Oklahoma Academic Standards 8th Grade ELA Activities
Printable Eighth Grade English Language Arts Worksheets and Study Guides.
CapitalizationWhich Words Should Be Capitalized? In English, there are very specific rules for capitalizing words. The following categories of words should always be capitalized: Languages: French; Races: Native Americans; Nationalities: Spanish; School: Subjects Math II; Brand Names: Coca Cola; Ships: Titanic; Books: Hatchet by Gary Paulsen; Newspapers: New York Times; Magazines: Newsweek; Songs: The Star-Spangled Banner; Movies: King Kong; Abbreviations: A.M. Read more...iWorksheets: 3Study Guides: 1 Modifiers-AdverbsWhat is an Adverb? A word that modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb is called an adverb. Modify means to change. Since adverbs change the meanings of verbs and adjectives, adverbs are also called modifiers. Adverbs answer the questions: How? When? Where? or To What Extent? Read more...iWorksheets: 5Study Guides: 1 Prepositions, Conjunctions, and InterjectionsWhat is a Preposition? A preposition is a connective that shows a relationship between the noun or pronoun following the preposition and another word in the sentence. What is a Conjunction? A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, or simple sentences. What is an Interjection? An interjection is a word or group of words that expresses strong feelings. Read more...iWorksheets: 5Study Guides: 1 PunctuationWhat are Punctuation Marks? Punctuation marks are symbols to help readers understand how to read sentences. Examples: Period-ending marks, abbreviations; Question mark-ending marks; Exclamation point-ending marks; Comma-separating items or words, direct address, dates; Semicolon-joining two parts of a compound sentence; Read more...iWorksheets: 5Study Guides: 1 UsageThe way in which the English language is used is known as usage. To speak and
write our language properly, certain rules must be followed. Some Usage Guidelines for English:<br/>
Who and whom. Who is a subject. Whom is an object. Who went to the nurse's office? You expect to go to the dance with whom? Read more...iWorksheets: 4Study Guides: 1 Adding New Words to Our LanguageFreeOne way that words are added to our language is by word borrowing. Words are "borrowed" from other countries and from other languages. Examples: Tomahawk is the Native American word for a kind of weapon, Spaghetti is a word that came from Italy, Taco is a word that came from Mexico. Read more...iWorksheets: 3Study Guides: 1 SpellingAre There Any Tricks to Becoming a Successful Speller? One technique for successful spelling is to say, or pronounce, the word correctly. Another technique for successful spelling is to write the word. It is helpful to refer to a dictionary for the correct spellings of questionable words. A memory device may be of use: c-a-p-i-t-o-l is the spelling for our nation’s Capitol Building; the "o" looks like the dome of the Capitol Building. Read more...iWorksheets: 6Study Guides: 1 Reading and the InternetThe letters that are typed in to find a particular website are called the web
address. A website address that is saved in the computer's memory is called a
bookmark. An email address contains three parts: the name, the "at" symbol, and the
name of the Internet Service Provider. Read more...iWorksheets: 3Study Guides: 1 Text FeaturesWhat are Text Features? The elements of a textbook that are useful in helping to understand the content of the book are called the text features. An effective reader uses the text features to preview the textbook before beginning to read: The title page contains the title of the book, the author, the publisher, and the place where the book was published. The glossary contains the definitions of words from the textbook. Read more...iWorksheets: 5Study Guides: 1 Reading-DramaDrama is a genre that uses dialogue to tell a story. The elements of drama are: characters, setting, plot and theme. A list of characters in the play is called the cast. The place and time of the play is known as the setting. The main events in the play make up the plot. The main idea of the play is called the theme. Read more...iWorksheets: 3Study Guides: 1 Titles and AuthorsA student searching for a terrific book may want to try a book that has won a Newbery Medal. The Newbery Medal has been presented yearly since 1922 to the author
of the most outstanding book written for children in the United States in the preceding year. The winning author must be either a citizen or a resident of the United States of America. Read more...iWorksheets: 3Study Guides: 1 Library SkillsWhat Can Be Found in a Library? Books, almanacs, atlases, magazines, newspapers, dictionaries, and encyclopedias can be found in a library/media center. Most libraries are divided into areas, called sections: The Stacks: fiction and nonfiction books; Periodicals: magazines and newspapers; Reference, encyclopedias, dictionaries, atlases, and almanacs; Catalog: online catalog or card catalog drawers. Read more...iWorksheets: 3Study Guides: 1 Regular and Irregular VerbsWhat is a Verb? A verb is the "action" or "being" part of the predicate of a sentence. The different forms of a verb are called tenses and express present, past, and future times. The principal parts of a verb are: the infinitive, the present participle, the past tense, and the past participle. Regular verbs form their past tenses by adding -d or -ed to the infinitive. Irregular verbs form their past tenses in a different way. Read more...iWorksheets: 5Study Guides: 1 SentencesWhat is a Sentence? A sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete thought. A sentence must contain a subject and a predicate. An incomplete sentence is known as a sentence fragment. Two or more sentences written together are known as a run-on sentence. Read more...iWorksheets: 4Study Guides: 1 Writing a Research ReportThe process of preparing a research report has numerous steps. The student chooses a subject, prepares a list of questions to guide his/her research, gathers information from two or more sources, organizes the information, and presents it to the reader in a readable form. Read more...iWorksheets: 3Study Guides: 1 OK.8.1. Speaking and Listening - Students will speak and listen effectively in a variety of situations including, but not limited to, responses to reading and writing.
8.1.R. Reading - Students will develop and apply effective communication skills through speaking and active listening.
8.1.R.1. Students will actively listen and speak clearly using appropriate discussion rules with control of verbal and nonverbal cues.
SpeakingSpeaking, a type of communication, can be categorized into formal speaking and informal speaking. Informal speaking involves a situation where a speaker does not prepare ahead of time to speak, like answering the telephone and introducing people to each other. A prepared speech is an example of formal speaking. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1 8.1.R.3. Students will engage in collaborative discussions about appropriate topics and texts, expressing their own ideas clearly while building on the ideas of others in pairs, diverse groups, and whole class settings.
Conducting Interviews and DiscussionsWhat is an Interview? A conversation in which the purpose is to gather information is known as an interview. An effective interview should have a clear purpose. Before an interview, the interviewer should prepare a list of questions. An interviewer should make an appointment with the person he/she is interviewing. An interviewer should be prompt for his/her appointment. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1 8.1.W. Writing - Students will develop and apply effective communication skills through speaking and active listening to create individual and group projects and presentations.
8.1.W.1. Students will give formal and informal presentations in a group or individually, providing textual and visual evidence to support a main idea.
SpeakingSpeaking, a type of communication, can be categorized into formal speaking and informal speaking. Informal speaking involves a situation where a speaker does not prepare ahead of time to speak, like answering the telephone and introducing people to each other. A prepared speech is an example of formal speaking. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1 OK.8.2RF. Reading Foundations - Students will develop foundational skills for future reading success by working with sounds, letters, and text.
8.2.F. Fluency - Students will recognize high-frequency words and read grade-level text smoothly and accurately, with expression that connotes comprehension.
8.2.F.1. Students will continue to review and apply earlier grade level expectations for this standard. If these fluency skills are not mastered, students will address skills from previous grades.
SpeakingSpeaking, a type of communication, can be categorized into formal speaking and informal speaking. Informal speaking involves a situation where a speaker does not prepare ahead of time to speak, like answering the telephone and introducing people to each other. A prepared speech is an example of formal speaking. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1 OK.8.2RW. Reading and Writing Process - Students will use a variety of recursive reading and writing processes.
8.2.R. Reading - Students will read and comprehend increasingly complex literary and informational texts.
8.2.R.2. Students will analyze details in literary and nonfiction/informational texts to evaluate patterns of genres.
Expository TextExpository writing explains a topic(s) to the reader. This type of writing may also
inform the reader, or compare and contrast different subjects. Example: "How To," or Process Directions: How to Climb a Rock Wall, How to Train for a Marathon. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1 8.2.R.3. Students will generalize main ideas with supporting details in a text.
Expository TextExpository writing explains a topic(s) to the reader. This type of writing may also
inform the reader, or compare and contrast different subjects. Example: "How To," or Process Directions: How to Climb a Rock Wall, How to Train for a Marathon. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1 8.2.W. Writing - Students will develop and strengthen writing by engaging in a recursive process that includes prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing.
8.2.W.1. Students will apply components of a recursive writing process for multiple purposes to create a focused, organized, and coherent piece of writing.
Process WritingThe stages that writers go through in order to complete a written piece are called
the writing process, or process writing. Examples: The stage at which writers plan their writing is called the prewriting stage. The stage at which writers get their ideas down on paper is called the drafting stage. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1 8.2.W.3. Students will develop drafts by choosing an organizational structure (e.g., description, compare/contrast, sequential, problem/solution, cause/effect, etc.) and building on ideas in multi-paragraph essays.
Descriptive TextWhat is Descriptive Text? Descriptive writing appeals to the senses. Writers often create a mood by choosing specific descriptive words. Descriptive writing can be made more precise by using exact words. Figures of speech, such as similes and metaphors, are often used in descriptive writing. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1 8.2.W.5. Students will use resources to find correct spellings of words (e.g., word wall, vocabulary notebook, print and electronic dictionaries, and spell-check).
Dictionary SkillsA dictionary is a useful tool in the study of words. Words are listed alphabetically in a dictionary so that they are easy to find. We look up words in a dictionary to find out about the word, including how to use it, what it means, and other important attributes of the word. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1 Using ReferencesWhat is a Reference? A reference is a book or an online source where a student can find facts. Examples: Encyclopedia, Atlas, Dictionary, Thesaurus, Almanac, Magazine, Pamphlet, Catalog. What reference is the Guinness Book of World Records? Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1 OK.8.3. Critical Reading and Writing - Students will apply critical thinking skills to reading and writing.
8.3.R. Reading - Students will comprehend, interpret, evaluate, and respond to a variety of complex texts of all literary and informational genres from a variety of historical, cultural, ethnic, and global perspectives.
8.3.R.1. Students will analyze works written on the same topic and compare the methods the authors use to achieve similar or different purposes and include support using textual evidence.
Author's PurposeThe Author's Purpose is the reason that the author wrote the piece. If the author's purpose is to inform, he/she plans to teach the reader. If the author's purpose is to entertain, he/she plans to amuse the reader. If the author's purpose is to persuade, he/she plans to convince the reader to believe his/her point of view. If the author's purpose is to create a mood, he/she plans to use much description to stir emotions in the reader. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1 8.3.R.3. Students will analyze how authors use key literary elements to contribute to the meaning of a text:
8.3.R.3.1. Setting
Narrative TextWhat is Narrative Writing? Writing that tells a story is known as narrative writing. A narrative that tells a story based on imagined events is known as a fictional narrative. The characters, setting, and plot make up the elements of a story. Characters-the people involved in the plot of a narrative. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1 8.3.R.3.3. Characters (i.e., protagonist, antagonist)
Narrative TextWhat is Narrative Writing? Writing that tells a story is known as narrative writing. A narrative that tells a story based on imagined events is known as a fictional narrative. The characters, setting, and plot make up the elements of a story. Characters-the people involved in the plot of a narrative. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1 8.3.R.3.4. Characterization
Narrative TextWhat is Narrative Writing? Writing that tells a story is known as narrative writing. A narrative that tells a story based on imagined events is known as a fictional narrative. The characters, setting, and plot make up the elements of a story. Characters-the people involved in the plot of a narrative. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1 8.3.R.3.5. Theme
Narrative TextWhat is Narrative Writing? Writing that tells a story is known as narrative writing. A narrative that tells a story based on imagined events is known as a fictional narrative. The characters, setting, and plot make up the elements of a story. Characters-the people involved in the plot of a narrative. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1 8.3.R.3.6. Conflict (i.e., internal and external)
Narrative TextWhat is Narrative Writing? Writing that tells a story is known as narrative writing. A narrative that tells a story based on imagined events is known as a fictional narrative. The characters, setting, and plot make up the elements of a story. Characters-the people involved in the plot of a narrative. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1 8.3.R.4. Students will evaluate literary devices to support interpretations of literary texts:
8.3.R.4.2. Metaphor
Figurative Language FreeLiteral language uses words exactly according to their conventionally accepted meanings. Figurative use of language is the use of words or phrases that implies a non-literal meaning which does make sense. When authors use figurative language, they use similes, metaphors, hyperbole, onomatopoeia, personification and idioms to make their writing more descriptive. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1 8.3.R.4.3. Personification
Figurative Language FreeLiteral language uses words exactly according to their conventionally accepted meanings. Figurative use of language is the use of words or phrases that implies a non-literal meaning which does make sense. When authors use figurative language, they use similes, metaphors, hyperbole, onomatopoeia, personification and idioms to make their writing more descriptive. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1 8.3.R.4.7. Tone
Narrative TextWhat is Narrative Writing? Writing that tells a story is known as narrative writing. A narrative that tells a story based on imagined events is known as a fictional narrative. The characters, setting, and plot make up the elements of a story. Characters-the people involved in the plot of a narrative. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1 8.3.R.5. Students will evaluate textual evidence to determine whether a claim is substantiated or unsubstantiated.
Persuasive TextWhat is Persuasive Text? Persuade means to convince. In persuasive text, the author attempts to convince the reader to believe that the author's viewpoint is correct. Some common persuasive techniques are: Bandwagon, Stacking the Deck, Testimonials, Citing Statistics, and Emotional Words. An author uses the Bandwagon technique when he/she tries to make us believe that we should do something because everyone is doing it. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1 8.3.R.6. Students will analyze the structures of texts (e.g., compare/contrast, problem/solution, cause/effect, claims/evidence) and content by making complex inferences about texts to draw logical conclusions from textual evidence.
Persuasive TextWhat is Persuasive Text? Persuade means to convince. In persuasive text, the author attempts to convince the reader to believe that the author's viewpoint is correct. Some common persuasive techniques are: Bandwagon, Stacking the Deck, Testimonials, Citing Statistics, and Emotional Words. An author uses the Bandwagon technique when he/she tries to make us believe that we should do something because everyone is doing it. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1 Thinking SkillsWhat are Thinking Skills? Thinking skills are reading tools used to better comprehend the text. Examples: Analysis-separating the text into its parts; Classifying-arranging information into categories; Comparing and Contrasting-finding likenesses and differences between items; Drawing Conclusions-coming to a decision based on the text. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1 8.3.R.7. Students will make connections (e.g., thematic links, literary analysis) between and across multiple texts and provide textual evidence to support their inferences.
Thinking SkillsWhat are Thinking Skills? Thinking skills are reading tools used to better comprehend the text. Examples: Analysis-separating the text into its parts; Classifying-arranging information into categories; Comparing and Contrasting-finding likenesses and differences between items; Drawing Conclusions-coming to a decision based on the text. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1 OK.8.4. Vocabulary - Students will expand their working vocabularies to effectively communicate and understand texts.
8.4.R. Reading - Students will expand academic, domain-appropriate, grade-level vocabularies through reading, word study, and class discussion.
8.4.R.2. Students will use word parts (e.g., affixes, Greek and Latin roots, stems) to define and determine the meaning of increasingly complex words.
Structural AnalysisIn order to derive the meanings of words, it is helpful to analyze the structure of
the words in our language: Is there a Latin or a Greek root word? Is the word a base word that can stand alone? Are there prefixes and suffixes added to the base word? Is the word a shortened form of a longer word? Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1 Reading-Structural AnalysisWhat is Structural Analysis in Reading? In order to derive the meanings of words, it is helpful to analyze the structure of the words in English: Is there a Latin or a Greek root word? Is the word a base word that can stand alone? Are there prefixes and suffixes added to the base word? What are the meanings of the affixes added to the base word? Is the word a shortened form of a longer word? Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1 8.4.R.3. Students will use context clues to determine or clarify the meaning of words or distinguish among multiple-meaning words.
Vocabulary What Is Vocabulary? Vocabulary refers to a collection of words. Our English vocabulary developed in a variety of ways: Names of people and places provide some English words. Rudolf Diesel invented an engine that is named after him. The first letters of words, called acronyms, provide new words for our language. Shortened words provide some new English words. The word hamburger provides the shortened word burger. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1 8.4.R.4. Students will infer the relationships among words with multiple meanings and recognize the connotation and denotation of words.
Vocabulary What Is Vocabulary? Vocabulary refers to a collection of words. Our English vocabulary developed in a variety of ways: Names of people and places provide some English words. Rudolf Diesel invented an engine that is named after him. The first letters of words, called acronyms, provide new words for our language. Shortened words provide some new English words. The word hamburger provides the shortened word burger. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1 8.4.R.5. Students will use a dictionary, glossary, or a thesaurus (print and/or electronic) to determine or clarify the meanings, syllabication, pronunciation, synonyms, and parts of speech of words.
Dictionary SkillsA dictionary is a useful tool in the study of words. Words are listed alphabetically in a dictionary so that they are easy to find. We look up words in a dictionary to find out about the word, including how to use it, what it means, and other important attributes of the word. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1 Using ReferencesWhat is a Reference? A reference is a book or an online source where a student can find facts. Examples: Encyclopedia, Atlas, Dictionary, Thesaurus, Almanac, Magazine, Pamphlet, Catalog. What reference is the Guinness Book of World Records? Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1 OK.8.5. Language - Students will apply knowledge of grammar and rhetorical style to reading and writing.
8.5.R. Reading - Students will apply knowledge of grammar and rhetorical style to analyze and evaluate a variety of texts.
8.5.R.1. Students will recognize the use of verbals (e.g., gerunds, participles, infinitives) and clauses.
Gerunds, Infinitives, and ParticiplesWhat is a Gerund? A gerund is a verb that is used as a noun. A gerund is formed by adding -ing to the present form of a verb. What is an Infinitive? An infinitive is a verb that is used as a noun, adjective, or adverb. The word to is known as the sign of the infinitive. What is a Participle? A participle is a verb that is used as an adjective. The two types of participles are present participles and past participles. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1 8.5.R.4. Students will recognize the subject and verb agreement, and correct as necessary.
Subject and Verb AgreementWhat Is Subject and Verb Agreement? Whether a word is singular or plural is called its number. In a sentence, the subject and the verb must agree in number. Singular subject = singular verb; Plural subject = plural verb. The subject of a sentence is not found in the prepositional phrase. The coach, along with the soccer players, is celebrating. The subject of the sentence is coach, not soccer players, so the subject is singular. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1 8.5.W. Writing - Students will demonstrate command of Standard English grammar, mechanics, and usage through writing and other modes of communication.
8.5.W.2. Students will compose simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences and questions to signal differing relationships among ideas.
Compound and Complex SentencesTwo or more sentences joined together are known as a compound sentence. The simple sentences in a compound sentence can be joined together with a comma and a conjunction, or with a semicolon. A complex sentence has one independent clause and one or more subordinate clauses. A subordinate clause does not express a complete thought. Subordinate clauses are either adjective clauses or adverb clauses. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1 8.5.W.3. Students will use verbals (e.g., gerunds, participles, infinitives) in writing.
Gerunds, Infinitives, and ParticiplesWhat is a Gerund? A gerund is a verb that is used as a noun. A gerund is formed by adding -ing to the present form of a verb. What is an Infinitive? An infinitive is a verb that is used as a noun, adjective, or adverb. The word to is known as the sign of the infinitive. What is a Participle? A participle is a verb that is used as an adjective. The two types of participles are present participles and past participles. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1 OK.8.6. Research - Students will engage in inquiry to acquire, refine, and share knowledge.
8.6.R. Reading - Students will comprehend, evaluate, and synthesize resources to acquire and refine knowledge.
8.6.R.3. Students will determine the relevance, reliability, and validity of the information gathered.
Persuasive TextWhat is Persuasive Text? Persuade means to convince. In persuasive text, the author attempts to convince the reader to believe that the author's viewpoint is correct. Some common persuasive techniques are: Bandwagon, Stacking the Deck, Testimonials, Citing Statistics, and Emotional Words. An author uses the Bandwagon technique when he/she tries to make us believe that we should do something because everyone is doing it. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1 Thinking SkillsWhat are Thinking Skills? Thinking skills are reading tools used to better comprehend the text. Examples: Analysis-separating the text into its parts; Classifying-arranging information into categories; Comparing and Contrasting-finding likenesses and differences between items; Drawing Conclusions-coming to a decision based on the text. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1 OK.8.7. Multimodal Literacies - Students will acquire, refine, and share knowledge through a variety of written, oral, visual, digital, non-verbal, and interactive texts.
8.7.R. Reading - Students will evaluate written, oral, visual, and digital texts in order to draw conclusions and analyze arguments.
8.7.R.1. Students will determine the intended purposes of techniques used for rhetorical effects in written, oral, visual, digital, non-verbal, and interactive texts to generate and answer interpretive and applied questions to create new understandings.
Reading-Figurative LanguageFigurative language is the opposite of literal language. The writer uses techniques like repetition, exaggeration, alliteration, personification, onomatopoeia, similes, and metaphors to create images in the reader's mind. Using a sound, word, or phrase more than once is known as repetition. When a writer intentionally stretches the truth, he/she is using exaggeration. When a writer repeats a consonant sound at the beginning of several words in a row, he/she is using alliteration. Poems are divided into groups of lines called stanzas. Words that end with the same sound are called rhyming words. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1 OK.8.8. Independent Reading and Writing - Students will read and write for a variety of purposes including, but not limited to, academic and personal.
8.8.R. Reading - Students will read independently for a variety of purposes and for extended periods of time. Students will select appropriate texts for specific purposes.
8.8.R.1. Students will select appropriate texts for specific purposes and read independently for extended periods of time.
Reading RateWhat is Reading Rate? Reading rate is the speed at which a person reads a particular text. A person needs to determine the purpose for reading before he/she chooses a reading rate. Purposes of Reading: Scanning - reading to find a specific fact or detail; Skimming - reading to get an overview of the text; Reading for comprehension - demands careful, thoughtful reading from the student, and rereading may be required. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1 8.8.W. Writing - Students will write independently for extended periods of time. Students will vary their modes of expression to suit audience and task.
8.8.W.1. Students will write independently over extended periods of time (e.g., time for research, reflection, and revision) and for shorter timeframes (e.g., a single sitting or a day or two), vary their modes of expression to suit audience and task, and analyze different perspectives.
Process WritingThe stages that writers go through in order to complete a written piece are called
the writing process, or process writing. Examples: The stage at which writers plan their writing is called the prewriting stage. The stage at which writers get their ideas down on paper is called the drafting stage. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1 Standards
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