Florida’s B.E.S.T.
Standards
for English Language Arts
Grades 6-8
Standard 6th grade
Reading Prose and Poetry
R.1.1 Analyze how the
Literary interaction between
Elements characters contributes to
the development of a plot
in a literary text.
R.1.2 Analyze the development
Theme of stated or implied
theme(s) throughout a
literary text.
R.1.3 Explain the influence of
Perspective and multiple narrators and/or
Point of View shifts in point of view in a
literary text.
R.1.4 Describe the impact of
Poetry various poetic forms on
meaning and style.
Reading Informational Text
R.2.1 Structure Explain how individual text
sections and/or features
convey meaning in texts.
R.2.2 Analyze the central idea(s),
Central Idea implied or explicit, and its
development throughout a
text.
R.2.3 Analyze authors’ purpose(s)
Author’s in multiple accounts of the
Purpose and same event or topic.
Perspective
R.2.4 Argument Track the development of
an argument, identifying
the types of reasoning
used.
7th grade
Analyze the impact of
setting on character
development and plot in a
literary text.
Compare two or more
themes and their
development throughout a
literary text.
Explain the influence of
narrator(s), including
unreliable narrator(s),
and/or shifts in point of view
in a literary text.
Analyze the impact of
various poetic forms on
meaning and style.
Explain how individual text
sections and/or features
convey a purpose in texts.
Compare two or more
central ideas and their
development throughout a
text.
Explain how an author
establishes and achieves
purpose(s) through diction
and syntax.
Track the development of an
argument, analyzing the
types of reasoning used and
their effectiveness.
Strands:
 Reading
 Communication
 Vocabulary
8th grade
Analyze the interaction
between character
development, setting, and
plot in a literary text.
Analyze two or more themes
and their development
throughout a literary text.
Analyze how an author
develops and individualizes
the perspectives of different
characters.
Analyze structure, sound,
imagery, and figurative
language in poetry.
Analyze how individual text
sections and/or features
convey a purpose and/or
meaning in texts.
Analyze two or more central
ideas and their development
throughout a text.
Explain how an author
establishes and achieves
purpose(s) through
rhetorical appeals and/or
figurative language.
Track the development of an
argument, analyzing the
types of reasoning used and
their effectiveness,
identifying ways in which the
argument could be
improved.
Page 1
 Standard 6th grade
Reading Across Genres
R.3.1 Explain how figurative
Figurative language contributes to
Language tone and meaning in
text(s).
R.3.2 Paraphrase content from
Paraphrase and grade-level texts.
Summarize
R.3.3 Compare and contrast how
Comparative authors from different time
Reading periods address the same
or related topics.
R.3.4 Identify rhetorical appeals
Understanding in a text.
Rhetoric
Communicating through Writing
C.1.2 Write personal or fictional
Narrative narratives using narrative
Writing techniques, precise words
and phrases, and figurative
language.
C.1.3 Write and support a claim
Argumentative using logical reasoning,
Writing relevant evidence from
multiple sources,
elaboration, and a logical
organizational structure
with varied transitions.
C.1.4 Write expository texts to
Expository explain and/or analyze
Writing information from multiple
sources, using a logical
organizational structure,
relevant elaboration, and
varied transitions.
C.1.5 Improve writing by
Improving planning, revising, and
Writing editing, considering
feedback from adults and
peers.
7th grade
Analyze how figurative
language contributes to tone
and meaning and explain
examples of allusions in
text(s).
Paraphrase content from
grade-level texts.
Compare and contrast how
authors with differing
perspectives address the
same or related topics or
themes.
Explain the meaning and/or
significance of rhetorical
devices in a text.
Write personal or fictional
narratives using narrative
techniques, a recognizable
point of view, precise words
and phrases, and figurative
language.
Write and support a claim
using logical reasoning,
relevant evidence from
multiple sources,
elaboration, a logical
organizational structure with
varied transitions, and
acknowledging at least one
counterclaim.
Write expository texts to
explain and analyze
information from multiple
sources, using relevant
supporting details and a
logical organizational
pattern.
Improve writing by planning,
revising, and editing,
considering feedback from
adults and peers.
8th grade
Analyze how figurative
language contributes to
meaning and explain
examples of symbolism in
text(s).
Paraphrase content from
grade-level texts.
Compare and contrast the
use or discussion of
archetypes in texts.
Explain how an author uses
rhetorical devices to support
or advance an appeal.
Write personal or fictional
narratives using narrative
techniques, varied
transitions, and a clearly
established point of view.
Write to argue a position,
supporting at least one claim
and rebutting at least one
counterclaim with logical
reasoning, credible evidence
from multiple sources,
elaboration, and using a
logical organizational
structure.
Write expository texts to
explain and analyze
information from multiple
sources, using relevant
supporting details, logical
organization, and varied
purposeful transitions.
Improve writing by planning,
editing, considering feedback
from adults and peers, and
revising for clarity and
cohesiveness.
Page 2
 Standard 6th grade
Communicating Orally
C.2.1 Present information orally, in
Oral a logical sequence, using
Presentation nonverbal cues, appropriate
volume, clear pronunciation,
and appropriate pacing.
ELA.7.C.3.1 Follow the rules of standard
Conventions English grammar,
punctuation, capitalization,
and spelling appropriate to
grade level.
Researching ~ Creating and Collaborating
C.4.1 Conduct research to answer
Researching and a question, drawing on
Using multiple reliable and valid
Information sources and refocusing the
inquiry when appropriate.
Creating and Collaborating
C.5.1 Integrate diverse digital
Multimedia media to enhance audience
engagement in oral or
written tasks.
C.5.2 Use digital tools to produce
Technology in writing.
Communication
Vocabulary ~ Finding Meaning
V.1.1 Integrate academic
Academic vocabulary appropriate to
Vocabulary grade level in speaking and
writing.
V.1.2 Apply knowledge of Greek
Morphology and Latin roots and affixes to
determine meanings of
words and phrases in grade-
level content.
V.1.3 Apply knowledge of context
Context and clues, figurative language,
Connotation word relationships, reference
materials, and/or
background knowledge to
determine the connotative
and denotative meaning of
words and phrases,
appropriate to grade level.
7th grade
Present information orally, in
a logical sequence,
emphasizing key points that
support the central idea.
Conventions
Follow the rules of standard
English grammar,
punctuation, capitalization,
and spelling appropriate to
grade level.
Conduct research to answer a
question, drawing on multiple
reliable and valid sources and
generating additional
questions for further
research.
Integrate diverse digital media
to build cohesion in oral or
written tasks.
Use digital tools to produce
and share writing.
Integrate academic
vocabulary appropriate to
grade level in speaking and
writing.
Apply knowledge of Greek
and Latin roots and affixes to
determine meanings of words
and phrases in grade-level
content.
Apply knowledge of context
clues, figurative language,
word relationships, reference
materials, and/or background
knowledge to determine the
connotative and denotative
meaning of words and
phrases, appropriate to grade
level.
8th grade
Present information orally, in a
logical sequence, supporting
the central idea with credible
evidence.
Follow the rules of standard
English grammar, punctuation,
capitalization, and spelling
appropriate to grade level.
Conduct research to answer a
question, drawing on multiple
reliable and valid sources and
generating additional
questions for further research.
Integrate diverse digital media
to emphasize the relevance of
a topic or idea in oral or
written tasks.
Use a variety of digital tools to
collaborate with others to
produce writing.
Integrate academic vocabulary
appropriate to grade level in
speaking and writing.
Apply knowledge of Greek and
Latin roots and affixes to
determine meanings of words
and phrases in grade-level
content.
Apply knowledge of context
clues, figurative language,
word relationships, reference
materials, and/or background
knowledge to determine the
connotative and denotative
meaning of words and
phrases, appropriate to grade
level. Page 3
 Florida’s B.E.S.T. Standards Strands:
for English Language Arts  Reading
 Communication
 Vocabulary
Grades 6
Reading Prose and Poetry Communicating through Writing

R.1.1 Analyze how the interaction C.1.2 Write personal or fictional narratives using
Literary between characters contributes to Narrative Writing narrative techniques, precise words and phrases,
Elements the development of a plot in a and figurative language.
literary text.
C.1.3 Write and support a claim using logical reasoning,
R.1.2 Analyze the development of stated Argumentative relevant evidence from multiple sources,
Theme or implied theme(s) throughout a Writing elaboration, and a logical organizational structure
literary text. with varied transitions.

R.1.3 Explain the influence of multiple C.1.4 Write expository texts to explain and/or analyze
Perspective and narrators and/or shifts in point of Expository information from multiple sources, using a logical
Point of View view in a literary text. Writing organizational structure, relevant elaboration, and
varied transitions.
C.1.5 Improve writing by planning, revising, and editing,
R.1.4 Describe the impact of various
Improving Writing considering feedback from adults and peers.
Poetry poetic forms on meaning and style.

Communicating Orally
Reading Informational Text
C.2.1 Present information orally, in a logical sequence,
R.2.1 Explain how individual text Oral Presentation using nonverbal cues, appropriate volume, clear
Structure sections and/or features convey pronunciation, and appropriate pacing.
meaning in texts.
Conventions
R.2.2 Analyze the central idea(s), implied
Central Idea or explicit, and its development C.3 .1 Follow the rules of standard English grammar,
throughout a text. Following punctuation, capitalization, and spelling
Conventions appropriate to grade level.
R.2.3 Analyze authors’ purpose(s) in Research
Author’s multiple accounts of the same
Purpose and event or topic. C.4.1 Conduct research to answer a question, drawing
Perspective Researching on multiple reliable and valid sources, and
refocusing the inquiry when appropriate.
R.2.4 Track the development of an
Argument argument, identifying the types of Creating and Collaborating
reasoning used. C.5.1 Integrate diverse digital media to enhance
Multimedia audience engagement in oral or written tasks.
Reading Across Genres C.5.2 Use digital tools to produce writing.
Technology in
R.3.1 Explain how figurative language Communication
Figurative contributes to tone and meaning
Language in text(s). Vocabulary
V.1.1 Integrate academic vocabulary appropriate to
R.3.2 Paraphrase content from grade- Academic grade level in speaking and writing.
Paraphrase and level texts. Vocabulary
Summarize V.1.2 Apply knowledge of Greek and Latin roots and
R.3.3 Compare and contrast how Morphology affixes to determine meanings of words and
Comparative authors from different time phrases in grade-level content.
Reading periods address the same or V.1.3 Apply knowledge of context clues, figurative
related topics. Context and language, word relationships, reference materials,
Connotation and/or background knowledge to determine the
R.3.4 Identify rhetorical appeals in a
connotative and denotative meaning of words and
Understanding text.
phrases, appropriate to grade level.
Rhetoric
 Florida’s B.E.S.T. Standards Strands:
for English Language Arts  Reading
 Communication
 Vocabulary
Grades 7
Reading Prose and Poetry Communicating through Writing
R.1.1 Analyze the impact of setting on C.1.2 Write personal or fictional narratives using
Literary character development and plot in Narrative Writing narrative techniques, a recognizable point of view,
Elements a literary text. precise words and phrases, and figurative language.

R.1.2 Compare two or more themes and C.1.3 Write and support a claim using logical reasoning,
Theme their development throughout a Argumentative relevant evidence from multiple sources,
literary text. Writing elaboration, a logical organizational structure with
varied transitions, and acknowledging at least one
R.1.3 Explain the influence of counterclaim.
Perspective narrator(s), including unreliable
and Point of narrator(s), and/or shifts in point C.1.4 Write expository texts to explain and analyze
View of view in a literary text. Expository Writing information from multiple sources, using relevant
supporting details and a logical organizational
R.1.4 Analyze the impact of various pattern.
Poetry poetic forms on meaning and style.
C.1.5 Improve writing by planning, revising, and editing,
Improving Writing considering feedback from adults and peers.
Reading Informational Text
Communicating Orally
R.2.1 Explain how individual text C.2.1 Present information orally, in a logical sequence,
Structure sections and/or features convey a Oral Presentation emphasizing key points that support the central
purpose in texts. idea.
R.2.2 Compare two or more central Conventions
Central Idea ideas and their development
throughout a text. C.3.1 Follow the rules of standard English grammar,
Following punctuation, capitalization, and spelling
R.2.3 Explain how an author establishes Conventions appropriate to grade level.
Author’s and achieves purpose(s) through
Purpose and diction and syntax. Researching
Perspective C.4.1 Conduct research to answer a question, drawing on
Researching and multiple reliable and valid sources and generating
R.2.4 Track the development of an
Using Information additional questions for further research.
Argument argument, analyzing the types of
reasoning used and their Creating and Collaborating
effectiveness.
C.5.1 Integrate diverse digital media to build cohesion in
Reading Across Genres Multimedia oral or written tasks.

R.3.1 Analyze how figurative language C.5.2 Use digital tools to produce and share writing.
Figurative contributes to tone and meaning Technology in
Language and explain examples of allusions Communication
in text(s).
Vocabulary
R.3.2 Paraphrase content from grade- V.1.1 Integrate academic vocabulary appropriate to
Paraphrase and level texts. Academic grade level in speaking and writing.
Summarize Vocabulary
V.1.2 Apply knowledge of Greek and Latin roots and
R.3.3 Compare and contrast how Morphology affixes to determine meanings of words and
Comparative authors with differing perspectives phrases in grade-level content.
Reading address the same or related topics
or themes. V.1.3 Apply knowledge of context clues, figurative
Context and language, word relationships, reference materials,
R.3.4 Explain the meaning and/or Connotation and/or background knowledge to determine the
Understanding significance of rhetorical devices in connotative and denotative meaning of words and
Rhetoric a text. phrases, appropriate to grade level.
 Strands:
 Reading
 Communication
Florida’s B.E.S.T. Standards  Vocabulary

Communicating through Writing

for English Language Arts
C.1.2 Write personal or fictional narratives using
Grades 8 Narrative narrative techniques, varied transitions, and a
Reading Prose and Poetry Writing clearly established point of view.
C.1.3 Write to argue a position, supporting at least
R.1.1 Analyze the interaction between
Argumentative one claim and rebutting at least one
Literary Elements character development, setting, and
Writing counterclaim with logical reasoning, credible
plot in a literary text.
evidence from multiple sources, elaboration,
R.1.2 Analyze two or more themes and their and using a logical organizational structure.
Theme development throughout a literary C.1.4 Write expository texts to explain and analyze
text. Expository information from multiple sources, using
R.1.3 Analyze how an author develops and Writing relevant supporting details, logical organization,
Perspective and individualizes the perspectives of and varied purposeful transitions.
Point of View different characters. C.1.5 Improve writing by planning, editing,
Improving considering feedback from adults and peers,
Writing and revising for clarity and cohesiveness.
R.1.4 Analyze structure, sound, imagery, and
Poetry figurative language in poetry. Communicating Orally
C.2.1 Present information orally, in a logical
Reading Informational Text Oral sequence, supporting the central idea with
Presentation credible evidence.
R.2.1 Analyze how individual text sections
Structure and/or features convey a purpose Conventions
and/or meaning in texts.
C.3.1 Follow the rules of standard English grammar,
R.2.2 Analyze two or more central ideas and Following punctuation, capitalization, and spelling
Central Idea their development throughout a text. Conventions appropriate to grade level.
Researching
R.2.3 Explain how an author establishes and C.4.1 Conduct research to answer a question,
Author’s Purpose achieves purpose(s) through rhetorical Researching and drawing on multiple reliable and valid sources
and Perspective appeals and/or figurative language. Using and generating additional questions for further
Information research.
R.2.4 Track the development of an Creating and Collaborating
Argument argument, analyzing the types of
reasoning used and their effectiveness, C.5.1 Integrate diverse digital media to emphasize the
identifying ways in which the argument Multimedia relevance of a topic or idea in oral or written
could be improved. tasks.
C.5.2 Use a variety of digital tools to collaborate with
Reading Across Genres
Technology in others to produce writing.
R.3.1 Analyze how figurative language Communication
Figurative contributes to meaning and explain
Vocabulary
Language examples of symbolism in text(s).
V.1.1 Integrate academic vocabulary appropriate to
Academic grade level in speaking and writing.
R.3.2 Paraphrase Paraphrase content from grade-level Vocabulary
and Summarize texts.
V.1.2 Apply knowledge of Greek and Latin roots and
Morphology affixes to determine meanings of words and
R.3.3 Compare and contrast the use or phrases in grade-level content.
Comparative discussion of archetypes in texts.
Reading V.1.3 Apply knowledge of context clues, figurative
Context and language, word relationships, reference
Connotation materials, and/or background knowledge to
R.3.4 Explain how an author uses rhetorical determine the connotative and denotative
Understanding devices to support or advance an meaning of words and phrases, appropriate to
Rhetoric appeal. grade level.