Reading Comprehension for 8th Grade Students: End-of-Grade Reading Goals

Overview of 8th Grade Reading Comprehension

Vocabulary

Vocabulary development goals include being able to determine the meanings of words by identifying prefixes and suffixes. In addition to using traditional sources, your 8th grade child will be expected to learn unfamiliar words through connotation and context clues.

Comprehension of Informational Text

Your 8th grader should comprehend and evaluate informational text, such as textbooks, biographies, persuasive essays, letters, graphs and charts. They'll also be expected to use text features, such as headings, subheadings, captions and charts, to enhance reading comprehension. In addition, your 8th grader will be taught how to use multiple print and non-print sources to explore topics for research. Being able to infer meaning from a text and distinguishing fact from opinion are also important goals.

Comprehension of Literary Text

Another goal is to comprehend literature by understanding literary elements. For example, 8th graders will describe character traits, themes and settings in a literary work. In addition, they'll be able to determine aspects of plot and make predictions by identifying flashbacks and foreshadowing. Other goals and objectives include being able to compare types of figurative language, including similes, metaphors and symbolism.

Your child will be asked to reflect on what he or she has read and make personal connections. For example, how does your child's background or personal experiences affect his or her understanding of the text?

Argument and Critical Thinking

By the end of 8th grade, your child should recognize and be able to construct a coherent argumentative essay. This includes demonstrating an understanding of persuasive devices and research skills. For example, course content will include how to distinguish between primary and secondary sources, as well as how to choose reliable information. Another goal in this category is to recognize bias in media and how emotional slanting or semantics shapes an opinion or argument.