English / Information & Technology Literacy  Matrix Grade 8

A.     Reading and Literature
B.    Writing
C.    Oral Language
D.    Language
E.    Media and Technology
F.    Research and Inquiry

A. Media and Technology
B. Information and Inquiry
C. Independent Learning
D. The Learning Community

• choose materials at appropriate developmental levels—C.8.3
• identify and select materials that reflect diverse perspectives—C.8.3
• identify characteristics of common literary forms—C.8.3
• recognize how words, images, sounds, and illustrations can be constructed to convey specific messages, viewpoints, and values—C.8.3

• Use knowledge of sentence and word structure, word origins, visual images, and context clues to understand unfamiliar words and clarify passages of text

• compare and integrate new information with prior knowledge—B.8.6
• recognize how words, images, sounds, and illustrations can be constructed to convey specific messages, viewpoints, and values—C.8.3

• Use knowledge of the visual features of texts, such as headings and bold face print, and structures of texts, such as chronology and cause-and-effect, as aids to comprehension

• analyze and evaluate information presented in charts, graphs, and tables—B.8.4
• recognize how words, images, sounds, and illustrations can be constructed to convey specific messages, viewpoints, and values—C.8.3

• Establish purposeful reading and writing habits by using texts to find information, gain understanding of diverse viewpoints, make decisions, and enjoy the experience of reading

• Select, summarize, paraphrase, analyze, and evaluate, orally and in writing, passages of texts chosen for specific purposes

• examine selected resources for pertinent information using previewing techniques to scan for major concepts and keywords—B.8.4
• determine if information is timely, valid, accurate, comprehensive, and relevant—B.8.4
• use notetaking strategies including summarizing and paraphrasing—B.8.5
• record concise notes in a prescribed manner, including bibliographic information—B.8.5
• organize and compare information using graphic organizers, storyboarding, and other relational techniques—B.8.5
• analyze information for relevance to the question—B.8.6
• analyze findings to determine need for additional information—B.8.6
• gather and synthesize additional information as needed—B.8.6
• draw conclusions to address the problem or question—B.8.6
• identify and use personal criteria for choosing literature and other creative expressions of information—C.8.2
• relate literature and creative expressions of information to other literature or creative expressions of information—C.8.2

• Identify the defining features and structure of literary texts, such as conflict, representation of character, and point of view

• distinguish between fact and opinion; recognize point of view or bias—B.8.4
• identify characteristics of common literary forms—C.8.3

• Analyze the effect of characters, plot, setting, language, topic, style, purpose, and point of view on the overall impact of literature

• recognize how words, images, sounds, and illustrations can be constructed to convey specific messages, viewpoints, and values—C.8.3

• Draw on a broad base of knowledge about the genres of literature, such as the structure and conventions of essays, epics, fables, myths, plays, poems, short stories, and novels, when interpreting the meaning of a literary work

• evaluate possible sources of information based on criteria of timeliness, genre, point of view, bias, and authority—B.8.2
• relate literature and creative expressions of information to other literature or creative expressions of information—C.8.2
• identify characteristics of common literary forms—C.8.3

• Develop criteria to evaluate literary merit and explain critical opinions about a text, either informally in conversation or formally in a well-organized speech or essay

• determine the audience and purpose for the product or presentation—B.8.7
• identify possible communication or production formats—B.8.7
• select a presentation format appropriate to the topic, audience, purpose, content, and technology available—B.8.7
• identify and use personal criteria for choosing literature and other creative expressions of information—C.8.2

• Provide interpretive responses, orally and in writing, to literary and nonliterary texts representing the diversity of American cultural heritage and cultures of the world

• relate literature and creative expressions of information to other literature or creative expressions of information—C.8.2
• identify and select materials that reflect diverse perspectives—C.8.3

• Identify common historical, social, and cultural themes and issues in literary works and selected passages

• identify and select materials that reflect diverse perspectives—C.8.3

• Draw on a broad base of knowledge about the themes, ideas, and insights found in classical literature while reading, interpreting, and reflecting on contemporary texts

• compare and integrate new information with prior knowledge—B.8.6
• relate literature and creative expressions of information to other literature or creative expressions of information—C.8.2

• Evaluate the themes and main ideas of a work considering its audience and purpose

• determine the audience and purpose for the product or presentation—B.8.7

• Interpret and use technical resources such as charts, tables, travel schedules, timelines, and manuals

• identify the various organizational patterns used in different kinds of reference books—A.8.2
• use electronic encyclopedias, almanacs, indexes, and catalogs to retrieve and select information—A.8.2
• access information using a modem or network connection to the Internet or other on-line information services—A.8.4
• use basic search engines and directories to locate resources on a specific topic—A.8.4
• determine if information is timely, valid, accurate, comprehensive, and relevant—B.8.4
• analyze and evaluate information presented in charts, graphs, and tables—B.8.4

• Compare, contrast, and evaluate the relative accuracy and usefulness of information from different sources

• organize and compare information using graphic organizers, storyboarding, and other relational techniques—B.8.5

• Identify and explain information, main ideas, and organization found in a variety of informational passages

• examine selected resources for pertinent information using previewing techniques to scan for major concepts and keywords—B.8.4

• Distinguish between the facts found in documents, narratives, charts, maps, tables, and other sources and the generalizations and interpretations that are drawn from them

• differentiate between primary and secondary sources--B.8.4
• distinguish between fact and opinion; recognize point of view or bias—B.8.4
• analyze and evaluate information presented in charts, graphs, and tables—B.8.4
• locate indicators of authority for all sources of information—B.8.4

• Write a coherent and complete expository piece, with sufficient detail to fulfill its purpose, sufficient evidence to support its assertions, language appropriate for its intended audience, and organization achieved through clear coordination and subordination of ideas

• Write a persuasive piece (such as a letter to a specific person or a script promoting a particular product) that includes a clear position, a discernible tone, and a coherent argument with reliable evidence

• determine if information is timely, valid, accurate, comprehensive, and relevant—B.8.4
• locate indicators of authority for all sources of information—B.8.4

• Write a narrative based on experience that uses descriptive language and detail effectively, presents a sequence of events, and reveals a theme

• Write clear and pertinent responses to verbal or visual material that communicate, explain, and interpret the reading or viewing experience to a specific audience

• analyze and evaluate information presented in charts, graphs, and tables—B.8.4
• organize information in a systematic manner appropriate to question, audience, and intended format of presentation—B.8.5

• Write creative fiction that includes major and minor characters, a coherent plot, effective imagery, descriptive language, and concrete detail

• Write in a variety of situations (during an exam, in a computer lab) and adapt strategies, such as revision, technology, and the use of reference materials, to the situation

• Use a variety of writing technologies including pen and paper as well as computers

• demonstrate touch keyboarding skills at acceptable speed and accuracy levels (suggested range 20-25 wpm)—A.8.1
• explain the use of basic word processing functions (e.g., menu, tool bars, dialog boxes, radio buttons, spell checker, thesaurus, page layout, headers and footers, word count, tabs)—A.8.3
• use the spell checker and thesaurus functions of a word processing program—A.8.3
• move textual and graphics data from one document to another—A.8.3
• use graphics software to import pictures, images, and charts into documents—A.8.3
• use a graphical organizer program to construct outlines or webs that organize ideas and information—A.8.3
• compose a class report using advanced text formatting and layout styles (e.g., single and double spacing, different size and style of fonts, indents, headers and footers, pagination, table of contents, bibliography)—A.8.3
• incorporate database and spreadsheet information (e.g., charts, graphs, lists) in word-processed documents—A.8.3
• send an e-mail message with an attachment to several persons simultaneously—A.8.4
• use draw, paint, or graphics software to create visuals that will enhance a class project or report—A.8.5

• Write for a variety of readers, including peers, teachers, and other adults, adapting content, style, and structure to audience and situation

• organize information in a systematic manner appropriate to question, audience, and intended format of presentation—B.8.5
• determine the audience and purpose for the product or presentation—B.8.7

• Produce multiple drafts, including finished pieces, that demonstrate the capacity to generate, focus, and organize ideas and to revise the language, organization, content, and tone of successive drafts in order to fulfill a specific purpose for communicating with a specific audience

• use graphics software to import pictures, images, and charts into documents—A.8.3
• use a graphical organizer program to construct outlines or webs that organize ideas and information—A.8.3
• compose a class report using advanced text formatting and layout styles (e.g., single and double spacing, different size and style of fonts, indents, headers and footers, pagination, table of contents, bibliography)—A.8.3
• incorporate database and spreadsheet information (e.g., charts, graphs, lists) in word-processed documents—A.8.3
• use draw, paint, or graphics software to create visuals that will enhance a class project or report—A.8.5
• organize information in a systematic manner appropriate to question, audience, and intended format of presentation—B.8.5
• determine the audience and purpose for the product or presentation—B.8.7

• Identify questions and strategies for improving drafts in writing conferences with a teacher

• Given a writing assignment to be completed in a limited amount of time, produce a well developed, well organized, and effective response in correct English and an appropriate voice

• evaluate progress and quality of personal learning—C.8.4

• Understand the function of words, phrases, and clauses in a sentence and use them effectively, including coordinate and subordinate conjunctions, relative pronouns, and comparative adjectives

• use the spell checker and thesaurus functions of a word processing program—A.8.3

• Use correct tenses to indicate the relative order of events

• Understand and employ principles of agreement, including subject-verb, pronoun-noun, and preposition-pronoun

• Punctuate compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences correctly

• Employ the conventions of capitalization

• Spell frequently used words correctly and use effective strategies for spelling unfamiliar words

• use the spell checker and thesaurus functions of a word processing program—A.8.3

• Share brief impromptu remarks about topics of interest to oneself and others

• identify topics of interest and seek relevant information about them—C.8.1

• Speaking from notes or an outline, relate an experience in descriptive detail, with a sense of timing and decorum appropriate to the occasion

• Perform expressive oral readings of prose, poetry, and drama

• Present a coherent, comprehensive report on differing viewpoints on an issue, evaluating the content of the material presented, and organizing the presentation in a manner appropriate to the audience

• select multiple sources that reflect differing or supporting points of view—B.8.2
• organize information in a systematic manner appropriate to question, audience, and intended format of presentation—B.8.5
• determine the audience and purpose for the product or presentation—B.8.7
• select a presentation format appropriate to the topic, audience, purpose, content, and technology available—B.8.7

• determine the audience and purpose for the product or presentation—B.8.7
• select a presentation format appropriate to the topic, audience, purpose, content, and technology available—B.8.7

• Observe the appropriate etiquette when expressing thanks and receiving praise

• Summarize and explain the information conveyed in an oral communication, accounting for the key ideas, structure, and relationship of parts to the whole

• Distinguish among purposes for listening, such as gaining information or being entertained, and take notes as appropriate

• identify whether the purpose of the product or presentation is to inform, entertain, or persuade—B.4.7
• use notetaking strategies including summarizing and paraphrasing—B.8.5

• Recall significant details and sequence accurately

• Follow a speaker’s argument and represent it in notes

• use notetaking strategies including summarizing and paraphrasing—B.8.5

• Evaluate the reliability of information in a communication, using criteria based on prior knowledge of the speaker, the topic, and the context and on analysis of logic, evidence, propaganda devices, and language

• distinguish between fact and opinion; recognize point of view or bias—B.8.4
• determine if information is timely, valid, accurate, comprehensive, and relevant—B.8.4
• locate indicators of authority for all sources of information—B.8.4

• Participate in discussion by listening attentively, demonstrating respect for the opinions of others, and responding responsibly and courteously to the remarks of others

• participate in decisions about group and classroom projects and learning objectives—C.8.4
• collaborate with others to identify information needs and seek solutions—D.8.1
• demonstrate acceptance to new ideas and strategies from workgroup members—D.8.1

• Explain and advance opinions by citing evidence and referring to sources

• locate indicators of authority for all sources of information—B.8.4
• record sources of information in a standardized bibliographic format—B.8.5
• cite the source for words which are quoted verbatim and for pictures, graphics, and audio or video segments which are used in a product or presentation—D.8.3

• Evaluate the stated ideas and opinions of others, seeking clarification through questions

• Invite ideas and opinions of others into the discussion, responding clearly and tactfully to questions and comments

• collaborate with others to identify information needs and seek solutions—D.8.1

• Accept and use helpful criticism

• Establish and maintain an open mind when listening to others’ ideas and opinions

• Summarize the main points of a discussion, orally and in writing, specifying areas of agreement and disagreement and paraphrasing contributions

• Display and maintain facial expressions, body language, and other response cues that indicate respect for the speaker and attention to the discussion

• Attend to the content of discussion rather than the speaker

• Participate in discussion without dominating

• collaborate with others to identify information needs and seek solutions—D.8.1

• Distinguish between supported and unsupported statements

• select multiple sources that reflect differing or supporting points of view—B.8.2
• distinguish between fact and opinion; recognize point of view or bias—B.8.4
• locate indicators of authority for all sources of information—B.8.4

• Consult dictionaries, thesauruses, handbooks, and grammar texts when choosing words, phrases, and expressions for use in oral and written presentations

• identify the various organizational patterns used in different kinds of reference books—A.8.2
• use electronic encyclopedias, almanacs, indexes, and catalogs to retrieve and select information—A.8.2
• use the spell checker and thesaurus functions of a word processing program—A.8.3
• use biographical dictionaries, thesauri, and other common reference tools in both print and electronic formats—B.8.3

• Explain how writers and speakers choose words and use figurative language such as similes, metaphors, personification, hyperbole, and allusion to achieve specific effects

• Choose words purposefully and evaluate the use of words in communications designed to inform, explain, and persuade

• identify whether the purpose of the product or presentation is to inform, entertain, or persuade—B.4.7
• recognize how words, images, sounds, and illustrations can be constructed to convey specific messages, viewpoints, and values—C.8.3

• Describe how American English is used in various public and private contexts, such as school, home, and work

• Make appropriate choices when speaking and writing, such as formal or informal language, considering the purpose and context of the communication

• determine the purpose of a specific production or presentation—A.8.6
• select a presentation format appropriate to the topic, audience, purpose, content, and technology available—B.8.7

• Evaluate how audience and context affect the selection and use of words and phrases, including technical terms, slang, and jargon

• determine the audience and purpose for the product or presentation—B.8.7
• select a presentation format appropriate to the topic, audience, purpose, content, and technology available—B.8.7

A.8.5 Use media and technology to create and present information

• Demonstrate efficient word-processing skills

• demonstrate touch keyboarding skills at acceptable speed and accuracy levels (suggested range 20-25 wpm)—A.8.1
• use the spell checker and thesaurus functions of a word processing program—A.8.3
• move textual and graphics data from one document to another—A.8.3
• use graphics software to import pictures, images, and charts into documents—A.8.3
• use a graphical organizer program to construct outlines or webs that organize ideas and information—A.8.3
• compose a class report using advanced text formatting and layout styles (e.g., single and double spacing, different size and style of fonts, indents, headers and footers, pagination, table of contents, bibliography)—A.8.3

• Construct and use simple databases

• classify collected data and construct a simple database by defining fields, entering and sorting data, and producing a report—A.8.3
• incorporate database and spreadsheet information (e.g., charts, graphs, lists) in word-processed documents—A.8.3
• use an on-line catalog and other databases of print and electronic resources—B.8.3
• recognize differences in searching bibliographic records, abstracts, or full text databases—B.8.3
• search for information by subject, author, title, and keyword—B.8.3

• Use manuals and on-screen help in connection with computer applications

• Perform basic computer operations on various platforms

• demonstrate the correct operation of a computer system on a network—A.8.1
• organize and backup files on a computer disk, drive, server, or other storage device—A.8.1
• capture, edit, and combine video segments using a multimedia computer with editing software or a video editing system—A.8.1

• Collect information from various on-line sources, such as web pages, news groups, and listservs

• access information using a modem or network connection to the Internet or other on-line information services—A.8.4
• view, print, save, and open a document from the Internet or other on-line sources—A.8.4
• use basic search engines and directories to locate resources on a specific topic—A.8.4
• demonstrate efficient Internet navigation—A.8.4
• organize World Wide Web bookmarks by subject or topic—A.8.4
• use an on-line catalog and other databases of print and electronic resources—B.8.3
• search for information by subject, author, title, and keyword—B.8.3
• use Boolean operators with human or programmed guidance to narrow or broaden searches—B.8.3
• use biographical dictionaries, thesauri, and other common reference tools in both print and electronic formats—B.8.3
• use a search engine to locate appropriate Internet or Intranet resources—B.8.3

• Recognize common structural features found in print and broadcast advertising

• recognize how words, images, sounds, and illustrations can be constructed to convey specific messages, viewpoints, and values—C.8.3

• Identify and explain the use of stereotypes and biases evident in various media

• evaluate possible sources of information based on criteria of timeliness, genre, point of view, bias, and authority—B.8.2
• distinguish between fact and opinion; recognize point of view or bias—B.8.4

• Compare the effect of particular symbols and images seen in various media

• recognize how words, images, sounds, and illustrations can be constructed to convey specific messages, viewpoints, and values—C.8.3

• Develop criteria for selecting or avoiding specific broadcast programs and periodicals

• identify and use personal criteria for choosing literature and other creative expressions of information—C.8.2

• Write informational articles that target audiences of a variety of publications

• organize information in a systematic manner appropriate to question, audience, and intended format of presentation—B.8.5
• determine the audience and purpose for the product or presentation—B.8.7

• Use desktop publishing to produce products such as brochures and newsletters designed for particular organizations and audiences

• compose a class report using advanced text formatting and layout styles (e.g., single and double spacing, different size and style of fonts, indents, headers and footers, pagination, table of contents, bibliography)—A.8.3

• Create videotapes and audiotapes designed for particular audiences

• capture, edit, and combine video segments using a multimedia computer with editing software or a video editing system—A.8.1
• design and produce a multimedia program—A.8.5
• plan and deliver a presentation using media and technology appropriate to topic, audience, purpose, or content—A.8.5
• determine the audience and purpose for the product or presentation—B.8.7
• identify possible communication or production formats—B.8.7
• select a presentation format appropriate to the topic, audience, purpose, content, and technology available—B.8.7
• develop an original product or presentation which addresses the information problem or question—B.8.7

A.8.5 Use media and technology to create and present information

• Plan a promotion or campaign that involves broadcast and print media production and distribution

• develop an original product or presentation which addresses the information problem or question—B.8.7

• Analyze how messages may be affected by financial factors such as sponsorship

• Identify advertising strategies and techniques aimed at teenagers

• Revise media productions by adding, deleting, and adjusting the sequence and arrangement of information, images, or other content as necessary to improve focus, clarity, or effect

• capture, edit, and combine video segments using a multimedia computer with editing software or a video editing system—A.8.1
• use a graphics program to create or modify detail to an image or picture—A.8.2

• Develop criteria for comprehensive feedback on the quality of media work and use it during production

• describe the effectiveness of the media and technology used in a production or presentation—A.8.6
• identify criteria for judging the technical quality of a production or presentation—A.8.6
• judge how well the production or presentation meets identified criteria—A.8.6
• recommend ways to improve future productions or presentations—A.8.6

B. Information and Inquiry

B.8.8 Evaluate the information product and process

• Formulate research questions and focus investigation on relevant and accessible sources of information

• identify the information problem or question to be resolved—B.8.1
• relate what is already known to the information need—B.8.1
• formulate general and specific research questions using a variety of questioning skills—B.8.1
• revise and narrow the information questions to focus on the information need—B.8.1
• identify relevant sources of information including print, nonprint, electronic, human, and community resources—B.8.2
• focus search strategies on matching information needs with available resources—B.8.2

• Use multiple sources to identify and locate information pertinent to research including encyclopedias, almanacs, dictionaries, library catalogs, indexes to periodicals, and various electronic search engines

• identify and select keywords and phrases for each source, recognizing that different sources use different terminology for similar concepts—B.8.2
• identify the classification system used in the school library media center, public library, and other local libraries--B.8.3
• locate materials using the classification systems of the school library media center and the public library—B.8.3
• use an on-line catalog and other databases of print and electronic resources—B.8.3
• recognize differences in searching bibliographic records, abstracts, or full text databases—B.8.3
• search for information by subject, author, title, and keyword—B.8.3
• use Boolean operators with human or programmed guidance to narrow or broaden searches—B.8.3
• use biographical dictionaries, thesauri, and other common reference tools in both print and electronic formats—B.8.3
• use a search engine to locate appropriate Internet or Intranet resources—B.8.3

• Conduct interviews, field studies, and experiments and use specialized resources (such as almanacs, fact books, pamphlets, and technical manuals) when appropriate to an investigation

• use electronic encyclopedias, almanacs, indexes, and catalogs to retrieve and select information—A.8.2
• recognize differences in searching bibliographic records, abstracts, or full text databases—B.8.3
• analyze and evaluate information presented in charts, graphs, and tables—B.8.4

• Compile, organize, and evaluate information, taking notes that record and summarize what has been learned and extending the investigation to other sources

• use notetaking strategies including summarizing and paraphrasing—B.8.5
• record concise notes in a prescribed manner, including bibliographic information—B.8.5
• cite the source of specific quotations or visuals using footnotes, endnotes, or internal citation formats—B.8.5
• organize and compare information using graphic organizers, storyboarding, and other relational techniques—B.8.5
• organize information in a systematic manner appropriate to question, audience, and intended format of presentation—B.8.5
• record sources of information in a standardized bibliographic format—B.8.5
• analyze findings to determine need for additional information—B.8.6
• gather and synthesize additional information as needed—B.8.6

• Review and evaluate the usefulness of information gathered in an investigation

• analyze findings to determine need for additional information—B.8.6
• gather and synthesize additional information as needed—B.8.6
• draw conclusions to address the problem or question—B.8.6

• Produce an organized written and oral report that presents and reflects on findings, draws sound conclusions, adheres to the conventions for preparing a manuscript, and gives proper credit to sources

• cite the source of specific quotations or visuals using footnotes, endnotes, or internal citation formats—B.8.5
• record sources of information in a standardized bibliographic format—B.8.5
• draw conclusions to address the problem or question—B.8.6
• identify possible communication or production formats—B.8.7
• select a presentation format appropriate to the topic, audience, purpose, content, and technology available—B.8.7
• develop an original product or presentation which addresses the information problem or question—B.8.7
• cite the source for words which are quoted verbatim and for pictures, graphics, and audio or video segments which are used in a product or presentation—D.8.3