English Language Arts, Grade 8

Listening critically to the ideas of others

I can listen critically, analyze what I hear for different opinions and sharpen my own.

Using non-verbal cues and conventions when listening

I can use supportive cues like wait time and respect different ways people communicate.

Interacting to exchange and consider ideas

I can notice how language includes or leaves people out, and adjust to include everyone.

Asking questions to explore and critique ideas

I can ask many-sided questions and give or ask for clarification when I explore ideas.

Using the rules and structures of oral language

I can use the rules of oral language to deliver clear, coherent messages for any audience.

Adapting spoken language to audience and purpose

I can match my language and tone to my audience and adjust it when needed.

Applying morphology to understand and spell words

I can use Greek and Latin roots and affixes to unlock and spell new words.

Building and using precise vocabulary

I can use a wide vocabulary, including figures of speech, and word associations to add meaning.

Applying fluency to comprehend text

I can use accuracy, expression and pace together to understand any text.

Activating prior knowledge to understand new text

I can connect prior knowledge across topics and judge how useful it is here.

Generating questions to drive inquiry

I can create open questions that challenge assumptions and open up perspectives.

Engaging with a variety of multimodal texts

I can work with others across genres to build knowledge together.

Reviewing information and filling gaps

I can summarize sources apart from my opinion and cite evidence from several of them.

Understanding how text form and structure carry meaning

I can describe text cues like genre and features and explain how they support the message.

Using text features and cues to comprehend

I can use textual cues across many texts to construct and interpret meaning.

Making and confirming predictions

I can confirm, refute or change predictions using text evidence.

Making connections to deepen meaning

I can explain connections between experiences, many texts and world knowledge to understand texts.

Using strategies to monitor understanding

I can select the right strategy — reread, paraphrase, confer, consult — to confirm understanding.

Summarizing key ideas and drawing conclusions

I can summarize the core meaning by paraphrasing and draw effective conclusions.

Consolidating and communicating new knowledge

I can examine new ideas with subject vocabulary and weigh how different perspectives create different interpretations.

Analyzing how texts present diversity and equity

I can explain broader social issues in a text (race, gender, class, ability) using text evidence to analyze.

Identifying stereotyping, bias and reliable sources

I can tell facts from opinions and notice subtle bias in how an author words things.

Identifying point of view and judging viewpoints

I can compare multiple viewpoints and judge them using credible sources.

Responding personally to bias and prejudice

I can explain my reaction to stereotypes or unfair views in a text using evidence.

Generating ideas and focusing a topic

I can narrow a topic knowing how genre, audience and purpose shape style and tone.

Gathering and assessing information from sources

I can compare sources for reliability, bias and different points of view.

Planning text creation with strategies and tools

I can plan with genre-specific tools and outline my steps from research to sharing.

Choosing text forms for purpose and audience

I can choose a text form and use the conventions each form needs.

Creating multimodal texts

I can experiment with multimodal forms, using digital tools for layout, images and audio.

Organizing ideas with structure and paragraphs

I can choose an organizational pattern that fits my genre and group ideas coherently.

Crafting varied, correct sentences

I can use varied sentence types and advanced transitions to make my writing flow.

Choosing precise, impactful words

I can choose accurate, discipline-specific words for my purpose and audience.

Developing personal voice and tone

I can shift my voice and tone for different purposes and experiment with humour and style.

Revising for clarity, logic and coherence

I can revise word choice, sentences and tone so a piece fits its purpose and audience.

Producing legible, well-formatted text

I can use formatting tools like headers and bullets on purpose to help my reader.

Applying spelling strategies and word structure

I can use derivatives, bases and affixes to spell a wide range of words.

Applying capitalization conventions

I can apply capitalization by context, including titles, dialogue and specific names.

Applying punctuation for clarity

I can use punctuation for effect and clarity, including possessives, colons and clauses.

Publishing a final multimodal text

I can publish a final text choosing design elements that enhance my meaning.

Adjusting tone, volume and expression for delivery

I can adjust tone, volume and expression to my audience and purpose.

Using visuals and media to enhance communication

I can use multimedia artifacts strategically for a specific audience and platform.

Organizing and presenting ideas for an audience

I can organize a presentation with transitions and point-evidence-explanation.

Reflecting on effective learning strategies

I can reflect on my strategies and compare my work with others.

Using criteria and tools to self-assess

I can help build class criteria and use tools like exit tickets and portfolios to self-assess.

Using feedback to refine strategies

I can reflect on feedback and use it to strengthen my strategies.

Setting learning goals and planning steps

I can reflect on my growth and set goals with a clear plan of steps to achieve them.

Monitoring progress toward goals

I can monitor progress by collecting evidence and track my growth toward a goal.