8th Grade Language Arts Curriculum

W.8.1.a-e.TTP ARGUMENTATIVE: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence. A: Introduce claims, acknowledge opposing/alternate claims, organize evidence/reasons logically. B: Support claims with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate and credible sources. C: Use words, phrases, clauses to create cohesion among claims/reasons/evidence. D: Establish and maintain a formal style. E: Provide a concluding statement or section that follows form and supports the information presented. (PS 5, 8, 9, 11) W.8.2.a-f.TTP INFORMATIVE/EXPLANATORY: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content. A: Introduce a topic clearly; organize ideas/concepts/information into broader categories; include headings, charts, tables, and multimedia to aid comprehension. B: Develop topic with relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information/examples. C: Use appropriate and varied transitions. D: Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic. E: Establish and maintain a formal style. F: Provide a concluding statement or section that supports the information or explanation presented. (PS 5, 8, 9)

W.8.3.a-e.TTP

NARRATIVE: Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and wellstructured event sequences. A: Engage/orient reader by establishing a context and point of view and introducing characters/narrator. Organize a logical event sequence. B: Use dialogue, pacing, description, and reflection to develop events and characters. C: Use a variety of transitions, phrases, and clauses to convey sequence and time/setting shifts. D: Use precise words and phrases, descriptive details, and sensory language to capture action and convey experiences or events. E: Provide a conclusion that follows from and reflects on the narrated experiences or events. (PS 5, 8, 9, 11)

W.8.4.PDW

Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (PS 5, 8, 9, 11) Write with some guidance from peers/adults. Develop and strengthen writing by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach. Focus on purpose and audience. (PS 8, 11) Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, cite sources, and collaborate with others. (PS 10) Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources, and generating additional related questions for further research. (PS 4) Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively. Assess the credibility and accuracy of each source.

W.8.5.PDW

W.8.6.PDW

W.8.7.RBPK

W.8.8.a.RBPK

W.8.8.b.RBPK

Quote/paraphrase the data while avoiding plagiarism and following standard citation formatting.

W.8.9.a-b.RBPK Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. (PS 4) W.8.10.a.RW Write routinely over extended time frames (as for research, reflection, and revision) for a range of purposes and audiences. (PS 5, 6, 7) Write routinely for shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline specific tasks, purposes, and audiences. (PS 5) Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions expressing one's own ideas and building upon others' ideas. - one-one-one - group - teacher-led (PS 10) SL.8.1.a-b.CC Come to discussions prepared, having read/studied material and able to reflect/probe on issues. Follow rules for collegial discussions, set/track specific goals / deadlines, and define individual roles. (PS 10) Pose/Respond to questions and comments with detail and relevancy. Acknowledge new information expressed by others and modify own views when warranted. (PS 9, 10) Analyze the purpose presented in diverse media and formats. SL.8.2.CC Evaluate the motive behind diverse media and formats (e.g., social, commercial, political). Delineate a speaker's argument and specific claims- which are supported by sound reasoning / sufficient evidence- which are not? (PS 4) Present claims/findings in a focused, coherent manner with relevant evidence, valid reasoning, and well-chosen details. Use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation. (PS 9)

W.8.10.b.RW

SL.8.1.CC

SL.8.1.c-d.CC

SL.8.3.CC

SL.8.4.PKI

SL.8.5.PKI

Include multimedia components and visual displays to clarify information, strengthen evidence, and add interest. Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English. Explain the function of gerunds, participles, and infinitives. Know form and use of verbs in the active and passive voice. Know form and use of verbs in the indicative, imperative, interrogative, conditional, and subjunctive mood. Recognize and correct inappropriate shifts in verb voice/mood. (PS 11) Use a comma, ellipsis, or dash to indicate a pause or break. Use an ellipsis to indicate an omission. Spell correctly. (PS 11) Use verbs in the active/passive voice and in the conditional and subjunctive mood to achieve particular effects (e.g., emphasizing action, expressing uncertainty). (PS 11) Use context as a clue to the meaning of a word or phrase. Use Greek or Latin affixes and roots as clues to the meaning of a word. Consult dictionaries / glossaries / thesauruses to identify or verify word meanings. (PS 2) Interpret verbal irony and puns, plus other figures of speech, in context. Use synonyms, antonyms, and analogies to better understand the relationship between words. (PS 11) Distinguish among meanings of words with similar definitions (e.g., bullheaded, willful, firm, persistent, resolute). Acquire and use gradeappropriate words and phrases. (PS 2, 7)

SL.8.6.PKI

L.8.1.a-d.CSE

L.8.2.a-c.CSE

L.8.3.a.KL

L.8.4.a-d.VAU

L.8.5.a-c.VAU

L.8.6.VAU