Grade 8 standards

Math

The number system

8.NS.A.1 Know irrational numbers; show rationals have eventually repeating decimals · 2 Peabody pages
8.NS.A.2 Approximate irrational numbers with rationals to compare and locate them · 2 Peabody pages

Expressions and equations

8.EE.A.1 Apply integer exponent properties to generate equivalent numerical expressions · 2 Peabody pages
8.EE.A.2 Use square and cube root symbols to solve x-squared and x-cubed equations · 2 Peabody pages
8.EE.A.3 Estimate very large or small quantities using single-digit times powers of ten · 2 Peabody pages
8.EE.A.4 Operate with scientific notation and choose units of suitable size · 2 Peabody pages
8.EE.B.5 Graph proportional relationships, reading the unit rate as slope · 2 Peabody pages
8.EE.B.6 Use similar triangles to explain slope and line equations · 2 Peabody pages
8.EE.C.7 Solve linear equations in one variable · 2 Peabody pages
8.EE.C.7a Identify one, infinitely many, or no solutions by transforming equations
8.EE.C.7b Solve equations with rational coefficients, using distribution and combining terms
8.EE.C.8 Analyze and solve pairs of simultaneous linear equations · 2 Peabody pages
8.EE.C.8a Read solutions of two-equation systems as intersection points of graphs
8.EE.C.8b Solve two-variable systems algebraically, estimate by graphing, or by inspection
8.EE.C.8c Solve real-world problems that lead to two linear equations in two variables

Functions

8.F.A.1 Define a function as a rule giving exactly one output per input · 2 Peabody pages
8.F.A.2 Compare two functions given in different representations · 2 Peabody pages
8.F.A.3 Interpret y = mx + b as a linear function; give nonlinear examples · 2 Peabody pages
8.F.B.4 Build linear function models; find rate of change and initial value · 2 Peabody pages
8.F.B.5 Describe a function's qualitative behavior from a graph; sketch from a description · 2 Peabody pages

Geometry

8.G.A.1 Verify that rotations, reflections and translations preserve geometric properties · 2 Peabody pages
8.G.A.1a Show rigid motions take lines to lines and segments to equal-length segments
8.G.A.1b Show rigid motions take angles to angles of the same measure
8.G.A.1c Show rigid motions take parallel lines to parallel lines
8.G.A.2 Show congruence via a sequence of rotations, reflections and translations · 2 Peabody pages
8.G.A.3 Describe effects of dilations and rigid motions on figures using coordinates · 2 Peabody pages
8.G.A.4 Show similarity via a sequence of rigid motions and dilations · 2 Peabody pages
8.G.A.5 Use informal arguments on triangle angle sums, parallel lines and AA similarity · 2 Peabody pages
8.G.B.6 Explain a proof of the Pythagorean Theorem and its converse · 2 Peabody pages
8.G.B.7 Apply the Pythagorean Theorem to find unknown sides in 2D and 3D problems · 2 Peabody pages
8.G.B.8 Apply the Pythagorean Theorem to find distances between coordinate points · 2 Peabody pages
8.G.C.9 Use volume formulas for cones, cylinders and spheres in problems · 2 Peabody pages

Statistics and probability

8.SP.A.1 Build scatter plots and describe association patterns in bivariate data
8.SP.A.2 Informally fit a straight line to scatter plots and judge the fit
8.SP.A.3 Use linear model equations, interpreting slope and intercept in context
8.SP.A.4 Build two-way tables to show association between categorical variables

English language arts

Reading literature

RL.8.1 Cite the strongest evidence for explicit and inferred meaning
RL.8.2 Analyze a theme's development and its link to story elements
RL.8.3 Show how dialogue or incidents move plot and reveal character
RL.8.4 Work out word meanings and how word choice and allusions shape tone
RL.8.5 Compare how two texts' structures differ and shape meaning
RL.8.6 Analyze how differing viewpoints create suspense or humor
RL.8.7 Judge how faithful a film or stage version is to its source
RL.8.9 Examine how modern fiction reworks myths, folktales, or religious texts
RL.8.10 Read grade 6-8 literature independently and proficiently by year's end

Reading informational text

RI.8.1 Cite the strongest text evidence for explicit and inferred ideas
RI.8.2 Trace a central idea's development and its link to supporting ideas
RI.8.3 Show how a text connects individuals, ideas, or events through comparisons
RI.8.4 Work out word meanings and how word choice shapes tone and meaning
RI.8.5 Analyze in detail the role of particular sentences in one paragraph
RI.8.6 Analyze how an author answers opposing views and conflicting evidence
RI.8.7 Weigh pros and cons of print, digital, video, or multimedia formats
RI.8.8 Evaluate an argument's reasoning and evidence, spotting irrelevant material
RI.8.9 Analyze texts that conflict on facts or interpretation
RI.8.10 Read grade 6-8 nonfiction independently and proficiently by year's end

Writing

W.8.1 Build arguments from reasons and evidence that support a claim · 2 Peabody pages
W.8.1a Introduce claims, separate them from opposing ones, organize logically
W.8.1b Back claims with sound logic and credible, accurate sources
W.8.1c Use cohesive links among claims, counterclaims, reasons, and evidence
W.8.1d Write formally from beginning to end
W.8.1e Conclude with a statement that follows from the reasoning given
W.8.2 Inform readers by choosing, arranging, and examining pertinent content
W.8.2a Introduce the topic clearly, group ideas into broader categories, add visuals
W.8.2b Develop the topic with well-chosen facts, definitions, details, quotes, examples
W.8.2c Use varied transitions to build cohesion between ideas
W.8.2d Choose precise, subject-specific language to inform the reader
W.8.2e Maintain formal language from the first line to the last
W.8.2f Finish with a statement that supports the explanation given
W.8.3 Write stories, real or invented, using technique, details, and sequenced events
W.8.3a Establish context and point of view, introduce narrator or characters, sequence events
W.8.3b Use dialogue, pacing, description, and reflection to develop experiences
W.8.3c Use transitions for sequence, time or place shifts, and event links
W.8.3d Select precise words and sensory detail to capture action and events
W.8.3e End with a conclusion that reflects on the narrated events
W.8.4 Produce writing whose structure and style fit task, purpose, audience
W.8.5 Strengthen writing through planning, revising, and editing with peer or adult input
W.8.6 Use digital tools to publish, share information efficiently, and collaborate
W.8.7 Carry out short research, including self-made questions that open new lines
W.8.8 Collect information from varied sources, check reliability, and follow a citation format
W.8.9 Support analysis and research by citing evidence from stories and nonfiction
W.8.9a Apply grade 8 reading skills to modern fiction that reworks old myths
W.8.9b Apply grade 8 reading skills to judging nonfiction reasoning and relevance
W.8.10 Write often over short and long time frames for varied disciplines and aims

Speaking and listening

SL.8.1 Join varied discussions, connecting several speakers' ideas and building on them
SL.8.1a Come ready, citing evidence from reading to probe the topic
SL.8.1b Follow discussion rules and decision steps, track goals, assign roles
SL.8.1c Ask questions that link speakers' points and reply with evidence and reasoning
SL.8.1d Accept new information and qualify or defend your views based on evidence
SL.8.2 Assess purpose and motives behind information in varied formats
SL.8.3 Judge a speaker's argument, noting weak reasoning and irrelevant evidence
SL.8.4 Deliver focused presentations with strong evidence and polished speaking
SL.8.5 Add multimedia that clarifies points, strengthens claims, and adds interest
SL.8.6 Shift speech style for context and task, using formal English as needed

Language

L.8.1 Apply standard grammar and usage rules in speaking and writing
L.8.1a Explain what gerunds, participles, and infinitives do in sentences
L.8.1b Build and apply active and passive verb voice
L.8.1c Form verbs across five moods: indicative, imperative, interrogative, conditional, subjunctive
L.8.1d Catch and fix unwanted shifts in verb voice or mood
L.8.2 Use conventional capitalization, punctuation, and spelling in your writing
L.8.2a Use commas, dashes, or ellipses to mark a pause or break
L.8.2b Use an ellipsis to show something has been left out
L.8.2c Spell words accurately · 2 Peabody pages
L.8.3 Draw on language conventions for writing, speaking, reading, and listening
L.8.3a Use active or passive voice and conditional or subjunctive mood for specific effects
L.8.4 Work out meanings of unfamiliar or multiple-meaning words with flexible strategies
L.8.4a Read surrounding sentences for clues to a word's meaning
L.8.4b Decode words using Greek or Latin prefixes and roots · 2 Peabody pages
L.8.4c Consult references to find a word's sound, precise sense, or role
L.8.4d Confirm a first guess at a word's meaning by checking context or a dictionary
L.8.5 Grasp figurative language, word relationships, and nuances of meaning
L.8.5a Interpret figures of speech such as verbal irony and puns in context · 2 Peabody pages
L.8.5b Use how two words relate to clarify what each one means
L.8.5c Tell apart near-synonyms by their connotations
L.8.6 Use grade-level academic and domain-specific words precisely, checking uncertain ones

© Copyright 2010. National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and Council of Chief State School Officers. All rights reserved. Standards are listed here by code with our own summaries; the official text is at corestandards.org.