The eighth-grade student must demonstrate a basic understanding of culturally written texts. In analyzing an author's writing, the student should be able to recognize denotation and connotation. The student is expected to demonstrate an ability to summarize and look for details. Student should be familiar with vocabulary words and have the ability to use context clues to answer questions.
The student is expected to apply knowledge of various literary elements to show an understanding of culturally diverse written texts. The student is expected to understand character traits, conflicts and motives, as well as the effects of the character's relationships and how the character may change throughout the text. The student should be familiar with literary elements that include plot and conflicts, as well as the setting and the meaning of the story.
The student is expected to use different strategies to analyze culturally diverse written texts. Throughout the written text the student is expected to recognize organizational clues like cause and effect and chronological order. The student will look for character similarities and difference, and be able to determine the author's purpose and perspective. The student should also be able to complete graphic organizers.
The eighth-grade student must be able to apply critical thinking skills in order to analyze culturally diverse written texts. The student should be able to recognize when information is implied and not written out. She should be able to understand in depth meaning, make responsible predictions and form logical conclusions with support. The student should be able to determine the difference between fact and opinion, and be able to analyze the concepts of style, tone and mood. The student is also expected to analyze the author's presentation of ideas and be able to connect themes and issues throughout the text.
A variety of reading selections are on the TAKS test. Narrative selections may include fictional diary entries, letters and stories, with a clear progression of events. Expository selections will provide information about people or events of note, or be based on topics related to art, music, science or social studies. Mixed selections will combine two types of writing into one passage that may include both fictional and factual dialogue, or be a narrative with functional writing, such as an advertisement. Paired selections are different passages designed to be read together, such as a story from two different points of view.