Skip to main content
Tennessee Standards

Tennessee 8th Grade ELA Standards

All 41 Tennessee English language arts standards for 8th grade, each explained in plain English. The official wording is one click away under each one.

41 standards

Language: Conventions of Standard English

2 standards
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
8.L.CSE.1
Analyze phrases, clauses and verbs in texts, explain active and passive voice and verb mood, and write all four sentence types, including compound-complex.
Official wording
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage.aWhen reading or listening, analyze the use of phrases and clauses within a larger text.bWhen reading or listening, explain the function of verbs.cWhen writing or speaking, produce simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences with effectively-placed modifiers.dWhen reading or listening, explain the function of the voice (active and passive) and the mood of a verb and its application in text.eWhen writing or speaking, produce and use varied voice and mood of verbs.
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
8.L.CSE.2
Capitalize, punctuate and spell correctly, and explain how punctuation like dashes, colons and ellipses adds variety and style to sentences.
Official wording
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling. When reading and writing, explain the functions of punctuation in creating sentence variety and style.

Language: Knowledge of Language

1 standard
Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to comprehend more fully when reading or listening.
8.L.KL.3
Match style and tone to different settings when writing or speaking, and study a text's style choices to work out its setting or audience.
Official wording
When writing and speaking, adjust style and tone to a variety of contexts; when reading or listening, analyze stylistic choices to determine context.

Language: Vocabulary Acquisition and Use

3 standards
Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases by using context clues, analyzing meaningful word parts, and consulting general and specialized reference materials, as appropriate.
8.L.VAU.4
Pin down unfamiliar or multiple-meaning words using context, roots and affixes like chron or meter, word origins, and print or online dictionaries.
Official wording
Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on 8th grade-level text by choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.aUse context as a clue to the meaning of a word or a phrase.bUse common grade-appropriate morphological elements as clues to the meaning of a word or a phrase.cConsult reference materials, both print and digital, to find the pronunciation of a word or phrase.dUse etymological patterns in spelling as clues to the meaning of a word or phrase.
Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
8.L.VAU.5
Explain and use figurative language, word links and the tone words carry, like irony or the gap between home and house.
Official wording
When reading, listening, writing, and speaking, explain the function of figurative language, word relationships, and connotation/denotation and use them correctly and effectively.
Acquire and use accurately a range of general academic and domain-specific words and phrases sufficient for reading, writing, speaking, and listening at the post-secondary and workforce level; demonstrate independence in gathering vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.
8.L.VAU.6
Learn and correctly use eighth grade academic and subject words, like synthesize or amendment, and explore words that matter most in a text.
Official wording
Acquire and accurately use grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; develop vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.

Reading: Key Ideas and Details

6 standards
Read closely to determine what a text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.
8.RL.KID.1
Analyze what a story says outright and implies, and defend your reading of it with the most relevant quotations and details.
Official wording
Analyze what a text says explicitly and draw logical inferences; support an interpretation of a text by citing relevant textual evidence.
8.RI.KID.1
Analyze what a nonfiction text states and implies, and support your interpretation with well-chosen evidence from the text.
Official wording
Analyze what a text says explicitly and draw logical inferences; support an interpretation of a text by citing relevant textual evidence.
Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas.
8.RL.KID.2
Identify a theme, show how characters, setting and plot develop it across the work, and write a summary that stays neutral.
Official wording
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.
8.RI.KID.2
Find an article's central idea, show how supporting ideas develop it from start to finish, and summarize the text without opinion.
Official wording
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.
Analyze how and why individuals, events, and ideas develop and interact over the course of a text.
8.RL.KID.3
Explain how one line of dialogue or one event moves the plot along, shows what a character is like, or pushes a decision.
Official wording
Analyze how particular lines of dialogue or incidents in a story or drama propel the action, reveal aspects of a character, or provoke a decision.
Common Core RL.8.3
8.RI.KID.3
Analyze how an author draws contrasts and links between people, events or ideas, like using comparisons or a cause and effect chain.
Official wording
Analyze the techniques used to distinguish between and to make connections among individuals, events, or ideas in a text.

Reading: Craft and Structure

6 standards
Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text, including technical, connotative, and figurative meanings, and analyze how specific word choices shape meaning or tone.
8.RL.CS.4
Work out figurative and connotative meanings in literature, and explain how word choice, allusions, repetition and analogies shape meaning and tone.
Official wording
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including allusions to other texts, repetition of words and phrases, and analogies.
8.RI.CS.4
Work out figurative, connotative and technical meanings in nonfiction, and explain how a word choice, analogy or allusion affects meaning and tone.
Official wording
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone, including analogies and allusions to other texts.
Analyze the structure of texts, including how specific sentences, paragraphs, and larger portions of a text (e.g., a section, chapter, scene, or stanza) relate to each other and the whole.
8.RL.CS.5
Compare how two or more poems or stories are built, like a sonnet beside free verse, and say what each shape adds to the meaning.
Official wording
Compare and contrast the structure of two or more texts and analyze how the differing structure of each text contributes to its meaning and style.
Common Core RL.8.5
8.RI.CS.5
Analyze how one paragraph or section is built, explaining how particular sentences develop and sharpen a key idea.
Official wording
Analyze in detail the structure of a specific paragraph or section in a text, including the role of particular sentences in developing and refining a key concept.
Assess how point of view or purpose shapes the content and style of a text.
8.RL.CS.6
Analyze how gaps between what readers know and what characters know create effects like suspense, humor or dramatic irony.
Official wording
Analyze how similarities and differences in the points of view of the audience and the characters create effects such as suspense, humor, or dramatic irony.
8.RI.CS.6
Find the author's point of view or purpose, and explain how the author deals with evidence and viewpoints that cut against it.
Official wording
Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how the author acknowledges and responds to conflicting evidence or viewpoints.
Common Core RI.8.6

Reading: Integration of Knowledge and Ideas

5 standards
Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse formats and media, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.
8.RL.IKI.7
Analyze how closely a film or stage version of a story or play follows the original, and judge the choices the director or actors made.
Official wording
Analyze the extent to which a filmed or live production of a story or drama stays faithful to or departs from a text or script, evaluating the choices made by the director or actors.
8.RI.IKI.7
Weigh the pros and cons of presenting one topic or idea in different media, like print, video or an interactive website.
Official wording
Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using different mediums to present a particular topic or idea.
Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, including the validity of the reasoning as well as the relevance and sufficiency of the evidence.
8.RI.IKI.8
Outline and judge an argument and its claims, checking that the evidence is relevant and enough and that the reasoning holds up.
Official wording
Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether evidence is relevant and sufficient to support the claims and the reasoning is sound.
Analyze how two or more texts address similar themes or topics in order to build knowledge or to compare the approaches an author takes.
8.RL.IKI.9
Analyze how modern stories draw on myths, classic works, archetypes or religious texts, and describe how old elements are made new.
Official wording
Analyze how contemporary texts are shaped by foundational texts or literary archetypes and how authors allude to traditional works, myths, or religious texts; describe how traditional elements are rendered anew.
8.RI.IKI.9
Compare two or more texts that disagree about the same topic and pinpoint where they differ on facts or on how to read the facts.
Official wording
Analyze a case in which two or more texts provide conflicting information on the same topic and identify where the texts disagree on matters of fact or interpretation.
Common Core RI.8.9

Reading: Range of Reading and Level of Text Complexity

2 standards
Read and comprehend complex literary and informational texts independently and proficiently.
8.RL.RRTC.10
Read and understand stories, plays and poems at the top of the grades 6 to 8 difficulty range on your own and with skill.
Official wording
Read and comprehend a variety of literature at the high end of the grades 6-8 text complexity band independently and proficiently.
8.RI.RRTC.10
Read and understand literary nonfiction, like essays and memoirs, at the top of the grades 6 to 8 difficulty range without help.
Official wording
Read and comprehend a variety of literary nonfiction at the high end of the grades 6-8 text complexity band independently and proficiently.

Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration

3 standards
Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with varied partners, building on others’ ideas and expressing one’s own ideas clearly and persuasively.
8.SL.CC.1
Get ready for eighth grade discussions on topics and texts, then engage varied partners, building on what they say and explaining your views clearly.
Official wording
Prepare for collaborative discussions on 8th grade level topics and texts; engage effectively with varied partners, building on others’ ideas and expressing one’s own ideas clearly.
Integrate and evaluate information presented in diverse media formats, such as visual, quantitative, and oral formats.
8.SL.CC.2
Analyze why information is presented in different media and judge the motives behind it, like selling a product or swaying voters.
Official wording
Analyze the purpose of information presented in diverse media formats; evaluate the motives, such as social, commercial, and political, behind its presentation.
Evaluate a speaker’s point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoric.
8.SL.CC.3
Outline a speaker's argument and claims, judge the reasoning and evidence, and notice when evidence that does not belong is brought in.
Official wording
Delineate a speaker’s argument and specific claims, evaluating the soundness of the reasoning and relevance and sufficiency of the evidence; identify when irrelevant evidence is introduced.

Speaking and Listening: Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas

3 standards
Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning; the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
8.SL.PKI.4
Present claims and findings in a focused, logical way with strong evidence and details, keeping eye contact and speaking loudly and clearly.
Official wording
Present claims and findings in a focused, coherent manner with relevant evidence, valid reasoning, and well-chosen details; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.
Make strategic use of digital media and visual displays of data to express information and enhance understanding of presentations.
8.SL.PKI.5
Blend multimedia and visuals into presentations to clarify information, back up claims and evidence, and hold interest.
Official wording
Integrate multimedia and visual displays into presentations to clarify information, to strengthen claims and evidence, and to add interest.
Adapt speech to a variety of contents and communicative tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.
8.SL.PKI.6
Change your way of speaking to suit the audience and task, using formal English where needed, like a job interview or a mock trial.
Official wording
Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.

Writing: Text Types and Protocol

3 standards
Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
8.W.TTP.1
Write an argument with a clear claim, reasons and evidence from credible sources, linking words, a formal style and a conclusion that follows from it.
Official wording
Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.aIntroduce claim(s).bSupport claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant, sufficient evidence; acknowledge and refute alternate or opposing claim(s).cOrganize the reasons and evidence clearly and clarify the relationships among claim(s) and reasons.dUse credible sources and demonstrate an understanding of the topic or source material.eCraft an effective and relevant conclusion that supports the argument presented.fUse precise language and content-specific vocabulary.gUse appropriate transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts.hUse varied sentence structure to enhance meaning and reader interest.iEstablish and maintain a formal style.
Common Core W.6.1
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.
8.W.TTP.2
Write an informative piece that introduces a topic, organizes facts, definitions and examples under headings or charts where they help, and ends with a conclusion.
Official wording
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.aIntroduce a topic clearly, using the introduction to prepare the reader for what is to follow.bSynthesize and organize ideas, concepts, and information into broader categories using effective strategies to create cohesion and aid in comprehension.cDevelop the topic with relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples.dThoroughly and accurately explain and elaborate on the evidence provided, demonstrating a clear understanding of the topic and the source material.eCraft an effective and relevant conclusion.fInclude formatting, graphics, and multimedia when appropriate.gUse appropriate and varied transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts.hUse precise language and domain-specific vocabulary.iUse varied sentence structure to enhance meaning and reader interest.jEstablish and maintain a formal style.
Common Core W.6.2
Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective techniques, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences.
8.W.TTP.3
Write real or imagined narratives that orient the reader, unfold logically, use dialogue, pacing, description and reflection with vivid detail, and close meaningfully.
Official wording
Write narratives (fiction and nonfiction) to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective techniques, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences.aEngage and orient the reader by establishing a context and point of view and introducing a narrator and/or participants/characters.bOrganize an event sequence that unfolds naturally and logically.cCreate a smooth progression of experiences or events.dUse narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, description, and reflection when appropriate, to develop experiences, events, and/or characters.eUse a variety of transition words, phrases, and clauses to convey sequence, signal shifts, and show the relationships among experiences and events.fCraft an effective and relevant conclusion that reflects on the narrated experiences or events.gUse precise words and phrases, relevant descriptive details, and sensory language to convey experiences and events.

Writing: Production and Distribution of Writing

3 standards
Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development and organization are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
8.W.PDW.4
Match how a piece of writing is developed, organized and styled to its task, its purpose and the people who will read it.
Official wording
Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade-specific expectations for writing types are defined in standards 1-3 above.)
Common Core W.6.4
Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.
8.W.PDW.5
With some help from peers and adults, plan, revise, edit or rework drafts, focusing on whether the writing meets its purpose and suits its audience.
Official wording
With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on how well purpose and audience have been addressed. (Editing for conventions should demonstrate command of Foundational Literacy standard 6 and Language standards 1–3 up to and including grade 8.)
Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and to interact and collaborate with others.
8.W.PDW.6
Use technology and the internet to publish and collaborate, show how ideas and information connect, and type a full piece in one sitting.
Official wording
Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and to collaborate with others; present the relationships between information and ideas efficiently; type a complete product in a single sitting as defined in W.1-3.

Writing: Research to Build and Present Knowledge

3 standards
Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focus questions, demonstrating new understanding of the subject under investigation.
8.W.RBPK.7
Research to answer a question, including one you came up with, using several sources and raising new focused questions that open more paths to explore.
Official wording
Conduct research to answer a question (including a self-generated question), drawing on multiple sources and generating additional related, focused questions that allow for multiple avenues of exploration.
Integrate relevant and credible information from multiple print and digital sources while avoiding plagiarism.
8.W.RBPK.8
Search with smart keywords, use reliable print and online information, quote or paraphrase it without plagiarizing, and cite it in a standard format.
Official wording
Use search terms effectively; integrate relevant and credible information from print and digital sources; quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.
Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
8.W.RBPK.9
Support analyses or research with evidence from literature or nonfiction, using eighth grade reading skills, and judge whether reasoning and evidence hold up.
Official wording
Support interpretations, analyses, reflections, or research with evidence found in literature or informational texts, applying grade 8 standards for reading; assess whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant and sufficient to support the claims and recognize when irrelevant evidence is introduced.

Writing: Range of Writing

1 standard
Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of tasks, purposes, and audiences.
8.W.RW.10
Write on a regular basis, both over weeks and in single sittings, for varied subjects, purposes and audiences, like a science summary or a persuasive letter.
Official wording
Write routinely over extended time frames and shorter time frames for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.

The official Tennessee documents

Tennessee Academic Standards for English Language Arts, Tennessee Department of Education, tn.gov/education.

Common Core State Standards © Copyright 2010. National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and Council of Chief State School Officers. All rights reserved.

The plain-English lines are EMStudio's own explanations, shown beside the official wording. They are not part of the standards.