8th Grade Reading Comprehension Skills
Prior Standards Implementation

The standards listed below have been replaced by a newer set of standards.

Please go to Current 8th Grade Language Arts Standards for current resources.

Reading Comprehension
Formulate appropriate questions during the reading of the text. 8.1.1 MG	Asking Questions - the types of questions depend on the answer to that first important question: Why am I reading this? Once you establish a purpose for yourself, you can then ask which questions will help you achieve that goal. This page asks students to rank a set of questions on a scale of one to five. Questioning Toolkit - seventeen types of questions from the educational journal, FNO
Choose the correct meaning/usage of a multi-meaning word by replacing the word in context with an appropriate synonym or antonym. 8.1.2 V	Antonyms - find antonym of words Synonym & Antonym Word Encounters - Level 1 words | Level 2 words | Level 3 words Synonym.com - type a word in the box and find a synonym, or antonym, of the word. Words with multiple meanings - students fill in the blanks from a word list Context is the Key - students use context clues to determine the meaning of a word Using Multiple Meanings - students decide which sentences use a word correctly Say it Another Way - Fill in the blank with a synonym for the missing word. The Thesaurus - a reference book that lists words and their synonyms - Drag and drop the words to the right thesaurus entry.
Locate information using available text features (e.g., maps, charts, graphics, indexes, glossaries, table of contents, and appendices). 8.1.3 T	Captions Help Tell the Story - students look at three pictures and try to determine which caption fits best Looking for the Fine Print - students read advertisements to practice reading critically Using Graph and Charts Interpreting a Data Chart - students practice by answering questions about what can be found in a grid chart Interpreting Column Graphs - students practice by answering ten questions about the graph Interpreting Circle (Pie) Graphs - students practice by answering eight questions about the graph Read All About It! - Newspapers are divided into standard sections. Students use sections to predict where types of stories would be found Reading Headlines - students read eight headlines and try to determine what the article is about Reading Headlines - Match the newspaper headlines on the left to the newspaper section on the right. What’s On a Map? - eight questions about using various parts of a map
Identify on a graphic organizer the points at which various plot elements occur. 8.1.4 C	Concept Maps Explained - Concept maps and story webs are visual ways to structure ideas. (sample included Five main types of organizers - links showing examples of many types Short Story Elements - online quiz
Identify an appropriate title to reinforce the main idea of a passage or paragraph. 8.1.5 MG	Finding the Main Idea Locating the Main Ideas of Paragraphs with Main-Idea Maps Main Idea - The main idea of a passage or reading is the central thought or message. Main Idea - Building Blocks of Comprehension Main Idea - The main idea of a paragraph is what all the sentences are about. Read the paragraph and ask, “What’s your point?” Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure - Challenge your students by letting them practice using a reading comprehension test designed for prospective teachers. ( This site recommends that you use a printed copy of the page ) Reading Comprehension - free reading comprehension worksheets for teachers and parents - includes original stories, poems, essays, and articles Summarize as You Read - When you summarize, eliminate unnecessary details. Focus on the main idea of the whole passage. What's the Big Idea? Exercise 1 - Write the common subject for each group of words, or "write a good title for each list." - a worksheet to print, not interactive What's the Big Idea? Exercise 2 - Write the common subject for each group of words, or "write a good title for each list." - a worksheet to print, not interactive What's the Big Idea? Exercise 3 - a bit harder than 1 & 2 - Write the common subject for each group of words, or "write a good title for each list." Then add another example that could be included in that group. Be as specific as you can. - a worksheet to print, not interactive
Determine cause and effect relationships in context. 8.1.6 MG	Making The Relationship Explicit Between Your Ideas - from UniLearning - Academic Writing Cause and Effect Diagrams - Lesson showing how to think through causes of a problem Cause and Effect Graphic Organizer - Use this to help determine relationships. Cause and Effect Lesson - explore some cause and effect situations using graphic organizers Cause-and-Effect Writing Challenges Students - The cause-and-effect relationship is both a way of thinking and a format for writing. Teachers who emphasize cause-and-effect writing say that they are helping students learn to think critically as well as write cogently. Read what three experienced teachers have to say about this teaching approach, which can be used with students of all ages. This is an article from Education World magazine .
Determine inferences from selected passages. 8.1.7 MG	Drawing Inferences - how to be a critical reader How are They Selling It? - students read three advertisements and evaluate the type of persuasive writing being employed Inference Notes - Use this diagram to help interpret inferences. Making Inferences and Drawing Conclusions - descriptions of the various ways to aid you in reaching a conclusion Rules of Inference - Lesson discussing the rules of inference. Teaching Students to Make Inferences
Recognize a reasonable prediction of future events of a passage. 8.1.8 MG	Guess What Comes Next - students read a passage and predict what would happen next The World's Greatest Contralto by Babette Albin - As you read the story, write your questions and ideas about it on another sheet of paper. Then complete the next page. Prediction Guide - Guided questions help students in making, grounding and revisiting their predictions.
Select information using keywords and headings. 8.1.9 T	Looking for the Fine Print - students read advertisements to practice reading critically
Recognize and use grade appropriate and/or content specific vocabulary. 8.1.10 V	Complete sentence using correct vocabulary word - select easy, medium or hard Match the Definition Exercises : - Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 (the answers are at the bottom of this page) Rootonym - Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 - studying the roots/cells: cess/ced, cept/cip and cur . Vocabulary University - acquire and retain vocabulary. Rooty's Weekly Root - Three Rootonym puzzles per week with 4 words per puzzle
Determine an author’s purpose for writing or a student’s purpose for reading. 8.1.11 C	Reading for a Purpose - Nine activities to check understanding about the purposes of different sorts of text Different Types of Text - Do you understand the purpose of different text types and the main differences between them? Online quizzes The writer's purpose and voice - from a site on preparing for the GRE Finding the purpose of each paragraph - from a site on preparing for the GRE Writing to Persuade - Persuasion means making someone with a different point of view from your own change their mind to your way of thinking. Sample assignment - Invent an X-ray satellite, name it, draw a picture of it. Write a one- to two-page persuasion letter addressed to your Congressperson or essay for your local newspaper in order to obtain funding for your X-ray astronomy mission. Writing to Persuade Rubric - Perhaps your students can understand writing to persuade better by seeing this rubric.
Identify an implied theme from a selection or related selections. 8.1.12 C	Walk Two Moons: An Integrated Unit - integrated study combining setting, theme, point of view, character, and plot with geography and geometry
Use text features (e.g., sidebars, footnotes, and endnotes) to determine meaning. 8.1.13 T
Distinguish among different genres (e.g., poetry, drama, letters, ads, historical fiction, biographies, autobiographies, and essays) and their distinguishing characteristics. 8.1.14 C	An Overview of Poetry - a comprehensive show on the topic of rhythm and rhyme Poetry Terms - Quia quiz; tools a poet uses to convey a message
Identify examples within context of similes, metaphors, alliteration, onomatopoeia, personification, and hyperbole. 8.1.15 T	A one-page handout giving examples of each poetic device A concept map to use when you work with your students on these topics A Fun Way to Teach Similes - a lesson idea from Bruce Lansky Alliteration or Simile - Choose whether each statement is an alliterative phrase, simile or neither. Bud, Not Buddy - quizzes on similes & metaphors Matching | Flashcards | Concentration Chasing Metaphors - students explore the figurative language of metaphors by turning a series of objects, concepts, events, or characters into metaphors, first in written form and then by creating a video with images, text, and sound [Quick Time required] Do you know your metaphors ? - drag words to make a metaphor Do you know your similes ? - drag the nouns to complete a Simile (Refresh the page to get a new set.) Figurative Language - terms, definitions, and an example Figurative Language Quiz - alliteration, similes and metaphors, personification, connotation and imagery Literary Devices Quizzes - similes, metaphors, personification, slang/dialect and allusions - Matching | Concentration | Flashcards Metaphor Lists - a selection of metaphors by category, complete with sample usage and interpretation Metaphor Battleship Quiz - Quia quiz using the Battleship game format Metaphor Quiz - a five-question quiz at Quia Metaphor Quiz - a ten-question quiz at Quia Metaphor Quiz to print Poetic Devices - a classroom sign about the forms of poetic devices Poetry writing practice web . Practicing onomatopoeia, alliteration, rhyme, simile and metaphor Word Play 1 | Word Play 2 | Word Play 3 | Word Play 4 | Word Play 5 | Word Play 6 Simile lesson with a printable quiz Simile Quiz to print Similes and Metaphors - Identify the comparison in each sentence as a simile or a metaphor [ignore the email address blank].
Choose a logical word or phrase to complete an analogy, using scrambled words and homophones in addition to previously learned analogies. 8.1.16 V	Fact Monster Analogy of the Day Analogy Quiz which requires students to type the word to complete the analogy Analogy Lesson from Diana Dell Analogy quiz 1 at Quia posted by Diana Dell Analogy quiz 2 at Quia posted by Diana Dell Awesome Analogies for one or two players - posted at Quia Discovery School Analogy Quizzes AnalogyQuiz8 AnalogyQuiz9 AnalogyQuiz10 Puzz.com has a quiz with 152 analogies - pick one or two a day and practice this valuable skill Analogy PowerPoint Show template - you make modifications to use with your students
Recognize and identify the techniques of propaganda (i.e., bandwagon, loaded words, and testimonials). 8.1.17 T	Text Types- Online game helping learn about the different text types such as persuasion, informative, descriptive, or instructive. Analyzing Political Ads - Students will view current political ads and learn how they make use of various commercial ad appeals. Students will also develop familiarity with basic videography terms. Affluenza: A PBS Program - Lessons such as "Be an Adbuster!" and "What are Advertisers Selling?" are based on Affluenza, a one-hour television special that explores the high social and environmental costs of materialism and over consumption. The lessons can be used without the video.
Recognize the author’s point of view (i.e., first person, third person, limited, or omniscient). 8.1.18 C	Point of View - Exploring Point of View Point of View - Definition of Point of view Point of View and Why it is important - Ian Bone; PDF format Point of View Exercise - Can use this as a class activity Point of View - Two Heads Aren't Always Better Than One - suggestions regarding choosing a point of view for your writing Point of View - Beginning Writer's Craft ( free web host; could be blocked by some school filters) Characters and Point of View - " The point of view -- how you choose to tell your story -- determines the voice of your writing."
Determine how a story changes if the point of view is changed. 8.1.19 C	Point of View; Third Person - lesson plan
Recognize commonly used foreign phrases (e.g., e pluribus unum, c’est la vie, bon jour, hasta la vista, bon voyage, mi casa es su casa). 8.1.20 V	Foreign Words and Phrases - The English meanings given are not necessarily literal translations. Common foreign phrases - Select a language and find familiar phrases. Common Foreign Words and Phrases - How many foreign phrases do you know? Can you guess the translation?
Identify examples of sound devices within context (e.g., rhyme, alliteration, assonance, slant thyme, repetition, and internal rhyme). 8.1.21 T	A concept map to use when you work with your students on these topics Poetic Devices - a classroom sign about the forms of poetic devices Shakespearean alliteration insults - have fun while reinforcing the concept of alliteration
Recognize and identify words within context that reveal particular time periods and cultures. 8.1.22 C
Determine the influence of culture and ethnicity on the themes and issues of literary texts. 8.1.23 MG	Proverbs Around the World - Analyze information and assess meaning from prior knowledge - Print this sheet and have group discussions on meanings.
Identify how the author reveals character (e.g., physical characteristics, dialog, what others say about him, and what he does). 8.1.24 C	Writing Dialogue - "Personally, I think dialogue can make or break a story. Here are some tips I’ve discovered that may help you with yours," said Elizabeth Rose. Writing Dialogue - This is a dialogue sheet which can be used to teach students to include the basic characteristics of good dialogue in their own writing. The form may be modified to include whatever characteristics the instructor desires. 12 Exercises for Improving Dialogue from the Writer's Resource Center Narrative and Dialogue - A Contrast In Writing Styles
Recognize literacy elements that shape meaning within context (e.g., symbolism, foreshadowing, flashback, irony, mood, and tone). 8.1.25 C	Using Eudora Welty's The Ponder Heart to illustrate verbal and situational irony Critical Concepts - Verbal Irony Critical Concepts - Dramatic Irony
Identify instances of bias and stereotyping in print and non print contexts. 8.1.26 T	Using Picture Books to Explore Identity, Stereotyping, and Discrimination - Lesson plan with handouts. Censorship in the Classroom - Lesson plan with handouts Native Americans - EdSITEment Lesson plan Holiday Stereotyping - Lesson Plan with handouts
Recognize the effect of stressed and unstressed syllables to aid in identifying the meaning of multiple meaning words. 8.1.27 V	Stressed and unstressed syllables - Use these rules to help with base words. Word emphasis - change meaning of sentence by the stress put on words.
Read a passage and answer questions to show comprehension.	Eighth Grade Reading - Read the introduction and the passage that follows. Then read each question and mark the circle next to the correct answer. How are They Selling It - students read three advertisements and evaluate the type of persuasive writing being employed Inflation in Russia - read and answer questions Looking for the Fine Print - students read advertisements to practice reading critically Read a Contract - and answer questions Reading Comprehension Quiz - Online quiz Reading Comprehension stories - Interactive quizzes online for 5 stories - Each text is followed by a grammar exercise and summary writing exercise. Reading Exercises - Comprehension, Fill in and Sequencing What are They Selling - students critically evaluate six advertisements
Identify individual written selections as technical, narrative, persuasive, and/or descriptive in mode. T	Persuasive Writing The Five Paragraph Essay Wizard - Persuasive Essay and prompts (Note: this free site will occasionally exceed its allocated data transfer) The Power of Persuasive Writing is a three week communication skills and interdisciplinary middle school Internet project. (a WebQuest) Which Writing? (6-8) Students choose an appropriate format for writing.
Review Help
ISAT	Sample Tests - released sample items from the Illinois State Board of Education
Released tests	FCAT Sample Reading Test - [ 2008 ] sample questions and test taking tips FCAT Sample Answer Book - [ 2008 ] FCAT Sample Writing Test - [ 2008 ] sample questions and test taking tips FCAT Sample Answer Book - [ 2008 ] Texas end-of-year reading test from 2003
Testing Reviews	Grade Eight English Questions - Nine weekly sheets to print and distribute (read selections and answer questions) Eight Grade Reading Test - Online quiz that covers most areas of Standardized testing. Click on Return to Program to begin test. Reading Comprehension stories - Interactive quizzes online for 5 stories - Each text is followed by a grammar exercise and summary writing exercise.
Online Reading Skills Practice	Online Lessons - Cloze exercises, speed reading and more Online Practice for Reading - Many choices of text selections - Choose specific activity from the frame on the left to practice skills. Cloze Tests Exercises - Scroll to find Cloze tests in the list of Tests and Exercises. Cloze Test: (Reading test - Proficiency level) - Students are to complete the text with one word in each gap. Cloze Test: (Exploration - Why in the World?) - Students are to complete the text with one word in each gap. Cloze Test: (Juliet) - longing for Romeo to arrive - Act III, Scene 2. Cloze Test: (The Chink) - A long (and fairly difficult) cloze exercise about the experiences of a young man of Japanese extraction during World War Two.

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