Grade 08 ELA - Standard: CC.1.5.8.B

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

CC.1.5.8.B CC.1.5.8.B

Delineate a speaker’s argument and specific claims, evaluating the soundness of the reasoning and the relevance and sufficiency of the evidence.

Activities

Identify a speaker’s position and central argument.
Identify specific claims used to support a speaker’s position.

Summarize a speaker’s central argument and specific claims made to support the argument.
Infer a speaker’s point of view on a particular topic.

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

Answer Key/Rubric

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