English Language Arts 8

Forms of text

I can identify the form a text takes and explain how form shapes structure.

Functions of text

I can analyze the function a text is built to do.

Genres of text

I can name a text's genre from its conventions and patterns.

Using text features

I can use text features to navigate a longer or more complex text efficiently.

Characterization

I can analyze how an author builds a complex character, including how they change.

Character types

I can identify a character's role in a story and explain why it fits.

Story structures

I can recognize different story structures and explain their effect.

Setting

I can analyze how setting shapes mood, conflict, and characters' choices.

Sensory detail

I can analyze how sensory details build atmosphere.

Figurative language in a text

I can interpret figurative language in a text and explain its deeper meaning.

Layout

I can analyze how layout guides a viewer's attention.

Infographics

I can read an infographic by connecting its images, numbers, and text.

Emoticons

I can explain how an emoticon adds tone to a digital message.

Icons

I can interpret an icon's meaning and explain why it needs to be recognizable.

Symbols

I can interpret what a symbol represents and explain its shared meaning.

Interactive visuals

I can explain how an interactive visual changes what a viewer can do.

Hypertext

I can explain how hypertext changes reading from a line into a network.

Colour

I can analyze how colour choices set mood or group information.

Illustration styles

I can compare illustration styles and explain how style shapes impression.

Relevance

I can judge whether a source actually relates to my research question.

Accuracy

I can check whether a source's facts are accurate.

Reliability

I can judge whether a source can be trusted by checking who, why, and when.

Using contextual clues

I can use surrounding words to work out an unfamiliar or specialized word's meaning.

Using phonics and word structure

I can break a long or technical word into parts to read and understand it.

Visualizing

I can build a detailed mental picture from a text's details.

Questioning (reading)

I can ask probing questions, including about the author's choices, to deepen understanding.

Predicting

I can make a reasoned prediction from evidence and revise it as new evidence appears.

Previewing text

I can preview a text's structure and features to read more efficiently.

Summarizing

I can condense a longer or complex text into its main idea and key points.

Making inferences

I can combine text evidence with background knowledge to infer what isn't stated.

Focusing on the speaker

I can give full, active attention to a speaker's ideas in a discussion.

Asking questions to clarify

I can ask a targeted question when a speaker's point is unclear.

Listening for specifics

I can listen for the exact details I need from a discussion or presentation.

Expressing opinions

I can state my opinion clearly with reasoning that could persuade someone who disagrees.

Speaking with expression

I can use vocal expression deliberately to reinforce my message.

Staying on topic

I can keep contributions focused, building on what others said.

Taking turns

I can manage turn-taking so a discussion stays fair and productive.

Reflecting

I can analyze specifically what strategies helped in a piece of work.

Questioning your own thinking

I can monitor my own understanding and act on it instead of pushing through confusion.

Goal setting

I can set a specific, achievable goal and plan concrete next steps.

Self-evaluating

I can evaluate my own work honestly with specific evidence for strengths and gaps.

Revising

I can revise a draft's ideas and organization across multiple passes using feedback.

Editing

I can edit a draft's grammar, punctuation, and spelling carefully after its ideas are solid.

Considering audience

I can shape word choice, tone, and detail to fit a specific audience and purpose.

Tone (spoken)

I can analyze how a speaker's tone shapes meaning, including sarcasm.

Volume

I can adjust and interpret volume deliberately to match audience and purpose.

Inflection

I can analyze how inflection changes a sentence's meaning beyond its words.

Pace

I can adjust pace deliberately to control how an audience receives a message.

Gestures

I can use gestures deliberately to reinforce a spoken message.

Multi-paragraphing

I can organize a piece of writing into focused paragraphs that build into one coherent whole.

Language usage and context

I can adjust word choice and formality to suit the situation.

Diction

I can choose precise words in my writing and explain how word choice shapes effect.

Using figurative language in your writing

I can use figurative language deliberately in my own writing for a specific effect.

Tone (in writing)

I can establish and control a consistent tone that matches purpose and audience.

Inclusive language

I can choose inclusive language that respects all readers.

Degree of formality

I can match a piece of writing's formality to its purpose and audience.

Mixing simple, compound, and complex sentences

I can mix simple, compound, and complex sentences deliberately to control rhythm.

Correct pronoun use

I can use pronouns so each one clearly matches its antecedent.

Subject-verb agreement

I can match a verb to its subject even in complex sentences.

Using transitional words

I can use transitional words to link ideas clearly between and within paragraphs.

Spotting run-ons and fragments

I can recognize and fix run-on sentences and sentence fragments.

Punctuation

I can use a full range of punctuation correctly, including semicolons and colons.

Capitalization

I can capitalize proper nouns and titles correctly and consistently.

Quoting

I can quote another source correctly using quotation marks and accurate wording.

Canadian spelling

I can spell words consistently using Canadian conventions throughout a piece.

Presentation techniques

I can use presentation techniques to communicate effectively to an audience.