Grade 08 ELA - EC: E08.B-C.3.1.1

Continuum of Activities

The list below represents a continuum of activities: resources categorized by Standard/Eligible Content that teachers may use to move students toward proficiency. Using LEA curriculum and available materials and resources, teachers can customize the activity statements/questions for classroom use.

This continuum of activities offers:

Instructional activities designed to be integrated into planned lessons
Questions/activities that grow in complexity
Opportunities for differentiation for each student’s level of performance

Grade Levels

8th Grade

Course, Subject

English Language Arts

Related Academic Standards / Eligible Content

E08.B-C.3.1.1 E08.B-C.3.1.1

Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant and sufficient; recognize when irrelevant evidence is introduced.

Activities

Identify an author’s position and central argument in an informational text.
Identify specific claims used to support an author’s position.

Summarize an author’s central argument and specific claims made to support the argument in an informational text.
Infer an author’s point of view on a particular topic in an informational text.

Evaluate the soundness of an author’s position and claims used to support the position.
Differentiate relevant evidence from irrelevant evidence used by an author to support a position.

Answer Key/Rubric

Student correctly identifies an author’s position and central argument. An author’s position is identified as the main idea about a particular topic that is being discussed. A position also includes the central argument an author tries to persuade others to think about an issue or topic.
Student identifies specific claims used to support an author’s position. An author’s claims are identified as the evidence-based arguments and salient points that are used to support, explain, or defend a position.
Student summarizes an author’s central argument and specific claims made to support the argument. The student provides an accurate and concise summary of an author’s central argument and claims. The summary includes the ideas and other relevant details stated in an informational text.
Student accurately makes an inference regarding an author’s point of view on a particular topic. The inference made displays evidence of meaning gained from the informational text. The inference may include direct references to words or phrases used by an author that reveal the author’s point of view or stance on the topic or issue.
Student evaluates the soundness of both an author’s position and claims used to support the position. The evaluation makes direct references to the reasons provided by an author and assesses the strength, logic, and effectiveness of them.
Student differentiates relevant evidence from irrelevant evidence used by an author to support a position. To critique the relevancy of evidence, the student discusses the quality of the claims in relation to the position of the author.