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English Language Development& Academic Standards Crosswalk For Eighth Grade English Language Arts (ELA)

K–12 Standards

Grade 8
Other Tennessee English Language Development sets
Kindergarten
Grade 1
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
Grade 6
Grade 7
Grades 9-10

Construct meaning from oral presentations and literary and informational text through grade-appropriate listening, reading, and viewing8.1

1
Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on 8th grade-level text by choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.8.L.VAU.4
1. a
  Use context as a clue to the meaning of a word or a phrase. 8.L.VAU.4.a
2. b
  Use common grade-appropriate morphological elements as clues to the meaning of a word or a phrase. 8.L.VAU.4.b
3. c
  Consult reference materials, both print and digital, to find the pronunciation of a word or phrase. 8.L.VAU.4.c
4. d
  Use etymological patterns in spelling as clues to the meaning of a word or phrase.8.L.VAU.4.d
2
When reading, listening, writing, and speaking, explain the function of figurative language, word relationships, and connotation/denotation and use them correctly and effectively.8.L.VAU.5
3
Acquire and accurately use grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; develop vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.8.L.VAU.6
4
Analyze what a text says explicitly and draw logical inferences; support an interpretation of a text by citing relevant textual evidence.8.RL.KID.1
5
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.8.RL.KID.2
6
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.8.RL.KID.3
7
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.8.RL.CS.5
8
Analyze how an author establishes, conveys, and contrasts the points of view of different characters or narrators in a text.8.RL.CS.6
9
Analyze the extent to which a filmed or live production of a story or drama stays faithful to or departs from a text or script, evaluating the choices made by the director or actors.8.RL.IKI.7
10
Analyze how contemporary texts are shaped by foundational texts or literary archetypes and how authors allude to traditional works, myths, or religious texts; describe how traditional elements are rendered anew.8.RL.IKI.9
11
Read and comprehend a variety of literature at the high end of the grades 6-8 text complexity band independently and proficiently.8.RL.RRTC.10
12
Analyze what a text says explicitly and draw logical inferences; support an interpretation of a text by citing relevant textual evidence.8.RI.KID.1
13
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.8.RI.KID.2
14
Analyze the techniques used to distinguish between and to make connections among individuals, events, or ideas in a text.8.RI.KID.3
15
Analyze in detail the structure of a specific paragraph or section in a text, including the role of particular sentences in developing and refining a key concept.8.RI.CS.5
16
Analyze the extent to which a filmed or live production of a story or drama stays faithful to or departs from a text or script, evaluating the choices made by the director or actors.8.RI.IKI.7
17
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.8.RI.IKI.9
18
Read and comprehend a variety of literary nonfiction at the high end of the grades 6-8 text complexity band independently and proficiently.8.RI.RRTC.10

Participate in grade-appropriate oral and written exchanges of information, ideas, and analyses, responding to peer, audience, or reader comments and questions8.2

1
Prepare for collaborative discussions on 8th grade level topics and texts; engage effectively with varied partners, building on others' ideas and expressing one's own ideas clearly.8.SL.CC.1
2
Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and to collaborate with others; type a complete product in a single sitting as defined in W.1-3.8.W.PDW.6
3
Write routinely over extended time frames and shorter time frames for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.8.W.RW.10

Speak and write about grade-appropriate complex literary and informational texts and topics8.3

1
Acquire and accurately use grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; develop vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.8.L.VAU.6
2
Analyze how contemporary texts are shaped by foundational texts or literary archetypes and how authors allude to traditional works, myths, or religious texts; describe how traditional elements are rendered anew.8.RL.IKI.9
3
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.8.RI.IKI.9
4
Delineate a speaker’s argument and specific claims, evaluating the soundness of the reasoning and relevance and sufficiency of the evidence; identify when irrelevant evidence is introduced.8.SL.CC.3
5
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.8.W.TTP.2
1. a
  Introduce a topic clearly, using the introduction to prepare the reader for what is to follow.8.W.TTP.2.a
2. b
  Synthesize and organize ideas, concepts, and information into broader categories using effective strategies to create cohesion and aid in comprehension.8.W.TTP.2.b
3. c
  Develop the topic with relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples.8.W.TTP.2.c
4. d
  Thoroughly and accurately explain and elaborate on the evidence provided, demonstrating a clear understanding of the topic and the source material.8.W.TTP.2.d
5. e
  Craft an effective and relevant conclusion.8.W.TTP.2.e
6. f
  Include formatting, graphics, and multimedia when appropriate. 8.W.TTP.2.f
7. g
  Use appropriate and varied transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts.8.W.TTP.2.g
8. h
  Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary.8.W.TTP.2.h
9. i
  Use varied sentence structure to enhance meaning and reader interest.8.W.TTP.2.i
10. j
  Establish and maintain a formal style.8.W.TTP.2.j
6
Write narratives (fiction and nonfiction) to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective techniques, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences.8.W.TTP.3
1. a
  Engage and orient the reader by establishing a context and point of view and introducing a narrator and/or participants/characters.8.W.TTP.3.a
2. b
  Organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally and logically.8.W.TTP.3.b
3. c
  Create a smooth progression of experiences or events.8.W.TTP.3.c
4. d
  Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, description, and reflection when appropriate, to develop experiences, events, and/or characters.8.W.TTP.3.d
5. e
  Use a variety of transition words, phrases, and clauses to convey sequence, signal shifts, and show the relationships among experiences and events.8.W.TTP.3.e
6. f
  Craft an effective and relevant conclusion that reflects on the narrated experiences or events.8.W.TTP.3.f
7. g
  Use precise words and phrases, relevant descriptive details, and sensory language to convey experiences and events8.W.TTP.3.g

Construct grade-appropriate oral and written claims and support them with reasoning and evidence8.4

1
Acquire and accurately use grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; develop vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.8.L.VAU.6
2
Analyze what a text says explicitly and draw logical inferences; support an interpretation of a text by citing relevant textual evidence.8.RL.KID.1
3
Analyze how contemporary texts are shaped by foundational texts or literary archetypes and how authors allude to traditional works, myths, or religious texts; describe how traditional elements are rendered anew. 8.RL.IKI.9
4
Analyze what a text says explicitly and draw logical inferences; support an interpretation of a text by citing relevant textual evidence.8.RI.KID.1
5
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.8.RI.IKI.9
6
Present claims and findings in a focused, coherent manner with relevant evidence, valid reasoning, and well-chosen details; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.8.SL.PKI.4
7
Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.8.W.TTP.1
1. a
  Introduce claim(s).8.W.TTP.1.a
2. b
  Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant, sufficient evidence; acknowledge and refute alternate or opposing claim(s).8.W.TTP.1.b
3. c
  Organize the reasons and evidence clearly and clarify the relationships among claim(s) and reasons.8.W.TTP.1.c
4. d
  Use credible sources and demonstrate an understanding of the topic or source material.8.W.TTP.1.d
5. e
  Craft an effective and relevant conclusion that supports the argument presented.8.W.TTP.1.e
6. f
  Use precise language and content-specific vocabulary.8.W.TTP.1.f
7. g
  Use appropriate transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts.8.W.TTP.1.g
8. h.
  Use varied sentence structure to enhance meaning and reader interest.8.W.TTP.1.h
9. i
  Establish and maintain a formal style.8.W.TTP.1.i
8
Support interpretations, analyses, reflections, or research with evidence found in literature or informational texts, applying grade 8 standards for reading; assess whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant and sufficient to support the claims and recognize when irrelevant evidence is introduced.8.W.RBPK.9

Conduct research and evaluate and communicate findings to answer questions or solve problems8.5

1
Present claims and findings in a focused, coherent manner with relevant evidence, valid reasoning, and well-chosen details; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.8.SL.PKI.4
2
Integrate multimedia and visual displays into presentations to clarify information, to strengthen claims and evidence, and to add interest.6.SL.PKI.5
3
Conduct research to answer a question (including a self-generated question), drawing on multiple sources and generating additional related, focused questions that allow for multiple avenues of exploration.8W.RBPK.7
4
Integrate relevant and credible information from print and digital sources; quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and providing basic bibliographic information for sources.8.W.RBPK.8
5
Support interpretations, analyses, reflections, or research with evidence found in literature or informational texts, applying grade 8 standards for reading; assess whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant and sufficient to support the claims and recognize when irrelevant evidence is introduced.8.W.RBPK.9

Analyze and critique the arguments of others orally and in writing8.6

1
Acquire and accurately use grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; develop vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.8.L.VAU.6
2
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.8.RI.CS.6
3
Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether evidence is relevant and sufficient to support the claims and the reasoning is sound.8.RI.IKI.8
4
Delineate a speaker’s argument and specific claims, evaluating the soundness of the reasoning and relevance and sufficiency of the evidence; identify when irrelevant evidence is introduced.8.SL.CC.3
5
Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.8.W.TTP.1
1. a
  Introduce claim(s).8.W.TTP.1.a
2. b
  Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant, sufficient evidence; acknowledge and refute alternate or opposing claim(s). 8.W.TTP.1.b
3. c
  Organize the reasons and evidence clearly and clarify the relationships among claim(s) and reasons.8.W.TTP.1.c
4. d
  Use credible sources and demonstrate an understanding of the topic or source material.8.W.TTP.1.d
5. e
  Craft an effective and relevant conclusion that supports the argument presented.8.W.TTP.1.e
6. f
  Use precise language and content-specific vocabulary.8.W.TTP.1.f
7. g
  Use appropriate transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts.8.W.TTP.1.g
8. h
  Use varied sentence structure to enhance meaning and reader interest.8.W.TTP.1.h
9. i
  Establish and maintain a formal style.8.W.TTP.1.i

Adapt language choices to purpose, task, and audience when speaking and writing8.7

1
When writing and speaking, adjust style and tone to a variety of contexts; when reading or listening, analyze stylistic choices to determine context.8.L.KL.3
2
Acquire and accurately use grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; develop vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.8.L.VAU.6
3
Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.8.SL.PKI.6
4
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.8W.PDW.4
5
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 Foundational Literacy standard 6 and Language standards 1–3 up to and including grade 8.)8.W.PDW.5
6
Write routinely over extended time frames and shorter time frames for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences8.W.RW.10

Determine the meaning of words and phrases in oral presentations and literary and informational text8.8

1
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage.8.L.CSE.1
1. a
  When reading or listening, analyze the use of phrases and clauses within a larger text.8.L.CSE.1.a
2. b
  When reading or listening, explain the function of verbs.8.L.CSE.1.b
3. c
  When writing or speaking, produce simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences with effectively placed modifiers. 8.L.CSE.1.c
4. e
  When writing or speaking, produce and use varied voice and mood of verbs.8.L.CSE.1.e
5. d
  When reading or listening, explain the function of the voice (active and passive) and the mood of a verb and its application in text.8.L.CSE.1.d
2
Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on 8th grade-level text by choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.8.L.VAU.4
1. a
  Use context as a clue to the meaning of a word or a phrase.8.L.VAU.4.a
2. b
  Use common grade-appropriate morphological elements as clues to the meaning of a word or a phrase.8.L.VAU.4.b
3. c
  Consult reference materials, both print and digital, to find the pronunciation of a word or phrase.8.L.VAU.4.c
4. d
  Use etymological patterns in spelling as clues to the meaning of a word or phrase. 8.L.VAU.4.d
3
When reading, listening, writing, and speaking, explain the function of figurative language, word relationships, and connotation/denotation and use them correctly and effectively.8.L.VAU.5
4
Acquire and accurately use grade-appropriate general academic and domain- specific words and phrases; develop vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.8.L.VAU.6
5
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 allusions to other texts, repetition of words and phrases, and analogies.8.RL.CS.4
4.
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone, including analogies and allusions to other texts.8.RI.CS.4

Create clear and coherent grade-appropriate speech and text8.9

1
When writing and speaking, adjust style and tone to a variety of contexts; when reading or listening, analyze stylistic choices to determine context.8.L.KL.3
2
Acquire and accurately use grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; develop vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.8.L.VAU.6
3
Present claims and findings in a focused, coherent manner with relevant evidence, valid reasoning, and well-chosen details; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.8.SL.PKI.4
4
Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.8.SL.PKI.6
5
Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.8.W.TTP.1
1. a
  Introduce claim(s).8.W.TTP.1.a
2. b.
  Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant, sufficient evidence; acknowledge and refute alternate or opposing claim(s).8.W.TTP.1.b
3. c
  Organize the reasons and evidence clearly and clarify the relationships among claim(s) and reasons.8.W.TTP.1.c
4. d
  Use credible sources and demonstrate an understanding of the topic or source material.8.W.TTP.1.d
5. e
  Craft an effective and relevant conclusion that supports the argument presented.8.W.TTP.1.e
6. f
  Use precise language and content-specific vocabulary.8.W.TTP.1.f
7. g
  Use appropriate transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts.8.W.TTP.1.g
8. h
  Use varied sentence structure to enhance meaning and reader interest.8.W.TTP.1.h
9. i
  Establish and maintain a formal style.8.W.TTP.1.i
6
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.8.W.TT P.2
1. a
  Introduce a topic clearly, using the introduction to prepare the reader for what is to follow.8.W.TT P.2.a
2. b
  Synthesize and organize ideas, concepts, and information into broader categories using effective strategies to create cohesion and aid in comprehension.8.W.TT P.2.b
3. c
  Develop the topic with relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples.8.W.TT P.2.c
4. d
  Thoroughly and accurately explain and elaborate on the evidence provided, demonstrating a clear understanding of the topic and the source material.8.W.TT P.2.d
5. e
  Craft an effective and relevant conclusion.8.W.TT P.2.e
6. f
  Include formatting, graphics, and multimedia when appropriate.8.W.TT P.2.f
7. g
  Use appropriate and varied transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts.8.W.TT P.2.g
8. h
  Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary.8.W.TT P.2.h
9. i
  Use varied sentence structure to enhance meaning and reader interest.8.W.TT P.2.i
10. j
  Establish and maintain a formal style.8.W.TT P.2.j
7
Write narratives (fiction and nonfiction) to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective techniques, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences. 8.W.TTP.3
1. a
  Engage and orient the reader by establishing a context and point of view and introducing a narrator and/or participants/characters.8.W.TTP.3.a
2. b.
  Organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally and logically.8.W.TTP.3.b
3. c
  Create a smooth progression of experiences or events.8.W.TTP.3.c
4. d
  Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, description, and reflection when appropriate, to develop experiences, events, and/or characters.8.W.TTP.3.d
5. e
  Use a variety of transition words, phrases, and clauses to convey sequence, signal shifts, and show the relationships among experiences and events.8.W.TTP.3.e
6. f
  Craft an effective and relevant conclusion that reflects on the narrated experiences or events.8.W.TTP.3.f
7. g
  Use precise words and phrases, relevant descriptive details, and sensory language to convey experiences and events8.W.TTP.3.g
8
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.)8.W.PDW.4
9
Write routinely over extended time frames and shorter time frames for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.8.W.RW.10

Make accurate use of standard English to communicate in grade appropriate speech and writing8.10

1
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage.8.L.CSE.1
1. a
  When reading or listening, analyze the use of phrases and clauses within a larger text.8.L.CSE.1.a
2. b
  When reading or listening, explain the function of verbs.8.L.CSE.1.b
3. c
  When writing or speaking, produce simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences with effectively placed modifiers.8.L.CSE.1.c
4. d
  When reading or listening, explain the function of the voice (active and passive) and the mood of a verb and its application in text.8.L.CSE.1.d
5. e
  hen writing or speaking, produce and use varied voice and mood of verbs.8.L.CSE.1.e
2
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling. When reading and writing, explain the functions of punctuation in creating sentence variety and style.8.L.CSE.2
3
When reading, listening, writing, and speaking, explain the function of figurative language, word relationships, and connotation/denotation and use them correctly and effectively.8.L.VAU.5
4
Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.8.SL.PKI.6
5
Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.8.W.TTP.1
1. a
  Introduce claim(s).8.W.TTP.1.a
2. b.
  Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant, sufficient evidence; acknowledge and refute alternate or opposing claim(s).8.W.TTP.1.b
3. c
  Organize the reasons and evidence clearly and clarify the relationships among claim(s) and reasons.8.W.TTP.1.c
4. d
  Use credible sources and demonstrate an understanding of the topic or source material.8.W.TTP.1.d
5. e
  Craft an effective and relevant conclusion that supports the argument presented.8.W.TTP.1.e
6. f
  Use precise language and content-specific vocabulary.8.W.TTP.1.f
7. g
  Use appropriate transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts.8.W.TTP.1.g
8. h
  Use varied sentence structure to enhance meaning and reader interest.8.W.TTP.1.h
9. i
  Establish and maintain a formal style.8.W.TTP.1.i
6
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.8.W.TTP.2
1. a
  Introduce a topic clearly, using the introduction to prepare the reader for what is to follow.8.W.TTP.2.a
2. b
  Synthesize and organize ideas, concepts, and information into broader categories using effective strategies to create cohesion and aid in comprehension.8.W.TTP.2.b
3. c
  Develop the topic with relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples.8.W.TTP.2.c
4. d
  Thoroughly and accurately explain and elaborate on the evidence provided, demonstrating a clear understanding of the topic and the source material.8.W.TTP.2.d
5. e
  Craft an effective and relevant conclusion.8.W.TTP.2.e
6. f
  Include formatting, graphics, and multimedia when appropriate.8.W.TTP.2.f
7. g
  Use appropriate and varied transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts.8.W.TTP.2.g
8. h
  Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary.8.W.TTP.2.h
9. i
  Use varied sentence structure to enhance meaning and reader interest.8.W.TTP.2.i
10. j
  Establish and maintain a formal style.8.W.TTP.2.j
7
Write narratives (fiction and nonfiction) to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective techniques, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences.8.W.TTP.3
1. a
  Engage and orient the reader by establishing a context and point of view and introducing a narrator and/or participants/characters.8.W.TTP.3.a
2. b
  Organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally and logically.8.W.TTP.3.b
3. c
  Create a smooth progression of experiences or events.8.W.TTP.3.c
4. d
  Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, description, and reflection when appropriate, to develop experiences, events, and/or characters.8.W.TTP.3.d
5. e
  Use a variety of transition words, phrases, and clauses to convey sequence, signal shifts, and show the relationships among experiences and events.8.W.TTP.3.e
6. f
  Craft an effective and relevant conclusion that reflects on the narrated experiences or events.8.W.TTP.3.f
7. g
  Use precise words and phrases, relevant descriptive details, and sensory language to convey experiences and events8.W.TTP.3.g
8
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.)8.W.PDW.4
9
Write routinely over extended time frames and shorter time frames for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.8.W.RW.10

Frequently asked questions

What grade levels do these standards cover?: Grade 8
Where can I read the official document?: English Language Development& Academic Standards Crosswalk For Eighth Grade English Language Arts (ELA)

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