8th Grade English Language Arts Checklist

Download the 8th Grad English Language Arts Checklist

Module 1: Reading Standards for Literature

RL.8.1: I can cite the best piece of evidence that shows what a text states explicitly, as well as what can be inferred.
RL.8.2: I can find the theme or main idea of a text. I can look closely at the way the theme develops and how the theme relates to the story elements. I can summarize a text without inserting my personal opinion.
RL.8.3: I can explain how elements in a piece of literature (such as dialogue and events) move the action forward, show what a character is really like, and lead to decisions.
RL.8.4: I can tell you the meaning of words and phrases that I have read. I can explain figurative and connotative meanings. I can analyze how certain word choices (including analogies and references to other texts) affect meaning and tone.
RL.8.5: I can compare and contrast how two or more texts are organized, and how their organization helps to provide meaning and style.
RL.8.6: I can explain how an author creates effects like suspense and humor by using different points of view.
RL.8.7: I can explain how much a filmed or live story/play is similar to the original text/script version. I can explain why the author/director made certain decisions during production.
RL.8.9: I can explain how present-day fiction uses elements from the past, including traditional stories, myths, and religious works. I can tell you how these elements are changed for modern times.
RL.8.10: I can read grade-level literature. I understand what I am reading.

Module 2: Reading Standards for Informational Text

RI.8.1: I can correctly cite many pieces of evidence to strongly support what the text says, as well as what the text implies through inferences.
RI.8.2: I can figure out the main idea of a text. I can explain how the main idea develops throughout the text along with its supporting ideas. I can summarize a text without including my opinions and judgments.
RI.8.3: I can analyze how people, events, and ideas in a text are connected and how they differ from each other.
RI.8.4: I can tell you the meaning of words and phrases that I have read. I can explain figurative and connotative meanings. I can analyze how certain word choices (including analogies and references to other texts) affect meaning and tone.
RI.8.5: I can examine the way a paragraph is structured, including the roles of certain sentences. I can look specifically at text features in consumer materials.
RI.8.6: I can tell you about an author’s point of view and purpose. I can explain how an author responds to evidence and different points of view.
RI.8.7: I can explain the pros and cons of using certain formats (texts, videos, etc.) to present an idea.
RI.8.8: I can assess the effectiveness of an argument by determining which claims use sound reasons and evidence to support their claims and which do not. I can point out evidence that is not relevant to the topic.
RI.8.9: I can compare and contrast the way two different texts present information on the same topic. I can discuss how the texts interpret the information differently.
RI.8.10: I can read and understand grade-level informational text.

Module 3: Writing

W.8.1: I can write arguments. I can support my arguments with reasons and evidence.
W.8.1a: I can introduce a claim. I can acknowledge opposing viewpoints and explain how my viewpoint is different. I can clearly organize my reasons and evidence.
W.8.1b: I can support my claims and counterarguments with logical reasons and evidence. I can use reliable sources and show that I understand the topic.
W.8.1c: I can explain the relationships between claims, counterclaims, reasons, and evidence using appropriate words, phrases, and clauses.
W.8.1d: I can use a formal style in my writing.
W.8.1e: I can write a conclusion that supports the argument I presented.
W.8.2: I can write informative/explanatory texts (like business letters and applications) in order to study a topic. I can choose and organize relevant information to go along with my topic.
W.8.2a: I can clearly introduce my topic/thesis and organize my ideas into categories. I can format my writing using text features and multimedia to help the reader understand the topic.
W.8.2b: I can include relevant and well-chosen facts, definitions, examples, quotations, details, and other information to develop my topic.
W.8.2c: I can use effective transitions to tie my ideas together.
W.8.2d: I can use academic vocabulary to write about my topic.
W.8.2e: I can write using a formal style.
W.8.2f: I can write a conclusion that follows and supports the information I presented.
W.8.3: I can write a narrative about a real or imagined experience or event. I can use proper techniques, descriptive details, and a clear sequence of events in my writing.
W.8.3a: I can involve my reader by effectively introducing my narrator and characters, and by establishing a point of view. I can organize my writing so that the events occur in a logical sequence.
W.8.3b: I can develop my story using the narrative techniques of dialogue, description, reflection and pacing.
W.8.3c: I can show the shift from one time or setting to another using transitional words, phrases, and clauses. I can also show the relationship among experiences and events.
W.8.3d: I can show action and events in my story using descriptive language, exact words/phrases, and sensory language.
W.8.3e: I can end my writing with a conclusion that follows the narrated story I presented.
W.8.4: I can create a clear piece of writing that keeps the task, purpose, and audience in mind.
W.8.5: I can get help from peers and adults to strengthen my writing and make sure that I’ve focused on my purpose and audience.
W.8.6: I can get help from technology, the Internet, and other people to produce and publish my writing. I can clearly show relationships between ideas and information.
W.8.7: I can complete short research projects. I can use several sources to answer questions, including questions I come up with. I can produce focused questions for further research.
W.8.8: I can use search terms, gather information from more than one source, and determine if my sources are credible and accurate. I can take notes without plagiarizing and cite appropriately.
W.8.9: I can get evidence from different texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

W.8.9a: I can apply the reading standards to literature.
W.7.9b: I can apply the reading standards to literary non-fiction.

Module 4: Speaking and Listening

SL.8.1: I can participate in class discussions in different-sized groups and with different partners. I can listen thoughtfully and build on others’ ideas about a variety of topics and issues.
SL.8.1a: I can prepare for discussions ahead of time by learning about the material in advance. I can cite evidence, ask questions, and reflect during the discussion.
SL.8.1b: I can follow rules for discussions by choosing individual roles, setting goals and deadlines, and tracking progress.
SL.8.1c: I can ask questions that connect the ideas of several speakers. I can answer and expand on specific questions and comments with relevant evidence, observations, and ideas.
SL.8.1d: I can accept information provided by other speakers. I can change or defend their views based on the evidence.
SL.8.2: I can look closely at the purpose of information presented in different ways. I can understand the motivates behind the presentation.
SL.8.3: I can identify a speaker’s arguments and claims towards their topic. I can describe the claims that are supported by evidence and those that are not. I can tell you if there is enough evidence provided, and if any of the evidence is irrelevant.
SL.8.4: I can deliver an oral report to present my claims and findings. I can clearly focus, organize, and support my ideas with evidence, reasoning, and details. I can speak at a good pace, at a reasonable volume, and I can use appropriate eye contact.
SL.8.4a: I can deliver a narrative that sets the scene and point of view, has a logical order, uses narrative techniques and transitions, and provides a conclusion that reflects the experience.
SL.8.5: I can use multimedia components and visuals to clarify information, strengthen claims and evidence, and make my presentation interesting.
SL.8.6: I can use appropriate speech, including formal English, for different situations.

Module 5: Language

L.8.1: I can effectively use standard English grammar when writing or speaking.
L.8.1a: I can explain the function of verbals (gerunds, participles, infinitives) in general and how they are used in specific sentences.
L.8.1b: I can make and use verbs in the active and passive voice.
L.8.1c: I can make and use verbs in the following moods: indicative, imperative, interrogative, conditional, and subjunctive.
L.8.1d: I can tell you when the voice or mood of a verb changes in an incorrect way.
L.8.2: I can effectively write while using standard English punctuation, capitalization, and spelling.
L.8.2a: I can use punctuation (comma, ellipsis, dash) to show a pause or break.
L.8.2b: I can use an ellipsis to show that something has been omitted.
L.8.2c: I can spell words correctly.
L.8.3: I can use what I know about language when speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
L.8.3a: I can use verbs in the active and passive voice, and in the conditional and subjunctive mood to achieve a particular effect.
L.8.4: I can figure out the correct meaning of words/phrases by using different strategies.
L.8.4a: I can use the context of a word to figure out the meaning of a word.
L.8.4b: I can use Greek or Latin root words and affixes as clues to determine what a word means.
L.8.4c: I can use an online or print dictionary, glossary, or thesaurus to help with finding the correct pronunciation, part of speech, meaning, or etymology of a word.
L.8.4d: I can confirm the initial determination of the meaning of a word/phrase. I can do this by checking the inferred meaning in a dictionary or in context.
L.8.5: I can understand figurative language, word relationships, and small differences in word meanings.
L.8.5a: I can understand figures of speech in context.
L.8.5b: I can use the relationship between certain words to better understand the individual words.
L.8.5c: I can distinguish meanings of words (denotations) from similar associations (connotations).
L.8.6: I can find and use grade-level academic words, phrases, and vocabulary to aid in comprehension.