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Language Arts - Secondary Curriculum English Language Arts Grade 8
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Writing Standard 8

Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.
  • Argumentative Writing Standards Rubric
    This rubric will help assess first draft argumentative writing projects for 8th Grade English Language Arts.
  • Developing a Definition of Reading
    In this lesson from ReadWriteThink, students will interact with a variety of different texts to uncover a broader meaning of reading. Given one of a variety of different texts, students will brainstorm alone and together what they will need as a reader to successfully read and understand the text given to them. The students will share findings and discuss strategies needed to read specific kinds of texts.
  • Lesson Starter: Public Service Announcement
    Students will use information accurately and creatively for the issue or problem at hand.
  • Media Smarts
    Media Smarts is home to one of the worlds most comprehensive collections of media education and Internet literacy resources. MNets work is based on the belief that to be functionally literate in the world today-to be able to "read" the messages that inform, entertain and sell to us daily-young people need critical thinking skills. To that end, Mnet examines a wide range of media, including television, film, video games, newspapers, advertising and popular music. The Educators section includes teaching units and a variety of supporting materials.
  • Using Critical Thinking to Find Trustworthy Websites
    This is a video lesson about determining credibility of online sources. (6 minutes)


UEN logo http://www.uen.org - in partnership with Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and Utah System of Higher Education (USHE).  Send questions or comments to USBE Specialist - Naomi  Watkins and see the Language Arts - Secondary website. For general questions about Utah's Core Standards contact the Director - Jennifer  Throndsen.

These materials have been produced by and for the teachers of the State of Utah. Copies of these materials may be freely reproduced for teacher and classroom use. When distributing these materials, credit should be given to Utah State Board of Education. These materials may not be published, in whole or part, or in any other format, without the written permission of the Utah State Board of Education, 250 East 500 South, PO Box 144200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4200.