Common Core State Standards

Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.

Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words or phrases based on grade 8 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.

Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while attending to the norms and conventions of the discipline in which they are writing.

Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.

Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

Interpret figures of speech (e.g. verbal irony, puns) in context.

Use verbs in the active and passive voice and in the conditional and subjunctive mood to achieve particular effects (e.g., emphasizing the actor or the action; expressing uncertainty or describing a state contrary to fact).

Spell correctly.

Use punctuation (comma, ellipsis, dash) to indicate a pause or break.