8th+Grade+English

8th Grade English

2010-2011 English
 * __8th Grade Learning Targets Term 1__**

**Reading** I can identify and use external text features (sidebars, headings, italics, bolded words, graphs, charts, etc.) to help me understand texts. I can distinguish fact from opinion. I can distinguish between explicit and implicit information. **Writing** I can express my ideas in writing by using good details that support the main idea. I can organize my writing by using introductions, body paragraphs, and conclusions. I can choose words in my writing that are not repetitive and show a good vocabulary. I can write in a voice that is audience appropriate. I can make sure my spelling, punctuation, and grammar are correct when I write. I can write using complete sentences and different sentence lengths. I can focus on a specific idea when I write. I can organize events and ideas in order of importance. **Inquiry** I can distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources of information. I can distinguish between primary and secondary sources. I can gather information from more than one source. I can report information by paraphrasing, summarizing, or quoting from sources. I can cite my sources. **Common Assessments** Informational Text Quiz Newspaper Portfolio __**8th Grade Learning Targets Term 2**__

**Reading** I can identify themes. I can define and describe settings in literature. I can define and identify flashbacks in literature. I can define and identify foreshadowing in literature. I can define and identify allusions in literature. I can define and identify the plot in literature. I can define and describe imagery. I can understand connotation. I can define and describe symbolism. I can define and identify similes. I can define and identify metaphors. I can define and identify rhythm in poetry. I can distinguish between free verse and rhyme. I can distinguish between these commonly confused words:
 * capital and capitol
 * cell, sale, and sell
 * choose and chose
 * emigrate and immigrate
 * farther and further
 * knew and new
 * loose and lose
 * passed and past
 * quiet, quit, and quite
 * there, their, and they’re
 * weak and week

I can correctly use quotations and commas in dialogue. I can edit for correct capitalization of titles. I can use narrative details in writing. I can put in order events effectively and experiment with flashback or foreshadowing. I can use correct pronoun antecedent agreement. I can correctly use of relative pronouns. **Common Assessments** Pronoun Quiz Short Story Literary Terms Quiz __**8th Grade Learning Targets Term 3**__
 * Writing**

Prefixes > Suffixes
 * Reading** I can comprehend text using text structures (question/answer, comparison/contrast, etc.) I can describe a character’s traits based on what other characters think, say, and do. I can determine word meaning through context clues. I can identify and define these common prefixes and suffixes:
 * anti-
 * com-
 * con-
 * dis-
 * inter-
 * intr-
 * non-
 * pro-
 * super-
 * trans-
 * –en
 * –ess
 * –ish
 * –ism
 * –ize
 * –let
 * –ness
 * –ous
 * –ship
 * –tude

**Writing** I can make text connections (text-to-text, etc.) I can edit for correct verb tenses. **Inquiry** I can determine the purpose for small group learning activities. I can assume responsibility for specific group tasks. I can respond appropriately to group members’ questions and contributions. I can present group reports. I can form text-supported, open-ended questions for inquiry. I can select an appropriate format to demonstrate understanding. I can choose information that best supports the focus of inquiry. **Common Assessments** Prefix/Suffix Quiz Persuasive Essay

__**Common Assessment Results**__