English Language Arts
Curriculum
Grade 8
Site Based on the CT Core Standards, some of the skills students will be developing in Grade 8 include...
Reading
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cite textual evidence that best supports inferences and analysis of text
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determine a central idea or theme and analyze its development throughout a text
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determine the meanings of figurative, connotative and technical words/phrases
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compare/contrast the structure of two texts and how each contributes to meaning and style
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analyze the extent to which differing productions mirror the content of an original text, evaluating the director's choices
Speaking and Listening
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engage effectively and productively in a range of types of conversations
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follow rules for collegial conversations, track progress toward goals set and define roles as needed
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evaluate the soundness of the reasoning and presentation of a speaker's argument
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present claims and findings in a focused, organized manner
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adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks
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include multimedia and visual displays in presentations
Writing
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write arguments to support claims, with clear reasons and supporting evidence
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write informative pieces to examine a topic or convey ideas through analysis of the content
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write narratives to develop real or fictional events, including effective techniques, descriptive details and well-structured sequences
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produce clear and coherent writing that is appropriate to task purpose and audience
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strengthen writing through editing and revising with a focus on audience and purpose
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conduct research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources
- quote and paraphrase relevant information while avoiding plagiarism, following a standard format for citation
Language
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​demonstrate command of grammar conventions and usage when writing or speaking
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demonstrate command in spelling and punctuation when writing
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use verbs in the active and passive voice to achieve particular effects
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choose flexible from a range of strategies to problem solve words and their meanings
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demonstrate understandings of figurative language, word relationships and nuances in word meanings
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acquire and use accurately grade level vocabulary