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CA ELA Standards (Grade 8)

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📌 Language Standards (L) 21 standards
L.8.1 Demonstrate command of grammar and usage 4 sub-parts
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
L.8.1a
Explain function of verbals
Explain the function of verbals (gerunds, participles, infinitives) in general and their function in particular sentences.
L.8.1b
Form/use verbs in active/passive voice
Form and use verbs in the active and passive voice.
L.8.1c
Form/use verb mood
Form and use verbs in the indicative, imperative, interrogative, conditional, and subjunctive mood.
L.8.1d
Recognize/correct verb voice/mood shifts
Recognize and correct inappropriate shifts in verb voice and mood.*
L.8.2 Demonstrate command of capitalization/punctuation/spelling 3 sub-parts
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
L.8.2a
Use punctuation to indicate a pause/break
Use punctuation (comma, ellipsis, dash) to indicate a pause or break.
L.8.2b
Use an ellipsis to indicate omission
Use an ellipsis to indicate an omission.
L.8.2c
Spell correctly
Spell correctly.
L.8.3 Use knowledge of language and conventions 1 sub-part
Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.
L.8.3a
Use active/passive/mood for particular effects
Use verbs in the active and passive voice and in the conditional and subjunctive mood to achieve particular effects (e.g., emphasizing the actor or the action; expressing uncertainty or describing a state contrary to fact).
L.8.4 Determine meaning of unknown/multiple-meaning words 4 sub-parts
Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words or phrases based on grade 8 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.
L.8.4a
Use context as a clue to meaning
Use context (e.g., the overall meaning of a sentence or paragraph; a word's position or function in a sentence) as a clue to the meaning of a word or phrase.
L.8.4b
Use Greek/Latin affixes and roots as clues
Use common, grade-appropriate Greek or Latin affixes and roots as clues to the meaning of a word (e.g., precede, recede, secede).
L.8.4c
Consult reference materials, trace etymology
Consult general and specialized reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both print and digital, to find the pronunciation of a word or determine or clarify its precise meaning or its part of speech or trace the etymology of words. CA
L.8.4d
Verify preliminary determination of word meaning
Verify the preliminary determination of the meaning of a word or phrase (e.g., by checking the inferred meaning in context or in a dictionary).
L.8.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language 3 sub-parts
Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
L.8.5a
Interpret figures of speech in context
Interpret figures of speech (e.g. verbal irony, puns) in context.
L.8.5b
Use word relationships to understand words
Use the relationship between particular words to better understand each of the words.
L.8.5c
Distinguish connotations of similar words
Distinguish among the connotations (associations) of words with similar denotations (definitions) (e.g., bullheaded, willful, firm, persistent, resolute).
L.8.6
Acquire and use grade-appropriate vocabulary
Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.
📌 Reading Standards for Informational Text (RI) 11 standards
RI.8.1
Cite the strongest textual evidence
Cite the textual evidence that most strongly supports an analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
RI.8.2
Determine central idea related to supporting ideas
Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.
RI.8.3
Analyze connections/distinctions among ideas
Analyze how a text makes connections among and distinctions between individuals, ideas, or events (e.g., through comparisons, analogies, or categories).
RI.8.4
Determine meaning, analyze impact including allusions
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including analogies or allusions to other texts. (See grade 8 Language standards 4-6 for additional expectations.) CA
RI.8.5 Analyze structure of a specific paragraph 1 sub-part
Analyze in detail the structure of a specific paragraph in a text, including the role of particular sentences in developing and refining a key concept.
RI.8.5a
Analyze use of text features in consumer materials
Analyze the use of text features (e.g., graphics, headers, captions) in consumer materials. CA
RI.8.6
Determine author's point of view/purpose
Determine an author's point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how the author acknowledges and responds to conflicting evidence or viewpoints.
RI.8.7
Evaluate advantages/disadvantages of different mediums
Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using different mediums (e.g., print or digital text, video, multimedia) to present a particular topic or idea.
RI.8.8
Delineate/evaluate argument, recognize irrelevant evidence
Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant and sufficient; recognize when irrelevant evidence is introduced.
RI.8.9
Analyze conflicting information across texts
Analyze a case in which two or more texts provide conflicting information on the same topic and identify where the texts disagree on matters of fact or interpretation.
RI.8.10
Read and comprehend literary nonfiction
By the end of the year, read and comprehend literary nonfiction at the high end of the grades 6-8 text complexity band independently and proficiently.
📌 Reading Standards for Literature (RL) 9 standards
RL.8.1
Cite the strongest textual evidence
Cite the textual evidence that most strongly supports an analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
RL.8.2
Determine theme related to characters/setting/plot
Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to the characters, setting, and plot; provide an objective summary of the text.
RL.8.3
Analyze how dialogue/incidents propel action
Analyze how particular lines of dialogue or incidents in a story or drama propel the action, reveal aspects of a character, or provoke a decision.
RL.8.4
Determine meaning, analyze impact including allusions
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including analogies or allusions to other texts. (See grade 8 Language standards 4-6 for additional expectations.) CA
RL.8.5
Compare/contrast structure of two texts
Compare and contrast the structure of two or more texts and analyze how the differing structure of each text contributes to its meaning and style.
RL.8.6
Analyze effects of differing points of view
Analyze how differences in the points of view of the characters and the audience or reader (e.g., created through the use of dramatic irony) create such effects as suspense or humor.
RL.8.7
Analyze fidelity of filmed/live production to text
Analyze the extent to which a filmed or live production of a story or drama stays faithful to or departs from the text or script, evaluating the choices made by the director or actors.
RL.8.9
Analyze how modern fiction draws on myths
Analyze how a modern work of fiction draws on themes, patterns of events, or character types from myths, traditional stories, or religious works such as the Bible, including describing how the material is rendered new.
RL.8.10
Read and comprehend literature independently
By the end of the year, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, at the high end of grades 6-8 text complexity band independently and proficiently.
📌 Speaking and Listening Standards (SL) 11 standards
SL.8.1 Engage effectively in collaborative discussions 4 sub-parts
Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 8 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.
SL.8.1a
Come to discussions prepared
Come to discussions prepared, having read or researched material under study; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence on the topic, text, or issue to probe and reflect on ideas under discussion.
SL.8.1b
Follow discussion/decision-making rules, track goals
Follow rules for collegial discussions and decision-making, track progress toward specific goals and deadlines, and define individual roles as needed.
SL.8.1c
Pose questions connecting several speakers' ideas
Pose questions that connect the ideas of several speakers and respond to others' questions and comments with relevant evidence, observations, and ideas.
SL.8.1d
Acknowledge new info, qualify own views
Acknowledge new information expressed by others, and, when warranted, qualify or justify their own views in light of the evidence presented.
SL.8.2
Analyze purpose/motives of media presentation
Analyze the purpose of information presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and evaluate the motives (e.g., social, commercial, political) behind its presentation.
SL.8.3
Delineate argument, identify irrelevant evidence
Delineate a speaker's argument and specific claims, evaluating the soundness of the reasoning and relevance and sufficiency of the evidence and identifying when irrelevant evidence is introduced.
SL.8.4 Present claims/findings with valid reasoning 1 sub-part
Present claims and findings (e.g., argument, narrative, response to literature presentations), emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with relevant evidence, sound valid reasoning, and well-chosen details; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation. CA
SL.8.4a
Plan and present a narrative
Plan and present a narrative that: establishes a context and point of view, presents a logical sequence, uses narrative techniques (e.g., dialogue, pacing, description, sensory language), uses a variety of transitions, and provides a conclusion that reflects the experience. CA
SL.8.5
Integrate multimedia to strengthen claims/evidence
Integrate multimedia and visual displays into presentations to clarify information, strengthen claims and evidence, and add interest.
SL.8.6
Adapt speech, demonstrate formal English
Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate. (See grade 8 Language standards 1 and 3 for specific expectations.)
📌 Writing Standards (W) 28 standards
W.8.1 Write arguments with clear reasons/evidence 5 sub-parts
Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
W.8.1a
Introduce claims, distinguish from opposing claims
Introduce claim(s), acknowledge and distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically.
W.8.1b
Support claims with credible sources
Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text.
W.8.1c
Use words/phrases/clauses to create cohesion
Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.
W.8.1d
Establish and maintain a formal style
Establish and maintain a formal style.
W.8.1e
Provide a concluding statement
Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.
W.8.2 Write informative/explanatory texts including career docs 6 sub-parts
Write informative/explanatory texts, including career development documents (e.g., simple business letters and job applications), to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content. CA
W.8.2a
Introduce topic/thesis, preview, organize into categories
Introduce a topic or thesis statement clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and information into broader categories; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension. CA
W.8.2b
Develop topic with well-chosen facts/details
Develop the topic with relevant, well-chosen facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples.
W.8.2c
Use varied transitions to create cohesion
Use appropriate and varied transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts.
W.8.2d
Use precise language/domain-specific vocabulary
Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.
W.8.2e
Establish and maintain a formal style
Establish and maintain a formal style.
W.8.2f
Provide a concluding statement
Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the information or explanation presented.
W.8.3 Write narratives with well-structured event sequences 5 sub-parts
Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences.
W.8.3a
Engage/orient reader, establish point of view
Engage and orient the reader by establishing a context and point of view and introducing a narrator and/or characters; organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally and logically.
W.8.3b
Use narrative techniques including reflection
Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, description, and reflection, to develop experiences, events, and/or characters.
W.8.3c
Use transitions to show relationships among events
Use a variety of transition words, phrases, and clauses to convey sequence, signal shifts from one time frame or setting to another, and show the relationships among experiences and events.
W.8.3d
Use precise words/sensory language
Use precise words and phrases, relevant descriptive details, and sensory language to capture the action and convey experiences and events.
W.8.3e
Provide a conclusion reflecting on experiences
Provide a conclusion that follows from and reflects on the narrated experiences or events.
W.8.4
Produce clear and coherent writing
Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade-specific expectations for writing types are defined in standards 1-3 above.)
W.8.5
Develop/strengthen writing focusing on purpose/audience
With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on how well purpose and audience have been addressed. (Editing for conventions should demonstrate command of Language standards 1-3 up to and including grade 8.)
W.8.6
Use technology to present relationships efficiently
Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and present the relationships between information and ideas efficiently as well as to interact and collaborate with others.
W.8.7
Conduct short research projects with self-generated questions
Conduct short research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question), drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions that allow for multiple avenues of exploration.
W.8.8
Gather information, assess sources, cite properly
Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.
W.8.9 Draw evidence from texts to support analysis 2 sub-parts
Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
W.8.9a
Apply grade 8 Reading standards to literature
Apply grade 8 Reading standards to literature (e.g., "Analyze how a modern work of fiction draws on themes, patterns of events, or character types from myths, traditional stories, or religious works such as the Bible, including describing how the material is rendered new").
W.8.9b
Apply grade 8 Reading standards to literary nonfiction
Apply grade 8 Reading standards to literary nonfiction (e.g., "Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant and sufficient; recognize when irrelevant evidence is introduced").
W.8.10
Write routinely for various tasks
Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.