8th Grade Reading Standards for Literature

Anchor Standard
Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to
make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence
when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from
the text.
RL 8.1
Cite the textual evidence that most strongly supports an
analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences
drawn from the text.
Essential Skills and Concepts:
Analyze the text
Identify explicit textual evidence
Cite evidence
Draw inferences
Support inference using several pieces from the text
Provide varying degrees of support (evidence)
Question Stems and Prompts:
What textual evidence did you identify to support
your analysis of the text? Cite several examples.
What inferences can you draw from your analysis of
the text?
Show me in the text what makes you think that.
What evidence (textual or informational) most
strongly supports your analysis?
Academic Vocabulary
cite
analyze
explicit
textual evidence
inference
conclude

Spanish Cognates
citar
analizar
explcito
inferencia
concluir

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

8th Grade Reading Standards for Literature

Anchor Standard
Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their
development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas.
RL 8.2
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 of the text.
Essential Skills and Concepts:
Determine theme or central idea
Analyze theme/central idea development
Make inferences
Formulate an objective summary of the text
Understand theme /character relationships
Understand theme/setting
Understand theme/plot
Question Stems and Prompts:
What is the theme or central idea?
Cite evidence from the text to support your
determination of the theme/central idea.
An example of how the theme develops/recurs in the
text is____________________.
How can you objectively summarize the text?
How does the development of character, setting, and/
or plot contribute to the central theme or idea?
Academic Vocabulary
determine
theme
central idea
analyze
objective
summarize
cite evidence

Spanish Cognates
determinar
tema
idea central
analizar
objectivo
resumir

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

8th Grade Reading Standards for Literature

Anchor Standard
Analyze how and why individuals, events, and ideas develop
and interact over the course of a text.
RL 8.3
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.
Essential Skills and Concepts:
Understand causal relationship of dialogue and/or
events on plot development
Identify character traits or aspects
Question Stems and Prompts:
What statement(s) or action(s) lead to a shift in
advancement in the events of the story?
What is revealed about the character by events or
dialogue?
What decision is provoked by _________incident?
Academic Vocabulary
dialogue
incident
propel
aspect
reveal
provoke

Spanish Cognates
dilogo
incidente
propulsar
aspecto
revelar
provocar

8th Grade Reading Standards for Literature

Anchor Standard
Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text,
including determining technical, connotative, and figurative
meanings, and analyze how specific word choices shape
meaning or tone.
RL 8.4
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 analogies or allusions to other texts. (See
grade 8 Language standards 4-6 for additional
expectation.)
Essential Skills and Concepts:
Understand connotations
Understand figurative language (simile, metaphor,
analogy, hyperbole, personification, idioms,
onomatopoeia)
Understand how word choice impacts meaning
Understand how word choice impacts tone
Identify and understand the use of analogies and
allusion
Question Stems and Prompts:
What does the word/phrase _______ mean in this
selection?
The word/phrase is an example of___________.
Without changing the meaning of the sentence, what
word can best be used to replace the underlined part?
How does the authors use of repetition of sounds
impact the tone of the text?
According to this passage, an_________ is like a
___________because both_________________.
The author uses connotation to______________.
What is the meaning of the analogy ___________?
What does _________ allude to?
Academic Vocabulary
figurative meaning
connotative meaning
analyze
specific
impact
tone
word choice
determine
analogies
allusions

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

Spanish Cognates

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

analizar
especfico
impacto
tono
determiner
anologas

8th Grade Reading Standards for Literature

Anchor Standard
Analyze the structure of texts, including how specific
sentences, paragraphs, and larger portions of the text (e.g., a
section, chapter, scene, or stanza) relate to each other and the
whole.
RL 8.5
Compare and contrast the structure of two or more texts and
analyze how the differing structure of each texts contributes to
its meaning and style.
Essential Skills and Concepts:
Understand text structures and their forms
Understand and analyze how text structure
contributes to the meaning of a text
Compare and contrast structures of text
Question Stems and Prompts:
What is the structure of each text?
How are the structure similar/different?
What is the meaning of each text?
How does the structure of the text contribute to its
meaning?
How would the meaning of the text have been
different if it were written as a _________?
Academic Vocabulary
analyze
text structure
contribute
compare
contrast
differ

Spanish Cognates
analizar
estructura del texto
contribuir
comparar
contrastar

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

8th Grade Reading Standards for Literature

Anchor Standard
Assess how point of view or purpose shapes the content and
style of a text.
RL 8.6
Analyze how differences in the points of the characters and
the audience or reader (e.g., created through the use of
dramatic irony) create such effects as suspense or humor.
Essential Skills and Concepts:
Explain and identify various points of view
Understand and explain the development of the
narrators or speakers point of view
Contrast the points of the character and the
audience/reader
Determine the effect of differing points of view
Recognize and understand text devices (eg. irony)
Recognize and understand text effects (eg. suspense,
humor)
Question Stems and Prompts:
What is the characters point of view?
Which words from the_____ show that it is written
in____________________ person?
How does the authors word choice help to develop
the narrator/ speakers point of view?
Does the characters point of view differ from that of
the audience? If so what effect is created?
Academic Vocabulary
author
point of view
develop
narrator
omniscient
subjective
objective
point of view
dramatic
effect
suspense

Spanish Cognates
autor(a)
punto de vista
narrador(a)
omnisciente
subjetivo
objectivo
punto de vista
dramtico
efecto
suspenso

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

8th Grade Reading Standards for Literature

8th Grade Reading Standards for Literature

Anchor Standard
Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse formats
and media, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in
words.

Anchor Standard
Analyze how two or more texts address similar themes or
topics in order to build knowledge or to compare the
approaches the authors take.

RL 8.7
Analyze the extent to which a filmed or live production of a
story or drama stays faithful to or departs from the text or
script, evaluating the choices made by the director or actors.

RL 8.9
Analyze how a modern work of fiction draws on themes,
patterns of events, or character types from myths, traditional
stories, or religious works such as the Bible, including
describing how the material is rendered new.

Essential Skills and Concepts:

Compare & contrast a production of a drama or story
with the script
Determine and evaluate the effect of variance from
the script
Question Stems and Prompts:
How does the production differ from the script?
Why do you think the director chose to depart/stay
faithful to the script?
Do you agree with the directors choice why or why
not?
Evaluate the effectiveness of the media techniques
used to portray the work.
Select an event from the book and compare it to a
scene from the production. How are they different
and why?
What senses were most stimulated by the production?
What medium most impacts your understanding of
the selected work?
How does reading a story compare to the audio or
video version?
Academic Vocabulary
analyze
production
depart
faithful
evaluate
extent
director
production
event
senses
medium
techniques
portray

Spanish Cognates
analizar
produccin

Essential Skills and Concepts:

Identify themes, pattern of events & character types in
literature
Compare modern fictional elements with traditional
pieces
Identify how similar elements are modernized
Question Stems and Prompts:
What are the theme patterns of events and or
character types of the texts?
How do the elements in the moderns texts compare
with traditional works?
What changes are made to the _________, to
modernize it?
Academic Vocabulary:
analyze
theme
myth
traditional
render
modern
religious
elements
deviate

Spanish Cognates
analizar

tema
mito
tradicional
moderno
religioso
elementos

fiel
evaluar
director
produccin
sentidos
tcnicas

Standard RL 8.8 is not applicable

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

8th Grade Reading Standards for Literature

8th Grade Reading Standards for Literature

Anchor Standard
Read and comprehend complex literary and informational
texts independently and proficiently.
RL 8.10
By the end of the year, read and comprehend literature,
including stories, dramas, and poems, at the high end of
grades 6-8 text complexity band independently and
proficiently.
Essential Skills and Concepts:
Read various forms of literature fluently
Demonstrate comprehension of various forms of
literary text
Read independently and comprehend complex texts
Make an effort to independently read texts of
increasing complexity
Monitor comprehension
Question Stems and Prompts:
What have you read independently lately?
What genres have you recently read?
What genre did you enjoy the most?
Have you read multiple books by the same author?
Who is your favorite author?
Do you think you are ready to read a more complex
text or different type of literature?
What is the lexile level of this text?
Briefly summarize the plot and theme of the text.
Academic Vocabulary:
text complexity
independent
proficient
comprehend
genre
fiction
nonfiction

Spanish Cognates
independiente
comprender
gnero
ficcin
no-ficcin

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

8th Grade Reading Standards for Informational Text

Anchor Standard
Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to
make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence
when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from
the text.
RI 8.1
Cite the textual evidence that most strongly supports an
analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences
drawn from the text.
Essential Skills and Concepts:
Identify what is explicitly stated in text
Identify inference that can be drawn from the text
Analyze a text
Provide support for analysis of text
Identify hierarchy of evidence to support analysis
Question Stems and Prompts:
What is stated explicitly in the text?
What information can you draw?
What evidence leads you to this conclusion?
What evidence is most supportive of your analysis?
What inferences can you make? What evidence can
you provide to support your inferences?
Academic Vocabulary:
textual evidence
analysis
explicit
inference
cite

Spanish Cognates
anlisis
explcito
inferencia
citar

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

8th Grade Reading Standards for Informational Text

Anchor Standard
Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their
development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas.
RI 8.2
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 of the text.
Essential Skills and Concepts:
Determine the central idea
Analyze development of idea in text
Analyze the role of supporting ideas to the central
idea
Provide an objective summary
Question Stems and Prompts:
What is the central idea?
How is the central idea developed?
What supporting ideas are included in the text?
How can you objectively summarize the text?
What makes your summary objective?
What is your analysis of the text?
Is the central idea conveyed throughout the text?
Academic Vocabulary:
central idea
analyze
development
relationship
supporting
summary

Spanish Cognates
idea central
analizar
relacin
resumen

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

8th Grade Reading Standards for Informational Text

Anchor Standard
Analyze how and why individuals, events, and ideas develop
and interact over the course of a text.
RI 8.3
Analyze how a text makes connections among and
distinctions between individuals, ideas, or events (e.g.,
through comparisons, analogies, or categories).
Essential Skills and Concepts:
Analyze connections made amongst individuals,
ideas, events
Analyze distinctions between individuals, ideas
Recognize & interpret comparisons and analogies

Question Stems and Prompts:

What connections can you make among the texts
individuals, ideas, or events? How might you
compare or categorize the connections?
What distinctions can you make between the texts
individuals, ideas, or events? How might you
compare or categorize the between?
What analogy best illustrates the
connections/distinctions found in the text?

Academic Vocabulary
analyze
connection
distinction
comparison
analogy
category

Spanish Cognates
analizar
conexin
disticin
comparacin
analoga
categora

8th Grade Reading Standards for Informational Text

Anchor Standard
Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text,
including determining technical, connotative, and figurative
meanings, and analyze how specific word choices shape
meaning or tone.
RI 8.4
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used
in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical
meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on
meaning and tone, including analogies or allusions to other
texts. (See grade 7 Language standard 4-6 for additional
expectations.)
Essential Skills and Concepts:
Understand connotations
Understand figurative language (simile, metaphor,
analogy, hyperbole, personification, idioms,
onomatopoeia)
Understand how word choice impacts meaning
Understand how word choice impacts tone
Identify and understand the use of analogies and
allusion
Question Stems and Prompts:
What does the word/phrase _______ mean in this
selection?
The word/phrase is an example of___________.
Without changing the meaning of the sentence, what
word can best be used to replace the underlined part?
How does the authors use of repetition of sounds
impact the tone of the text?
According to this passage, an_________ is like a
___________because both_________________.
The author uses connotation to______________.
What is the meaning of the analogy ___________?
What does _________ allude to?
Academic Vocabulary
figurative
connotative
technical
specific
tone
analogy
allusion
selection

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

Spanish Cognates
figurado/figurativo
tcnico
especfico
tono
analoga
seleccin

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

8th Grade Reading Standards for Informational Text

Anchor Standard
Analyze the structure of texts, including how specific
sentences, paragraphs, and larger portions of the text (e.g., a
section, chapter, scene, or stanza) relate to each other and the
whole.
RI 8.5
Analyze in detail the structure of a specific paragraph in a
text, including the role of particular sentences in developing
and refining a key concept.
a. Analyze the use of text features (e.g., graphics, headers,
captions) in consumer materials.
Essential Skills and Concepts:
Understand and analyze text structure
Understand and analyze paragraph structure
Understand types of sentences (topic, detail, evidence,
conclusion)
Identify the key concept
Use text features
Understand structure & utility of consumer
documents
Question Stems and Prompts:
What is the structure of the text?
How is this paragraph organized?
What is the key concept?
How was the key concept developed?
Which sentence(s) specifically develop the concept?
What information does________ (text feature)
provide?
Is this information also included in the text or solely
found in the __________ (text feature)?
Academic Vocabulary
analyze
detail
structure
specific
text
role
develop
refine
concept
text feature
graphic
header
caption
header
consumer

8th Grade Reading Standards for Informational Text

Anchor Standard
Assess how point of view or purpose shapes the content and
style of text.
RI 8.6
Determine an authors point of view or purpose in a text and
analyze how the author acknowledges and responds to
conflicting evidence or viewpoints.
Essential Skills and Concepts:
Understand and identify point of view
Understand and identify purpose
Identify conflicting viewpoints in text
Analyze how an author addresses conflicting
evidence or viewpoints
Question Stems and Prompts:
What is the point of view/purpose in this text?
How do you know?
What conflicting viewpoints does the text explore?
How does the author treat the conflicting evidence?
Is the author effective in his examination of
conflicting evidence?
Academic Vocabulary
point of view
purpose
analyze
acknowledge
respond
conflicting
evidence
viewpoint

Spanish Cognates
punto de vista
propsito
analizar
responder

punto de vista

Spanish Cognates
analizar
detalle
estructura
especfico
texto

concepto
grafco

consumidor

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

8th Grade Reading Standards for Informational Text

8th Grade Reading Standards for Informational Text

Anchor Standard
Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and
formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in
words.

Anchor Standard
Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a
text, including the validity of the reasoning as well as the
relevance and sufficiency of the evidence.

RI 8.7
Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using different
mediums (e.g., print or digital text, video, multimedia) to
present a particular topic or idea.

RI 8.8
Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a
text, assessing whether the reasoning is sound and the
evidence is relevant and sufficient; recognize when irrelevant
evidence is introduced.

Essential Skills and Concepts:

Understand the differences in various mediums (print,
video, multimedia)
Compare the presentation of a topic in one or more
mediums.
Evaluate the effectiveness of using different
mediums.
Question Stems and Prompts:
What topic or idea is presented?
How is the topic similar & different when presented
in the various mediums?
Which medium is most effective in presenting the
topic? Why?
What limitations are realized when using _________
(medium) to present the topic?
Academic Vocabulary
evaluate
advantage
disadvantage
medium
digital
multimedia
particular

Spanish Cognates
evaluar
ventaja
desventaja
digital
multimedia
particular

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

Essential Skills and Concepts:

Outline or trace the arguments and claims in text
Understand and assess validity of reasoning
Understand and evaluate relevance
Determine if sufficient evidence is presented to
support an argument or claim
Recognize irrelevant evidence
Question Stems and Prompts:
What argument is presented?
What claims support the argument?
In what manner is the argument & claims presented?
Is the reasoning presented logical?
What evidence is presented?
Is the evidence relevant to the argument? Why or why
not?
Is enough evidence presented to support the
argument?
Is all of the evidence relevant? If not, why?
Academic Vocabulary
delineate
evaluate
argument
specific
claim
text
assess
reasoning
sound
evidence
relevant(pertinent)
sufficient
irrelevant

Spanish Cognates
delinear
evaluar
argumento
especfico
reclamacin
texto
razonamiento
sonido
pertinente
suficiente
irrelevante

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

8th Grade Reading Standards for Informational Text

Anchor Standard
Analyze how two or more texts address similar themes or
topics in order to build knowledge or to compare the
approaches the authors take.
RI 8.9
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.
Essential Skills and Concepts:
Compare & contrast texts
Identify similar topics
Identify conflicting information
Distinguish between fact & interpretation
Question Stems and Prompts:
What topic do both of the texts address?
How do the texts differ in the information they
present?
Is the differing information factual or interpretive?
Which text do you think is accurate? Why?
Academic Vocabulary
Analyze
case
text
conflict
disagree
interpretation

Spanish Cognates
analizar
texto
conflicto
interpretacin

8th Grade Reading Standards for Informational Text

Anchor Standard
Read and comprehend complex literary and informational
texts independently and proficiently.
RI 8.10
By the end of the year, read and comprehend literature,
including stories, dramas, and poems, at the high end of
grades 6-8 text complexity band independently and
proficiently.
Essential Skills and Concepts:
Read various forms of literary nonfiction fluently
Demonstrate comprehension of various forms of
literary text
Read independently and comprehend complex texts
Make an effort to independently read texts of
increasing complexity
Monitor comprehension
Question Stems and Prompts:
What have you read independently lately?
What are the topics/central ideas of the nonfiction
texts that you have recently read?
What topic did you enjoy the most?
Have you read multiple books by the same author?
Who is your favorite author?
Do you think you are ready to read a more complex
text or different type of literary nonfiction?
What is the lexile level of this text?
Briefly summarize the central idea of the text.

Academic Vocabulary:
text complexity
independent
proficient
comprehend

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

Spanish Cognates
complejidad del texto
indenpendiente
comprender

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

8th Grade Writing Standards

8th Grade Writing Standards

Anchor Standard
Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of
substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant
and sufficient evidence.
W 8.1
Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and
relevant evidence.
a. Introduce claim(s), acknowledge and distinguish
the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and
organize the reasons and evidence logically.
b. Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and
relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources
and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or
text.
c. Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion
and clarify the relationships among claim(s),
counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.
d. Establish and maintain a formal style.
e. Provide a concluding statement or section that
follows from and supports the argument presented.

W 8.1 (Continued)

logical
reasoning
accurate
credible
cohesion
clarify
counterclaim

lgico
razonamiento
creble
cohesin
aclarar
reconvencin

Essential Skills and Concept

Write an argument with claims, reasons, and evidence
Understand use of counterclaims in an argument
essay
Employ logical reasoning when supporting claims
Understand what makes evidence relevant, accurate
and credible
Create cohesion & clarify relationships via choice
Understand sentences of formal style
Craft conclusions that support the argument
Question Stems and Prompts
How did you distinguish your claim from opposing
claims?
How are your claims & reasons organized? Is the
arrangement logical?
What words phrases piece formal?
How do you maintain this style?
How does your concluding statement (section)
support the arguments presented?
Academic Vocabulary
argument
claim
relevant
evidence
acknowledge
distinguish
alternate
opposing

Spanish Cognates
argumento
reclamacin
pertinente

distinguir
alterno
oposicin

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

8th Grade Writing Standards

Anchor Standard
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey
complex ideas and information clearly and accurately through
the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.
W 8.2
Write informative/ explanatory texts, including career
development documents (e.g., simple business letters and
job applications), to examine a topic and convey complex
ideas, concepts, and information through the selection,
organization, and analysis of relevant content.
a. Introduce a topic or thesis statement clearly,
previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and
information into broader categories; include formatting (e.g.,
headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when
useful to aiding comprehension.
b. Develop the topic with relevant, well-chosen facts,
definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information
and examples.
c. Use appropriate and varied transitions to create
cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and
concepts.
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
follows from and supports the information or explanation
presented.

8th Grade Writing Standards

W 8.2 (Continued)
Academic Vocabulary
career
development
document
application
convey/transmit
analysis
relevant /pertinent
thesis statement
preview
format
appropriate
varied
transitions
precise

Spanish Cognates
carrera
desarrollo
documento
aplicacin
transmitir
anlisis
pertinente
declaracin de tesis
vista previa
formato
apropiado
variado
transicin
preciso

Essential Skills and Concepts

Understand format & purpose of career development
documents (business letter, job application)
Craft a thesis statement
Use formatting, graphics, media
Provide relevant concrete details
Use transitions
Understand & use formal style
Write conclusions
Question Stems and Prompts
How does your thesis statement preview the content
of the essay?
What categories of supporting details do you provide?
How did you transition from various ideas &
concepts?
Are the transitions cohesive?
What makes the piece formal?
How does the conclusion support the information
presented?

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

8th Grade Writing Standards

Anchor Standard
Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or
events using effective technique, well-chosen details, and
well-structured event sequences.
W 8.3
Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or
events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details,
and well-structured event sequences.
a. Engage and orient the reader by establishing a
context and point of view, and introducing a narrator and/or
characters; organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally
and logically.
b. Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing,
description, and reflection, to develop experiences, events,
and/or characters.
c. Use a variety of transition words, phrases, and
clauses to convey sequence, signal shifts from one time frame
or setting to another, and show the relationships among
experiences and events.
d. Use precise words and phrases, relevant descriptive
details, and sensory language to capture the action and convey
experiences and events.
e. Provide a conclusion that follows from and reflects
on the narrated experiences or events.

8th Grade Writing Standards

W 8.3 (Continued)
Which character changed throughout the story?
What details indicate that there was a resolution to the
problem?
What organization pattern did the author use? How
do you know?
Academic Vocabulary
characters
setting
rising/falling action
climax
resolution
story plot
protagonist/antagonist
narrator
point of view
dialoguing
organizational pattern

Spanish Cognates

clmax
resolucin
protagonista / antagonista
narrador
punto de vista
dialogar
patrn de organizacin

Essential Skills and Concepts:

Understand narrative techniques: dialogue, pacing,
description, events and/or characters
Understand how the author uses a variety of
transitional words and phrases to convey sequence
from one time frame or setting to another
Understand story plot line: exposition, rising action,
climax, falling action, and resolution
Understand literary devices
Understand reflection
Understand narrative organization textual structure
Understand realistic and fictional conflict
Question Stems and Prompts:
Who are the main and minor characters in the story?
Who is the narrator? How does the author introduce
the narrator?
Where does the author establish his/her point of
view?
What event/events reveal the problem in the story?
Does the author use dialogue to develop the plot?
How does this dialogue convey the mood the author is
creating?
Who are the protagonist and the antagonist of the
story? How do they affect the action and resolution?

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

8th Grade Writing Standards

8th Grade Writing Standards

Anchor Standard
Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development,
organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and
audience.
W 8.4
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.)
Essential Skills and Concepts
Understand the writing process
Understand purpose for writing
Understand audience
Understand how to organize ideas and use transition
to create cohesion among characters and ideas
Organize well-crafted paragraphs
Question Stems and Prompts:
Who is your audience? How will this affect your
writing?
What will you use to organize your thoughts before
you begin writing?
What transitions will you use within and between
paragraphs to help the reader?
Will your writing include a thesis statement?
Does your conclusion refer to the thesis statement for
continued cohesion?
Academic Vocabulary
audience
organizational patterns
transitions
thesis statement
conclusion

Spanish Cognates
audiencia
patrones de orgaizacin
transiciones
declaracin de tesis
conclusin

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

Anchor Standard
Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning,
revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.
W 8.5
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
Language standards 1-3 up to and including grade 8.)
Essential Skills and Concepts
Understand the importance of editing and revision
Understand the importance of rewriting
Understand the purpose for writing
Support peers in the revision process
Understand the use of editing and revision strategies
Understand the use of sentence variety
Understand the use of various literary devices
Question Stems and Prompts
How could you change the first paragraph to engage
the reader?
How could you change your thesis statement to better
convey what you will be writing?
How could you rearrange the sentences in this
paragraph to exclude unnecessary information?
How could you rearrange and include more sentences
to make the paragraph more interesting?
Is your conclusion strong, and does it reflect your
writing?
Academic Vocabulary
revising
editing
organization
planning
rewriting
sentence variety
literary devices

Spanish Cognates
la revisin de
edicin
organizacin
planificacin
reescritura
recursos literarios

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

8th Grade Writing Standards

8th Grade Writing Standards

Anchor Standard
Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish
writing and to interact and collaborate with others.
W 8.6
Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish
writing and present the relationships between information and
ideas efficiently as well as to interact and collaborate with
others.
English Skills and Concepts
Type with proficiency
Understand the use of databases
Use key words to locate information on the internet
Know how to site a variety of sources
Understand various computer programs such as
Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Publisher)
Know how to format and design page layouts
Understand how to embed links into a document
Understand Moodle and know how to access and
appropriate blogs
Question Stems and Prompts
What software did you use to create this document?
How can you include a link to resources within your
document?
What URL would you use to access a moodle
account?
Did you use numerous search engines to research
your material?
What programs are available for you to check your
spelling and language conventions?
Did you cite your work?
Who did you collaborate with on-line?
Academic Vocabulary
cite
collaborate
technology
publish
produce
link
URL
moodle
software
resources

Spanish Cognates
citar
collaborar
tecnologa
publicar
producir
enlace
URL

Anchor Standard
Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects
based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of
the subject under investigation.
W 8.7
Conduct short research projects to answer a question
(including a self-generated question), drawing on several
sources and generating additional related, focused questions
that allow for multiple avenues of exploration.
Essential Skills and Concepts
Understand the steps of a research project
Understand how to use computer publishing software
Know how to use internet search engines
Understand how to locate online resources:
newspaper, library books, magazines, speakers,
interview, published professional texts
Know how to create a bibliography or citation page
Understand paraphrasing
Understand direct quotes
Question Stems and Prompts
What question does your report answer?
Why is it important to paraphrase your information?
Did you give credit for the information you used?
How did you know that the source was creditable?
What is the correct way to site your sources in your
bibliography or citation page?
Show me where you found _________information?
Looking at these two sources, which source would be
the most valid? Why?
Academic Vocabulary
paraphrase
credit
source
cite
bibliography
citation page
valid

Spanish Cognates
parafrasear
crdito
citar
bibliografa
vlido

recursos

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

8th Grade Writing Standards

8th Grade Writing Standards

Anchor Standard
Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital
sources, assess the credibility and accuracy of each source,
and integrate the information while avoiding plagiarism.
W 8.8
Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital
sources; using search terms effectively; assess the credibility
and accuracy of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data
and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and
following a standard format for citation.
Essential Skills and Concepts
Understand how to gather applicable information
from digital sources
Understand how to gather applicable information
from printed sources
Know how to assess credible sources
Understand how to quote/paraphrase information with
plagiarizing
Be able to create a bibliography using a standard
format for citation
Understand how to create a bibliography/citation page
Question Stems and Prompts
How do you know the information is credible?
How do you know the source is credible?
What format did you use when citing sources for your
bibliography?
How did you site a digital source?
Once you read the data, what did you do to
summarize the information for easier readability?

Academic Vocabulary
creditable source
format
bibliography
citation page
digital source
data

Spanish Cognates
formato
bibliografa
fuente digital
datos

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

Anchor Standard
Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support
analysis, reflection, and research.
W 8.9
Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support
analysis, reflection, and research.
a. Apply grade 8 Reading standards to literature
(e.g., Analyze how a modern work of fiction draws on
themes, patterns of events, or character types from myths,
traditional stories, or religious works such as the Bible,
including describing how the material is rendered new).
b. Apply grade 8 Reading standards to literary
nonfiction (e.g., Delineate and evaluate the argument and
specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is
sound and the evidence is relevant and sufficient; recognize
when irrelevant evidence is introduced).
Essential Skills and Concepts
Understand historical fiction
Analyze information, draw evidence and support
analysis of the information
Compare and contrast fictional portrayal of time,
place, or character and historical account of the same
period
Understand the authors use of fiction to use or alter
history
Understand how to evaluate specific claims and
evidence of a historical fictional text
Question Stems and prompts
How does the authors portrayal compare to the
historical accounts of the character or event?
What evidence did you find to be factual? Fictional?
What evidence do you have to support the authors
argument/claim that _________?
Was the author objective in his/her portrayal of the
character?
Did the author indicate any bias of the history
portrayal?
Academic Vocabulary
evidence
historical account
authors portrayal
factual
fictional
support claims
objective
bias

Spanish Cognates
relato histrico

ficticio
objetivo

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

8th Grade Writing Standards

8th Grade Writing Standards

Anchor Standard
Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research,
reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single
sitting or a day or two) for a range of tasks, purposes, and
audiences.
W 8.10
Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research,
reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single
sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks,
purposes, and audiences.
Essential Skills and Concepts
Determine purpose and audience
Understand the writing process
Plan & selfmonitor when writing
Understand & use research skills
Understand and use of reflective writing
Use of revision strategies
Question Stems and Prompts
What is the purpose of this task?
What is the time frame of the task?
Who is the audience? What steps will you take to
complete the task?
What was the purpose for writing?
Will your style be formal? Informal? Why?
How could this sentence be revised?
Is the thesis statement supported by evidence that can
be traced throughout the writing?
Academic Vocabulary
research
reflection
revision
time frame
extended
purpose
audience

Spanish Cognates
investigacin
reflexin
revisin
extendido
propsito

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

8th Grade Speaking & Listening Standards

Anchor Standard
Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of
conversations and collaborations with diverse partners,
building on others ideas and expressing their own clearly and
persuasively.
SL 8.1
Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions
(one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners
on grade 8 topics, texts, and issues, building on others ideas
and expressing their own clearly.
a. Come to discussions prepared, having read or
researched material under study; explicitly draw on
that preparation by referring to evidence on the topic,
text, or issue to probe and reflect on ideas under
discussion.
b. Follow rules for collegial discussions and decision
making, track progress toward specific goals and
deadlines, and define individual roles as needed.
c. Pose questions that connect the ideas of several
speakers and respond to others questions and
comments with relevant evidence, observations, and
ideas.
d. Acknowledge new information expressed by others,
and, when warranted, qualify or justify their own
views in light of the evidence presented.
Essential Skills and Concepts
Understand and use the rules for having and a
conversation with different partners
Read and study material prior to participating in
group discussions
Monitor progress so that deadlines can be met
Pose questions that connect to the topic/ideas
Respond appropriately with evidence, observations
and ideas relevant to the topic
Question and reflect on discussions
Acknowledge the contributions of others
Modify opinions based on new information or
evidence

8th Grade Speaking & Listening Standards

SL 8.1 (Continued)
How will you make sure that you are all working
together collaboratively?
What role do you play in the discussion? Does it
require any specific actions?
How does the information presented connect with
other information?
How has the new information affected your own
views?
Has the information or evidence you heard caused a
change in your thinking?
Academic Vocabulary
collaborative
diverse
express
explicit
reflect
evidence
deadlines
collegial
pose
respond
relevant/pertinent
acknowledge
warrant
qualify
justify

Spanish Cognates
colaboracin
diverso
expresar
explcito
reflexionar

colegiado
responder
pertinente
reconocer
calificar
justificar

Question Stems and Prompts

What preparation or research have you done in order
to fully participate in the discussion?
Have you thought about the information or learning
you will share?
What progress has been made as a result of the
discussion?
How are you keeping track of the progress you are
making?

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

8th Grade Speaking & Listening Standards

8th Grade Speaking & Listening Standards

Anchor Standard
Integrate and evaluate information presented in diverse media
and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.

Anchor Standard
Evaluate a speakers point of view, reasoning, and use of
evidence and rhetoric.

SL 8.2
Analyze the purpose of information presented in diverse
media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and
evaluate the motives (e.g., social, commercial, political)
behind its presentation.

SL 8.3
Delineate a speakers argument and specific claims,
evaluating the soundness of the reasoning and relevance and
sufficiency of the evidence and identifying when irrelevant
evidence is introduced.

Essential Skills and Concepts

Know that media is used to present information
Analyze why information is being presented using a
particular format or media
Evaluate the motive of the presenter

Essential Skills and Concepts:

Identify the arguments and claims made
Analyze and determine whether the speakers claims
are sound and logical
Determine whether the speaker has used sufficient
evidence to support the claims and arguments
Know when evidence cited is irrelevant to the topic or
claim

Question Stems and Prompts

How does the speaker use media?
What is the effect of using visual formats to deliver
the information?
What is the motive of the presentation?
Given the speakers motive, was the use of diverse
media effective?
Do you think the speakers motives were political or
social?
Would you have chosen a different format to present
this information?
What did you considered in your analysis of the
speakers motive and how he presented the
information?
Academic Vocabulary
media
format
visual
quantitative
oral
motive
evaluate
social
commercial
political

Spanish Cognates
medios de comunicacin
formato
visual
cuantitativo
oral
motivo
evaluar
social
comercial
poltico

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

Question Stems and Prompts:

Is the speakers argument valid? Why or why not?
Is the speakers argument reasonable and based on
logic?
Were you able to follow the speakers reasoning?
Which claims were supported by the speaker? Which
claims were unsupported?
Can you find an example of a claim the speaker made
that was not supported by evidence?
How sound would you say this presentation is?
Academic Vocabulary
argument
validity
claims
speaker
supported
unsupported
appropriate
proficiency
reasoning
delineate
relevance/pertinence

Spanish Cognates
argumento
validez
reclamaciones

apropiado
rezonamiento
delinear
pertinencia

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

8th Grade Speaking & Listening Standards

Anchor Standard
Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such
that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the
organization, development, and style are appropriate to task,
purpose, and audience.
SL 8.4
Present claims and findings (e.g., argument, narrative,
response to literature presentations), emphasizing salient
points in a focused, coherent manner with relevant evidence,
sound valid reasoning and well-chosen detail; use appropriate
eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.
a. Plan and present a narrative that : establishes a
context and point of view, presents a logical sequence, uses
narrative techniques (e.g., dialogue, pacing, description,
sensory language), uses a variety of transitions, and
provides a conclusion that reflects the experience.

8th Grade Speaking & Listening Standards

SL 8.4 (Continued)

evidence
cohesion
claim
emphasize

cohesin
reclamacin
enfatizar

Essential Skills:
Plan and deliver a presentation
Distinguish between a claim and a finding
Understand the structure for a narrative presentation
Establish a context and viewpoint
Present events in a logical sequence
Understand sequencing ideas logically
Use techniques such as dialogue, pacing, description
and sensory language when presenting information
Speak with adequate volume and clear pronunciation
Provide a conclusion based on experience
Question Stems and Prompts:
What is the prompt? (argument, narrative,
informative, response to literature)
How you will plan your presentation?
What is your thesis?
What evidence did you produce to support the thesis?
How will you conclude your presentation to make
your claim stronger?
Where could you add more evidence to support your
claim?
When you present your claim, is there cohesion from
the beginning though the end?
What points will you emphasize?
Academic Vocabulary
prompt
argument
narrative
information
response to literature
presentation
thesis

Spanish Cognates
argumento
narracin(n) narrativo (adj.)
informacin
respuesta a la literatura
presentacin
tesis

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

8th Grade Speaking & Listening Standards

8th Grade Speaking & Listening Standards

Anchor Standard
Make strategic use of digital media and visual displays of data
to express information and enhance understanding of
presentations.

Anchor Standard
Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and communicative
tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when
indicated or appropriate.

SL 8.5
Integrate multimedia and visual displays into presentations to
clarify information, strengthen claims and evidence, and add
interest.

SL 8.6
Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating
a command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.
(See grade 8 Language standards 1 and 3.)

Essential Skills:
Be proficient in using multimedia components to
enhance presentation such as video cameras,
projectors, PowerPoint presentations and document
cameras
Select appropriate multimedia components that have
clear meaning to the presentation
Add sound, images, music, and graphics to enhance
the presentation

Essential Skills
Identify your audience
Understand the difference between formal and
informal language
Identify the task or purpose of your speech
Understand the use of content appropriate vocabulary
Enunciate and speak at appropriate volume and pace

Question Stems and Prompts

What is the message or information you want to
convey to your audience?
The use of multi data is important, how will you give
your information in different formats for
clarification?
What digital media did you use to enhance your
presentation?
How did the use of this technology help convey your
presentations message to your audience?
What could you do to keep your presentation focused
on your subject matter?
What other technology can you use to help clarify
your presentation?
Academic Vocabulary
multimedia
technology
presentation
message
digital media
visual displays
data
components
clarify

Spanish Cognates
multimedia
tecnologa
presentacin
mensaje
medios digitales
visuales
datos
componentes
aclarar

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

Question Stems and Prompts

What is the purpose of the speech?
Who is your audience, and how will your audience
affect your vocabulary?
Will you use formal or informal language? Why?
What will you do to emphasize the main points of
your speech?
Will you allow time for questions and answers after
you have concluded your speech?
Will you be prepared to use appropriate language to
answer questions in an appropriate manner?
Is there any vocabulary you can change to make your
presentation more effective?
Academic Vocabulary
purpose
formal
informal
emphasize
appropriate language
vocabulary
affective
presentation

Spanish Cognates
propsito
formal
informal
enfatizar
lenguaje apropiado
vocabulario
afectivo
presentacin

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

8th Grade Language Standards

Anchor Standard
Demonstrate command of the conventions of Standard
English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
L 8.1
Demonstrate command of the conventions of Standard
English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
a. Explain the function of verbals (gerunds,
participles, infinitives) in general and their function in
particular sentences.
b. Form and use verbs in the active and passive voice.
c. Form and use verbs in the indicative, imperative,
interrogative, conditional, and subjunctive mood.
d. Recognize and correct inappropriate shifts in verb
voice and mood.

8th Grade Language Standards

L 8.1 (Continued)

Academic Vocabulary
active voice
passive voice
exact
edit
verb mood
verb tone
indicative mood
imperative mood
interrogative mood
subjunctive mood
conditional mood

Spanish Cognates
voz activa
voz pasiva
exacto
editar
modo del verbo
tono del verbo
modo indicativo
modo imperativo
modo interogativo
modo subjunctivo
modo condicional

Essential Skills and Concepts:

Understand and correctly use all parts of speech
Understand the use of gerunds, participles, and
infinitives
Understand the difference between various pronouns,
(subject, object, possessive, singular, plural; first,
second, and third person pronouns; antecedent and
indefinite pronouns)
Understand and correctly use verbs in the indicative,
imperative, interrogative, conditional and subjunctive
mood.
Have a command of conventions when writing and/or
speaking
Use modifiers clearly and correctly
Question Stems and Prompts:
Can you change this subject/predicate sentence to
begin with a gerund to help make this sentence more
interesting?
How can you change this verb to make your writing
more exact?
This sentence is written in passive voice; how can you
change it to active voice?
What verb can you use to help make a strong
(interrogative, imperative, subjunctive, conditional)
mood sentence?
How can you change ______ to make it correct in
Standard English?
Use your editing skills to correct _____________to
make your meaning clearer.
Look at this pronoun, is it used as an object? Subject?
How do you know? Is the pronoun used correctly?

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

8th Grade Language Standards

Anchor Standard
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English
capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
L 8.2
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English
capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
a. Use punctuation (comma, ellipsis, dash) to indicate
a pause or break.
b. Use an ellipsis to indicate an omission.
c. Spell correctly.
Essential Skills and Concepts:
Understand the use of proper English conventions for
a brief pause in a sentence(comma, ellipsis, and dash)
Understand that ellipsis indicates an omission
Understand that a dash signals an abrupt pause
Understand that a comma indicates a brief pause
Understand homophones
Question Stems and Prompts:
You want to set off this information in this sentence,
what punctuation would you use?
You left some information out, or omitted some
words, but want your reader to know there is more
information. What punctuation should you use to
indicate this right here?
What would be a homophone for this word?
Academic Vocabulary
homophone
comma
ellipsis
dash
omission
pause

Spanish Cognates
homfono
coma
elipsis
omisin
pausa

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

8th Grade Language Standards

Anchor Standard
Apply knowledge of language to understand how language
functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for
meaning or style, and to comprehend more fully when reading
or listening.
L 8.3
Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing,
speaking, reading, or listening.
a. Use verbs in the active and passive voice and in the
conditional and subjunctive mood to achieve particular effects
(e.g., emphasizing the actor or the action; expressing
uncertainty or describing a state contrary to fact).
Essential Skills and Concepts:
Understand active and passive voice
Understand conditional and subjunctive moods
Question Stems and Prompts
What should you do to this sentence to express active
voice?
Which sentences in this paragraph are written in
passive voice: which express active voice? Which
sentences should you change to make all the
sentences uniform?
The mood of this sentence is conditional, how can
you change some words to make it indicative?
Why is it important to write in the same voice?
Academic Vocabulary
active voice
passive voice
uniform
mood
conditional mood
indicative mood
voice

Spanish Cognates
voz activa
voz pasiva
uniforme
modo
modo condicional
modo indicativo
voz

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

8th Grade Language Standards

Anchor Standard
Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiplemeaning words and phrases by using context clues, analyzing
meaningful word parts, and consulting general and specialized
reference materials, as appropriate.
L 8.4
Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiplemeaning of words or phrases based on grade 8 reading and
content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.
a. Use context (e.g., the overall meaning of a sentence
or paragraph; a words position or function in a sentence) as a
clue to the meaning of a word or phrase.
b. Use common, grade-appropriate Greek or Latin
affixes and roots a clues to the meaning of a word (e.g.,
precede, recede, secede).
c. Consult general and specialized reference materials
(e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both print and
digital, to find the pronunciation of a word or determine or
clarify its precise meaning or its part of speech or trace the
etymology of words.
d. Verify the preliminary determination of the
meaning of a word or phrase (e.g., by checking the inferred
meaning in context or in a dictionary).

8th Grade Language Standards

L 8.4 (Continued)

Academic Vocabulary
greek affix
latin affix
affix
thesaurus
similar
opposite
context clues
dictionary

Spanish Cognates
afijo griego
afijo latino
afijo
tesauro
similar
contrario
diccionario

Essential Skills and Concepts

Understand textual clues in a sentence (similar,
opposite, explanation)
Understand Greek and Latin affix and roots are clues
to meaning
Understand how to use specialized reference
materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses)
both print and digital
Understand context clues for word meaning
Question Stems and Prompts
When you come to a word you dont understand, you
should _____________?
What is the main idea of this sentence? Does it help
you understand the word?
Do you see a word that is similar or opposite of the
word you dont understand that can help you with the
meaning?
Look at this affix, what does it mean? What does the
whole word mean?
What is the root meaning? How does that help you
identify the word?
Look in your thesaurus. Now, what does this word
mean?
Reread the sentence. Which words nearby will help
you understand the meaning of the word?

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

8th Grade Language Standards

Anchor Standard
Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word
relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
L 8.5
Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word
relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
a. Interpret figures of speech (e.g., verbal irony, puns)
in context.
b. Use the relationship between particular words to
better understand each of the words.
c. Distinguish among the connotations (associations)
of words with similar denotations (definitions) (e.g.,
bullheaded, willful, firm, persistent, resolute.)
Essential Skills and Concepts
Understand figurative language ( simile, metaphor
personification, pun, irony)
Understand the use of analogies ( synonyms,
antonyms, cause/effect, part/whole, item/category,
item/use/item/place)
Understand denotation and connotations
Question Stems and Prompts:
Can you change this sentence and use a metaphor or a
simile to help create image?
This would be a good place to use irony. What can
you change to add irony to add humor to this
sentence?
This sentence is written literally; change it to an
analogy to convey your idea.
Write this sentence using denotation and then using a
connotation; which would be better than the current
sentence? What mood are you trying to convey in
your writing?
Academic Vocabulary
denotation
connotation
irony
analogy
convey/transmit
literally
metaphor
simile
personification
pun
figurative language

8th Grade Language Standards

Anchor Standard
Acquire and use accurately a range of general academic and
domain-specific words and phrases sufficient for reading,
writing, speaking, and listening at the college and career
readiness level; demonstrate independence in gathering
vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase
important to comprehension or expression.
L 8.6
Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general
academic and domain-specific words and phrases; gather
vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase
important to comprehension or expression.
Essential Skills and Concepts:
Understand academic words (i.e. analyze, contrast,
predict, and confirm)
Understand domain-specific words (i.e. Science - cell,
gene, and gravity; Social Studies alliance,
legislature, and commerce.)
Understand grade-appropriate vocabulary
Question Stems and Prompts:
Look at this sentence. What word should be replaced
to convey a domain-specific word instead of a general
word?
What words should you replace in this text to show
academic understanding of your topic? Why is this
important?
What will you look for if you want to improve your
domain- specific vocabulary in science?
Academic Vocabulary
domain-specific word
academic word
convey/transmit

Spanish Cognates

Spanish Cognates
denotacin
connotacin
irona
analoga
transmitir
literalmente
metfora
smil
personificacin
lenguaje figuardo

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

http://commoncore.tcoe.org 3rd edition 6/30/12

transmitir