Grade Level Reading Expectations: Eighth - Tenth Grade

Reading as a Literary Experience

Analyzes language used in terms of tone, and semantic, phonological, and syntactic patterning and figures of speech
Understands how authors use poetic license to make use of unusual word order for rhetorical or ironical emphasis
Gather sufficient information from a variety of sources to understand the text as fully as possible
Identifies the main eras in literature and some of the common and distinguishing traits
Identifies author's voice and sense when this changes for effect or when it is lost
Consider the kind of character (e.g. passage, chapter) to the whole and establishes its importance in terms of plot, character development or theme
Compares a work to others by the same author and considers the extent to which it is characteristic or uncharacteristic
Identifies which features of a genre affect acquisition or interpretation of meaning e.g. the nature and effect of dramatic dialogue, stage action, and symbolic stage images
Uses correct terminology and logical reasoning when reviewing works

Reading in Content Areas

Accepts that pace and style of reading changes according to form of material an purpose of reading
Uses a variety of written and visual resources, including technology, to access and retrieve relevant data for personal interest, to learn, or to complete an assignment
Analyzes different texts, comparing how verbal and visual features are organized and combined for different meanings, effects, purposes, and audiences
Take notes, synthesizes and prioritizes information according to purpose of reading
Understands how visual information can reflect, extend, or detract from text
Identifies trivia and biased information and makes an informed decision about its appropriateness in the text or for further use, e.g. in an assignment
Understands that some conventions used when reading connected text need to be adapted when reading or viewing graphic or illustrative material (e.g. reading a bar graph from bottom up
Skims and scans a page/opening/section to locate or determine relevant portion for reading
Interprets graphic data and reshapes in verbal forms or vice versa
Summarizes content and reshapes it for sharing with peers or for discussions and debates

Reading as a Literary Experience

Compiles a bank of words in English and compares them with words of similar meaning or similar phonological pattern of words in other languages.

Reading in Content Areas

Understands the derivation of some specialized vocabulary and how the meaning may differ from context to context, especially from one subject area to another
Uses glossary, dictionary (sometimes specialized), thesaurus, and other reference material to clarify meaning content and context-specific vocabulary
Develops a large bank of groups of words specific to a text form, graphics, topic or subject area, and purpose of reading

Reading as a Literary Experience

Evaluates how language features structures and conventions suit the topic, purpose, and form.
Understands how words have changed in meaning and use over time

Reading in Content Areas

Uses appropriate terminology when identifying, using, and evaluating specific conventions of verbal and visual language in a variety of text forms
Identifies words indicating purpose of reading or viewing and which give a clue as to the style of reading required
Identifies words indicating purpose of reading

Reading as a Literary Experience

Reads and rereads a wide range of texts for personal enjoyment
Selects and reads fluently, confidently, and independently a wide range of contemporary and historical texts in expressive, poetic, and transactional modes, including some with established critical reputations
Appreciates literature as a multi-faceted commentary on humanity
Applies critical skills and knowledge to make interpretative judgments about the quality of a work or selection of works
Reads fluently and competently, often within discussion reviewing books or author's style
Develops an appreciation of the development and range of literary genre.

Reading in Content Areas

Reads a range of nonfiction material for enjoyment and information
Checks validity of information through other sources, often being tenacious until satisfied with congruence
Keeps parameter of assignment in focus when gathering information, summarizing and paraphrasing as needed
Discusses successful reading strategies with peers and teacher and seeks help with difficult challenges
Thinks about the future and reads material likely to help make decisions about career opportunities
Develops an appreciation of the development and range of literary genre