking into account the situation and basic motivation of the character.

PA.1.3.8.F. Reading, Analyzing and Interpreting Literature: Read and respond to nonfiction and fiction including poetry and drama.

PA.1.4.8.A. Types of Writing: Write short stories, poems and plays.

1.4.8.A.1. Apply varying organizational methods.

1.4.8.A.2. Use relevant illustrations.

1.4.8.A.3. Utilize dialogue.

1.4.8.A.4. Apply literary conflict.

1.4.8.A.5. Include literary elements (Standard 1.3.8.B.).

1.4.8.A.6. Use literary devices (Standard 1.3.8.C.).

PA.1.4.8.B. Types of Writing: Write multi-paragraph informational pieces (e.g., letters, descriptions, reports, instructions, essays, articles, interviews).

1.4.8.B.1. Include cause and effect.

1.4.8.B.2. Develop a problem and solution when appropriate to the topic.

1.4.8.B.3. Use relevant graphics (e.g., maps, charts, graphs, tables, illustrations, photographs).

1.4.8.B.4. Use primary and secondary sources.

PA.1.4.8.C. Types of Writing: Write persuasive pieces.

1.4.8.C.1. Include a clearly stated position or opinion.

1.4.8.C.2. Include convincing, elaborated and properly cited evidence.

1.4.8.C.3. Develop reader interest.

1.4.8.C.4. Anticipate and counter reader concerns and arguments.

PA.1.4.8.D. Types of Writing: Maintain a written record of activities, course work, experience, honors and interests.

PA.1.5.8.A. Quality of Writing: Write with a sharp, distinct focus.

1.5.8.A.1. Identify topic, task and audience.

1.5.8.A.2. Establish a single point of view.

PA.1.5.8.B. Quality of Writing: Write using well-developed content appropriate for the topic.

1.5.8.B.1. Gather, determine validity and reliability of and organize information.

1.5.8.B.2. Employ the most effective format for purpose and audience.

1.5.8.B.3. Write paragraphs that have details and information specific to the topic and relevant to the focus.

PA.1.5.8.C. Quality of Writing: Write with controlled and/or subtle organization.

1.5.8.C.1. Sustain a logical order within sentences and between paragraphs using meaningful transitions.

1.5.8.C.2. Establish topic and purpose in the introduction.

1.5.8.C.3. Reiterate the topic and purpose in the conclusion.

PA.1.5.8.D. Quality of Writing: Write with an understanding of the stylistic aspects of composition.

1.5.8.D.1. Use different types and lengths of sentences.

1.5.8.D.2. Use tone and voice through the use of precise language.

PA.1.5.8.E. Quality of Writing: Revise writing after rethinking logic of organization and rechecking central idea, content, paragraph development, level of detail, style, tone and word choice.

PA.1.5.8.F. Quality of Writing: Edit writing using the conventions of language.

1.5.8.F.1. Spell common, frequently used words correctly.

1.5.8.F.2. Use capital letters correctly.

1.5.8.F.3. Punctuate correctly (periods, exclamation points, question marks, commas, quotation marks, apostrophes, colons, semicolons, parentheses).

1.5.8.F.4. Use nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, conjunctions, prepositions and interjections properly.

1.5.8.F.5. Use complete sentences (simple, compound, complex, declarative, interrogative, exclamatory and imperative).

PA.1.5.8.G. Quality of Writing: Present and/or defend written work for publication when appropriate.

PA.1.6.8.A. Speaking and Listening: Listen to others.

1.6.8.A.1. Ask probing questions.

1.6.8.A.2. Analyze information, ideas and opinions to determine relevancy.

1.6.8.A.3. Take notes when needed.

PA.1.6.8.B. Speaking and Listening: Listen to selections of literature (fiction and/or nonfiction).

1.6.8.B.1. Relate them to previous knowledge.

1.6.8.B.2. Predict content/events.

1.6.8.B.3. Summarize events and identify the significant points.

1.6.8.B.4. Identify and define new words and concepts.

1.6.8.B.5. Analyze the selections.

PA.1.6.8.C. Speaking and Listening: Speak using skills appropriate to formal speech situations.

1.6.8.C.1. Use complete sentences.

1.6.8.C.2. Pronounce words correctly.

1.6.8.C.3. Adjust volume to purpose and audience.

1.6.8.C.4. Adjust pace to convey meaning.

1.6.8.C.5. Add stress (emphasis) and inflection to enhance meaning.

PA.1.6.8.D. Speaking and Listening: Contribute to discussions.

1.6.8.D.1. Ask relevant, probing questions.

1.6.8.D.2. Respond with relevant information, ideas or reasons in support of opinions expressed.

1.6.8.D.3. Listen to and acknowledge the contributions of others.

1.6.8.D.4. Adjust tone and involvement to encourage equitable participation.

1.6.8.D.5. Clarify, illustrate or expand on a response when asked.

1.6.8.D.6. Present support for opinions.

1.6.8.D.7. Paraphrase and summarize, when prompted.

PA.1.6.8.E. Speaking and Listening: Participate in small and large group discussions and presentations.

1.6.8.E.1. Initiate everyday conversation.

1.6.8.E.2. Select a topic and present an oral reading.

1.6.8.E.3. Conduct interviews as part of the research process.

1.6.8.E.4. Organize and participate in informal debates.

PA.1.6.8.F. Speaking and Listening: Use media for learning purposes.

1.6.8.F.1. Describe how the media provides information that is sometimes accurate, sometimes biased based on a point of view or by the opinion or beliefs of the presenter.

1.6.8.F.2. Analyze the role of advertising in the media.

1.6.8.F.3. Create a multimedia (e.g., film, music, computer-graphic) presentation for display or transmission.

PA.1.7.8.A. Characteristics and Functions of the English Language: Describe the origins and meanings of common, learned and foreign words used frequently in English language (e.g., carte blanche, faux pas).

PA.1.7.8.B. Characteristics and Functions of the English Language: Analyze the role and place of standard American English in speech, writing and literature.

PA.1.7.8.C. Characteristics and Functions of the English Language: Identify new words that have been added to the English language over time.

PA.1.8.8.A. Research: Select and refine a topic for research.

PA.1.8.8.B. Research: Locate information using appropriate sources and strategies.

1.8.8.B.1. Determine valid resources for researching the topic, including primary and secondary sources.

1.8.8.B.2. Evaluate the importance and quality of the sources.

1.8.8.B.3. Select essential sources (e.g., dictionaries, encyclopedias, other reference materials, interviews, observations, computer databases).

1.8.8.B.4. Use tables of contents, indices, key words, cross-references and appendices.

1.8.8.B.5. Use traditional and electronic search tools.

PA.1.8.8.C. Research: Organize, summarize and present the main ideas from research.

1.8.8.C.1. Identify the steps necessary to carry out a research project.

1.8.8.C.2. Take relevant notes from sources.

1.8.8.C.3. Develop a thesis statement based on research.

1.8.8.C.4. Give precise, formal credit for others' ideas, images or information using a standard method of documentation.

1.8.8.C.5. Use formatting techniques to create an understandable presentation for a designated audience.