8th Grade Reading Expectations

Reading Expectations

( Student Version | PDF Version)

1. The student understands and uses different skills and strategies to read.

1.1 Uses word skills to read

• 1.1.1 integrates a variety of skills and strategies to read (language structure, word origins, prefixes, suffixes, multiple meanings, predictions, verifying and revising understanding)
• 1.1.2 integrates appropriate reading strategies to adapt reading to different types of texts (self-correcting, re-reading, reading-on, questioning, and slowing down)

1.2 Builds vocabulary

• 1.2.1 increases general and specialized vocabulary base
• 1.2.2 examines and increases vocabulary relevant to different contexts, cultures, and communities

1.3 Reads fluently

• 1.3.1 reads fluently, adjusting reading for form, style, purpose, and difficulty of material

1.4 Understands elements of literature –fiction

• 1.4.1 identifies literary devices (exaggeration, irony, humor, dialogue, devices that develop characterization, tension, and mood)
• 1.4.2 understands sentence structure, paragraphs, and chapters
• 1.4.3 analyzes literary elements (plot, characters, setting, theme, point of view, conflict, and resolution)

1.5 Uses features of nonfiction text and software

• 1.5.1 reads, analyzes, and uses informational materials to demonstrate understanding and expertise; analyzes the validity of electronic information
• 1.5.2 uses complex organizational features of printed text (titles, headings, table of contents, indexes, glossaries, prefaces, appendices, captions, citations, endnotes, etc.)
• 1.5.3 uses features of electronic information (electronic bulletin boards and databases, e-mail, etc.)

2. The student understands the meaning of what is read.

2.1 Comprehends important ideas and details

• 2.1.1 demonstrates comprehension of varied texts especially technical materials, complex narratives, and exposition
• 2.1.2 summarizes the main idea and supporting facts and details with evidence from reading
• 2.1.3 uses prior knowledge of issues, characters, events, and information to examine texts and extend understanding
• 2.1.4 synthesizes ideas from selections to make predictions and inferences about various texts

2.2 Expands comprehension

• 2.2.1 compares, contrasts, and connects ideas within and among a broad range of texts
• 2.2.2 uses logical sequence to accurately retell stories; orders and/or sequences parts of text
• 2.2.3 expands comprehension by analyzing, interpreting, and synthesizing information and ideas

2.3 Thinks critically

• 2.3.1 begins to draw conclusions based on the validity and accuracy of what is read
• 2.3.2 explains how an author uses language to influence different audiences
• 2.3.3 analyzes and evaluates author’s effectiveness for a chosen audience
• 2.3.4 detects bias, stereotype, over generalization, association, and other devices used by the author to influence an audience
• 2.3.5 applies information gained from reading to give a response and express insight
• 2.3.6 analyzes, interprets, and evaluates ideas and concepts within, among, and beyond multiple texts
• 2.3.7 analyzes, interprets, and evaluates reasoning and ideas related to multiple texts

3. The student reads different material for a variety of purposes.

3.1 Reads to learn new information

• 3.1.1 organizes information from resource materials and communicates findings effectively
• 3.1.2 locates, analyzes, and interprets material to investigate a question, topic, or issue

3.2 Reads to perform a task

• 3.2.1 understands and follows complex information to perform tasks for a specific audience

3.3 Reads for literary experience

• 3.3.1 reads, responds to, and evaluates a variety of traditional and contemporary literature (poetry, essays, short stories, novels, biographies, nonfiction narratives, and plays)
• 3.3.2 reads critically to analyze, compare, and contrast works of various authors and to understand multiple perspectives and issues of self, others, and world issues
• 3.3.3 identifies recurring themes in literature such as human interaction, identity, conflict and struggle, and social and economic change

3.4 Reads for career applications

• 3.4.1 identifies particular reading skills required for occupational/career areas of interest
• 3.4.2 uses appropriate reading strategies for interpreting technical and nontechnical documents from different career settings such as scanning, finding specific information, and inferring from data

4.1 Assesses strengths and need for improvement

• 4.1.1 assesses strengths and need for improvement using identified standards

4.2 Seeks and offers feedback

• 4.2.1 applies academic and technical standards to evaluate and improve reading

4.3 Develops interests and shares reading experiences

• 4.3.1 develops interests and shares knowledge gained through reading with others