Oklahoma State Standards for Language Arts: Grade 8

OK.R/L. Reading/Literature: The student will apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, appreciate, and respond to a wide variety of texts. Participate productively in self-directed work teams to create observable products.

R/L.1. Vocabulary - The student will expand vocabulary through word study, literature, and class discussion. Use a knowledge of word parts and word relationships, as well as context clues (the meaning of the text around a word), to determine the meaning of specialized vocabulary and to understand the precise meaning of grade-level-appropriate words.

1.1. Words in Context - Verify the meaning of a word in its context, even when its meaning is not directly stated, through the use of definitions, restatement, example, comparison, or contrast.

1.2. Word Origins - Recognize and analyze the influence of historical events on English word meaning and vocabulary expansion.

1.3. Idioms and Comparisons - Analyze idioms and comparisons, such as analogies, metaphors, and similes, to infer the literal and figurative meanings of phrases.

1.3.a. Idioms: expressions that cannot be understood just by knowing the meanings of the words in the expression, such as Rush hour traffic moves at a snail's pace or as plain as day.

1.3.b. Analogies: comparisons of the similar aspects of two different things.

1.3.c. Metaphors: implies comparisons, such as, The cup of hot tea was the best medicine for my cold.

1.3.d. Similes: comparisons that use like or as, such as, The ice was smooth as glass before the skaters entered the rink.

R/L.2. Fluency - The student will identify words rapidly so that attention is directed to the meaning of the text.

2.1. Read regularly in independent-level materials (texts in which no more than 1 in 20 words is difficult for the reader) fluently and accurately, and with appropriate time, change in voice, and expression.

2.2. Read regularly in instructional-level materials that are challenging but manageable (text in which no more than approximately 1 in 10 words is difficult for the reader; a ''typical'' eighth grader reads 150 words per minute).

2.3. Increase reading speed and comprehension through daily, independent reading.

2.4. Read silently for increased periods of time.

2.5. Use punctuation as a cue for pausing and characterization while reading.

R/L.3. Comprehension - The student will interact with the words and concepts in the text to construct an appropriate meaning. Read and understand grade-level-appropriate material. Describe and connect the essential ideas, arguments, and perspectives of the text by using a knowledge of text structure, organization, and purpose. At Grade 8, in addition to regular classroom reading, read a variety of grade-level-appropriate narrative (story) and expository (informational and technical) texts, including classic and contemporary literature, poetry, magazines, newspapers, reference materials, and online information.

3.1. Literal Understanding

3.1.a. Apply prereading strategies when reading both fiction and nonfiction that is appropriately designed for grade level. Determine the purpose for reading such as to be informed, entertained, persuaded, or to understand. Preview the text and use prior knowledge and experience to make connections to text.

3.1.b. Show understanding by asking questions and supporting answers with literal information from text.

3.2. Inferences and Interpreting

3.2.a. Make inferences and draw conclusions supported by text evidence and student experiences.

3.2.b. Connect, compare, and contrast ideas, themes, and issues across texts.

3.3. Summary and Generalization

3.3.a. Determine the main (or major) idea and how those ideas are supported with specific details.

3.3.b. Paraphrase and summarize text to recall, inform, or organize ideas.

3.4. Analysis and Evaluation

3.4.a. Distinguish between stated fact, reasoned judgment, and opinion in various texts.

3.4.b. Use text's structure or progression of ideas, such as cause and effect or chronology (sequential order).

3.4.c. Compare/contrast to determine similarities and differences in treatment, scope, or organization.

3.4.d. Problem/solution - offer observations, make connections, react, speculate, interpret, and raise questions in response to text.

3.4.e. Analyze character traits, conflicts, motivations, points of view, and changes that occur within the story.

3.4.f. Analyze the structural elements of the plot, subplot, and climax and explain the way in which conflicts are or are not resolved.

3.5. Monitoring and Correction Strategies

3.5.a. Monitor the understanding of text and use correcting strategies, such as rereading a portion, using reference aids, or searching for content when needed.

3.5.b. Make, confirm, and revise predictions when reading.

3.5.c. Adjust reading rate and determine appropriate strategies to match the purpose, difficulty, and characteristics of the text.

R/L.4. Literature: The student will read, construct meaning, and respond to a wide variety of literary forms. Read and respond to grade-level-appropriate historically or culturally significant works of literature that reflect and enhance a study of history and social science. Clarify the ideas and connect them to other literary works. Participate in self-directed work teams to create observable products.

4.1. Literary Genres - The student will demonstrate a knowledge of and an appreciation for various forms of literature.

4.1.a. Analyze the characteristics of genres, including short story, novel, drama, lyric poetry, nonfiction, historical fiction, and informational texts.

4.1.b. Identify and distinguish characteristics of subgenres, including autobiography, biography, fable, folk tale, mystery, myth, limericks, tall tales, and plays.

4.2. Literary Elements - Demonstrate knowledge of literary elements and techniques and how they affect the development of a literary work.

4.2.a. Analyze and explain elements of fiction including plot, conflict, character, mood, setting, theme, point of view, and author's purpose.

4.2.b. Identify and explain various points of view and how they affect a story's interpretation.

4.3. Figurative Language and Sound Devices - Identify figurative language and sound devices and analyze how they affect the development of a literary work.

4.3.a. Identify and explain the use of figurative language, in literary works to convey mood, images, and meaning, including metaphor, personification, and simile.

4.3.b. Identify and explain the use of sound devices in literary works to convey mood, images, and meaning, including alliteration, onomatopoeia, and rhyme.

4.3.c. Identify and interpret literary devices such as flashback, foreshadowing, symbolism, and imagery.

4.4. Literary Works - The student will read and respond to historically and culturally significant works of literature.

4.4.a. Analyze and evaluate works of literature and the historical context in which they were written.

4.4.b. Analyze and determine distinctive and common characteristics of literature from various cultures to broaden cultural awareness.

4.4.c. Compare similar characters, settings, and themes from varied literary traditions that cross cultures.

R/L.5. Research and Information: The student will conduct research and organize information.

5.1. Accessing Information - Select the best source for a given purpose, locate information relevant to research questioning.

5.1.a. Access information from a variety of primary and secondary sources, including electronic text, experts, and prime resources, to locate information relevant to research questioning.

5.1.b. Use text organizers, including headings, graphic features (e.g., boldface, italic type), and tables of contents, to locate and organize information.

5.1.c. Use organizational strategies to learn and recall important ideas from texts, such as preview, questions, reread, and record, as an aid to comprehend increasingly difficult content material.

5.1.d. Note instances of persuasion, propaganda, and faulty reasoning in text.

5.2. Interpreting Information - Analyze and evaluate information from a variety of sources.

5.2.a. Record, organize, and display relevant information from multiple sources in systematic ways (e.g., outlines, timelines, graphic organizers, or note cards).

5.2.b. Analyze and paraphrase or summarize information from a variety of sources into a research paper.

5.2.c. Identify and credit the sources used to gain information (e.g., bibliographies, footnotes, appendix).

5.2.d. Identify and apply test-taking strategies by answering different types and levels of questions, such as open-ended, literal, and interpretive as well as test-like questions, such as multiple choice, true/false, and short answer.

5.2.e. Interpret and use graphic sources of information such as maps, graphs, timelines, or tables to address research questions.

OK.W/G/UM. Writing/Grammar/Usage and Mechanics: The student will express ideas effectively in written modes for a variety of purposes and audiences. Discuss and keep a list of writing ideas. Write clear, coherent, and focused papers progressing through the stages of the writing process. Work independently in self-directed work teams to edit and revise.

W/G/UM.1. Writing Process - The student will use the writing process to write coherently.

1.4. Use precise word choices, including figurative language, that convey specific meaning and tone.

1.5. Use a variety of sentence structures, types, and lengths to contribute to fluency and interest.

1.6. Edit for errors in Standard English usage, sentence structure, mechanics, and spelling.

W/G/UM.2. Modes and Forms of Writing - The student will write for a variety of purposes and audiences using narrative, descriptive, expository, persuasive, and reflective modes. At Grade 8, write narrative (story), expository (informational), persuasive, reflective, and descriptive papers of at least 500 to 750 words and introduce technical documents. Demonstrate a command of Standard English and the research, organization, and drafting strategies outlined in the writing process. Writing demonstrates an awareness of the audience (intended reader) and purpose for writing.

2.1.a. tell about an incident, event, or situation by using well-chosen details.

2.1.b. reveal the significance of, or the writer's attitude about the subject.

2.1.c. include narrative and descriptive strategies, such as, relevant dialogue, specific action, physical description, background description, and comparison or contrast characters.

2.2.a. define a thesis (a statement of position on the topic).

2.2.b. include important ideas, concepts, and direct quotations from significant information sources, including print reference material and the Internet, and paraphrase and summarize all perspectives on the topic, as appropriate.

2.2.c. identify a variety of primary and secondary sources and distinguish the nature and value of each.

2.2.d. organize and display information on charts, tables, maps, and graphs.

2.2.e. document sources with reference notes and a bibliography.

2.3.a. include a well-defined thesis that makes a clear and knowledgeable appeal.

2.3.b. present detailed evidence, examples, and reasoning to support effective arguments and emotional appeal.

2.3.c. provide details, reasons, and examples, arranging them effectively by anticipating and answering reader concerns and counterarguments.

2.4.a. identify the sequence of activities needed to design a system, operate a tool, or explain the bylaws or rules of an organization's constitution or guidelines.

2.4.b. include all the factors and variables that need to be considered.

2.4.c. include formatting techniques, such as, heading and changing the fonts (typeface) to aid comprehension.

2.5.a. express the individual's insight into conditions or situations.

2.5.b. compare a scene from a work of fiction with a lesson learned from experience.

2.5.c. complete a self-evaluation on a class performance.

2.6. Use appropriate essay test-taking and time-writing strategies that:

2.6.a. address and analyze the question (prompt).

2.6.b. use organizational methods required by the prompt.

2.7. Write responses to literature that:

2.7.a. demonstrate careful reading and insight into interpretations.

2.7.b. connect responses to the writer's techniques and to specific textual references.

2.7.c. make supported inferences about the effects of a literary work on its audience.

2.7.d. support judgments through references to the text, other works, other authors, or to personal knowledge.

2.8. Write for different purposes and to a specific audience or person, adjusting tone and style as necessary to make writing interesting.

2.9. Write friendly letters and business letters and continue to produce other writing forms introduced in earlier grades.

2.10. Use handwriting/penmanship to copy and/or compose text, in manuscript or cursive, using correct spacing and formation of letters.

W/G/UM.3. Grammar/Usage and Mechanics: The student will demonstrate appropriate practices in writing by applying grammatical knowledge to the revising and editing stages of writing.

3.1.c. Use nominative, objective, and possessive pronouns correctly.

3.1.d. Make pronouns agree with their antecedents.

3.1.e. Use correct pronoun reference.

3.1.f. Correctly form and use the comparative and superlative forms of adjectives.

3.1.g. Identify and use appositives and appositive phrases.

3.1.h. Use infinitives, gerunds, and participles to vary sentence structure in writing.

3.1.i. Correctly use conjunctions for coordination and subordination.

3.1.j. Distinguish commonly confused words (e.g., there, their, they're; two, to, too; accept, except; affect, effect).

3.2.c. Distinguish correct spelling of commonly misspelled words and homonyms.

3.3.c. Differentiate between dependent and independent clauses.

3.3.d. Write simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences.

OK.OL/LS. Oral Language/Listening and Speaking: The student will demonstrate thinking skills in listening and speaking. Deliver focused, coherent presentations that convey ideas and relate to the background and interests of the audience. Evaluate the content of oral communication and deliver well-organized formal presentations using traditional speech strategies, including narration, exposition, persuasion, and description. Use the same Standard English conventions for oral speech that is used in writing. Participate independently and in groups to create oral presentations.

OL/LS.1. Listening - The student will listen for information and for pleasure.

OL/LS.2. Speaking - The student will express ideas and opinions in group or individual situations.

OK.VL. Visual Literacy: The student will interpret, evaluate, and compose visual messages.

VL.1. Interpret Meaning - The student will interpret and evaluate the various ways visual image-makers, including graphic artists, illustrators, and news photographers, represent meaning.

VL.2. Evaluate Media - The student will evaluate visual and electronic media, such as film, as compared with print messages.

VL.3. Compose Visual Messages - The student will create a visual message that effectively communicates an idea.