UNIT 1 English Language Arts 8th Grade Study Guide – The Challenge of Heroism
Learning Target
RL.8.1 (literary text)
Cite the textual evidence that
most strongly supports an
analysis of what the text says
explicitly as well as inferences
drawn from the text.
Article/Activity
Stories/passages:
The Road Not Taken
The Crazy Ones
A Wrinkle in Time
Breakdown of target: : Be Able To
Cite Strongest Textual Evidence to
support an analysis
The Drummer Boy of
Shiloh
Make Inferences (characterize, infer
tone, mood and theme, plot analyze and
make connections based on textual
evidence)
The Open Window
Strategy:
ACE
RI.8.1 (informational text)
Cite the textual evidence that
most strongly supports an
analysis of what the text says
explicitly as well as inferences
drawn from the text.
Breakdown of target: Be Able To
Cite Strongest Textual Evidence to
support an analysis
Make inferences about author’s
purpose, tone, central idea, and make
connections based on textual evidence)
RL.8.2 (literary text)
Determine a theme or central idea
of a text and analyze its
development over the course of the
text, including its relationship to
the characters, setting, and plot;
provide an objective summary of
the text.
Breakdown of target: Be Able To
Determine a Theme (lesson)
Connect characters, setting and plot to the
lesson
Summarize the passage based on objective
facts
Stories/passages:
The Road Not Taken
The Crazy Ones
A Wrinkle in Time
The Drummer Boy of
Shiloh
The Open Window
Strategy:
ACE
Notes/Examples
RI.8.2
Determine a central idea of a text
and analyze its development over
the course of the text, including its
relationship to supporting ideas;
provide an objective summary of
the text.
Breakdown of target: Be Able To
Determine a Central Idea
Connect supporting ideas to the central
idea (lesson or purpose)
Summarize the passage based on
objective facts
RI.8.7
Evaluate the advantages and
disadvantages of using different
mediums (e.g., print or digital
text, video, multimedia) to present
a particular topic or idea
Summer Novel Project
-presentations
Breakdown of target: Be Able To
Evaluate various mediums (print,
digital text, video, multimedia)
Choose the BEST medium to present a
particular topic
Use effective mediums to communicate
W.8.3
Write narratives to develop real or
imagined experiences or events
using effective technique, relevant
descriptive details, and wellstructured event sequences.
Breakdown of target: Be Able To
Write narratives (real or imagined)
Use Narrative Techniques such as
Dialogue, Thought shots and imagery to
present a narrative
Self-reflect on my strengths and
weaknesses in narrative writing
Summer Novel
Narrative
Narrative practice with
A Wrinkle in Time
Tell About a Time
Prompt Practice
Strategy:
6 Block Organizer
L.8.1
Demonstrate command of the
conventions of standard English
grammar and usage when writing
or speaking.
a. Explain the function of verbals
(gerunds, participles, infinitives)
b. Form and use verbs in the
active and passive voice.
c. Form and use verbs in the
indicative, imperative,
interrogative, conditional, and
subjunctive mood.
d. Recognize and correct
inappropriate shifts in verb voice
and mood
Active Voice practice
and notes
Practice with Verb not
Verbal (notes)
Breakdown of target: Be Able To
Understand and use effectively
(gerunds, participles, and
infinitives)
Use active and passive voice
effectively in writing for a purpose
Use the various Verb Moods
correctly and with purpose
Understand and Correct Shifts in
Verb Voice and Mood
L.8.6
Acquire and use accurately gradeappropriate general academic and
domain-specific words and phrases;
gather vocabulary knowledge when
considering a word or phrase important
to comprehension or expression
Breakdown of target: Be Able To
Understand and Use Content
Vocabulary from Language Arts
Use Content Specific Vocabulary when
responding to open response questions
Word Wall: