8th Grade Common Core ELA Standards

I can... statements
Reading Literature
1. I can define cite.
2. I can find textual evidence for strong support of what the text says/
3. I can make inferences based on the text.
4. I can determine theme from a text.
5. I can analyze theme development.
6. I can explain how the theme relates to the characters, setting, and plot.
7. I can write an unbiased summary.
8. I can explain how dialogue and incidents moves the action, develops a
character, and provokes decisions.
9. I can define personification.
10. I can define simile.
11. I can define metaphor.
12. I can define hyperbole.
13. I can define onomatopoeia.
14. I can define allusions.
15. I can define analogies.
16. I can define connotative meaning.
17. I can explain the impact of figurative language on a particular part of a
literary piece.
18. I can determine the meaning of a word.
19. I can explain how structure affects the meaning of two or more texts.
20. I can define point of view.
21. I can explain the similarities and differences of characters points of view
and how they create suspense or humor.
22. I can explain the similarities and differences between a written work and
an audio/visual presentation of the same work.
23. I can evaluate the choices made by the director and actors.
24. I can explain how a modern piece of fiction is affected by or draws from
myths, traditional stories, or religious works.
25. I can comprehend many genres of literature at my grade level.
Reading Informational Text
1.
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6.

I can define cite.

I can find textual evidence for strong support of what the text says.
I can make inferences from the text.
I can determine two or more central ideas.
I can explain how two or more central ideas develop throughout the text.
I can write an unbiased summary of a text.

7. I can explain how people, ideas, and situations interact in a text.

8. I can determine the meaning of words and phrases based on how they are
used in a text.
9. I can define figurative language.
10. I can define connotative meaning.
11. I can define technical vocabulary.
12. I can explain how specific words impact meaning and tone.
13. I can explain the impact of analogies and allusions.
14. I can explain how an author uses the structure to develop ideas.
15. I can define point of view.
16. I can determine the authors point of view in a text.
17. I can explain how an author responds to others points of view.
18. I can explain the advantages and disadvantages of using different
mediums.
19. I can define delineate.
20. I can determine if the claims in text have relevant support.
21. I can determine if the claims in text have sufficient support.
22. I can recognize irrelevant evidence.
23. I can explain the similarities and differences between two written works on
the same topic.
24. I can comprehend nonfiction writing at my grade level.
Writing
1. I can write an argumentative paper.
2. I can define claims.
3. I can define argument.
4. I can create a strong claim.
5. I can organize evidence to support a claim.
6. I can include relevant evidence for and against an argument.
7. I can use credible sources in the argumentative writing.
8. I can use transitions to clarify relationships in my argumentative writing.
9. I can define cohesion.
10. I can use a formal style in my argumentative writing.
11. I can make a concluding statement in my argumentative writing.
12. I can write an informative/explanatory paper.
13. I can introduce a topic, previewing the content in my
informative/explanatory writing.
14. I can use multiple strategies to organize information in my
informative/explanatory writing.
15. I can use charts, pictures, headings, etc. to organize presentations.
16. I can support the topic in my informative/explanatory quotes and
examples.
17. I can use transitions in my informative/explanatory writing.
18. I can use descriptive vocabulary in my informative/explanatory writing.

19. I can use a formal style in my informative/explanatory writing.

20. I can write a narrative paper.
21. I can develop a narrator and.or characters in my writing.
22. I can develop point of view in my narrative writing.
23. I can develop plot in my narrative writing.
24. I can use dialog in my narrative writing.
25. I can use transitions in my narrative writing.
26. I can descriptive vocabulary and sensory language in my narrative writing.
27. I can provide a conclusion in my narrative writing.
28. I can develop grade-level appropriate writing.
29. I can use writing revision strategies.
30. I can use editing strategies.
31. I can revise for a specific purpose and audience.
32. I can use feedback from teachers and/or peers.
33. I can use technology to publish my writing.
34. I can show relationships between information and ideas.
35. I can use technology to collaborate in my writing.
36. I can do a research project.
37. I can use several sources to answer a question.
38. I can generate focused questions for research.
39. I can find information from print sources.
40. I can find information from digital sources.
41. I can use search terms.
42. I can define credible.
43. I can decide if a source is credible.
44. I can define plagiarism.
45. I can paraphrase information.
46. I can include quotes in my writing.
47. I can cite sources.
48. I can produce a bibliography.
49. I can use pieces from literary texts to support my writing.
50. I can use pieces from informational texts to support my writing.
51. I can write for a variety of purposes.
Listening and Speaking
1. I can participate in one-on-one discussions.
2. I can participate in group discussions.
3. I can participate in teacher led discussions.
4. I can prepare for a discussion.
5. I can follow rules for discussions.
6. I can ask questions of my group members
7. I can respond to questions posed by my group members.
8. I can summarize the groups discussion.
9. I can understand the perspectives of others.
10. I can explain the use and purpose of multiple forms of media.

11. I can evaluate why information was presented in a specific format.

12. I can define delineate.
13. I can evaluate the soundness, relevance, and sufficiency of evidence.
14. I can present claims logically.
15. I can define salient points.
16. I can use relevant descriptions, facts, and details.
17. I can use appropriate eye contact, volume, and pronunciation.
18. I can use multimedia components in a presentation to strengthen claims.
19. I can use formal language in a classroom setting.
Language
1. I can demonstrate the proper use of the eight parts of speech in writing
and speaking.
2. I can explain the functions of verbals. (gerunds, participles, infinitives)
3. I can use verbs in active voice, passive voice, indicative voice, imperative
mood, interrogative mood, conditional mood, subjunctive mood.
4. I can recognize and correct inappropriate shifts in verb voice and mood.
5. I can use capitalization and punctuation correctly.
6. I can use punctuation to indicate a pause or break.
7. I can use an ellipsis to indicate an omission.
8. I can spell correctly.
9. I can use proper conventions.
10. I can use verbs in multiple forms to achieve an effect.
11. I can use context clues to determine the meaning of a word.
12. I can use Greek or Latin roots to determine the meaning of a word.
13. I can use print reference materials.
14. I can use electronic reference materials.
15. I can use and interpret figurative language.
16. I can find relationships between words to better understand them.
17. I can use grade appropriate vocabulary.