Exploring literacy in cyberspace

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

English Language Arts (2004)

Grade 8

• Goal 1: The learner will use language to express individual perspectives through analysis of personal, social, cultural, and historical issues.
  • Objective 1.02: Analyze expressive materials that are read, heard, and viewed by:
    • monitoring comprehension for understanding of what is read, heard, and/or viewed.
    • reviewing the characteristics of expressive works.
    • determining the importance of literary effects on the reader/viewer/listener.
    • making connections between works, self and related topics.
    • drawing inferences.
    • generating a learning log or journal.
    • maintaining an annotated list of works that are read or viewed, including personal reactions.
    • taking an active role in and/or leading formal/informal book/media talks.
  • Objective 1.03: Interact in group activities and/or seminars in which the student:
    • shares personal reactions to questions raised.
    • gives reasons and cites examples from text in support of expressed opinions.
    • clarifies, illustrates, or expands on a response when asked to do so, and asks classmates for similar expansion.
• Goal 2: The learner will use and evaluate information from a variety of sources.
  • Objective 2.01: Analyze and evaluate informational materials that are read, heard, and/or viewed by:
    • monitoring comprehension for understanding of what is read, heard and/or viewed.
    • recognizing the characteristics of informational materials.
    • summarizing information.
    • determining the importance of information.
    • making connections to related topics/information.
    • drawing inferences.
    • generating questions.
    • extending ideas.
• Goal 4: The learner will continue to refine critical thinking skills and create criteria to evaluate print and non-print materials.
  • Objective 4.01: Analyze the purpose of the author or creator and the impact of that purpose by:
    • monitoring comprehension for understanding of what is read, heard, and/or viewed.
    • evaluating any bias, apparent or hidden messages, emotional factors, and/or propaganda techniques.
    • evaluating the underlying assumptions of the author/creator.
    • evaluate the effects of the author's craft on the reader/viewer/listener.
  • Objective 4.02: Analyze and develop (with limited assistance) and apply appropriate criteria to evaluate the quality of the communication by:
    • using knowledge of language structure and literary or media techniques.
    • drawing conclusions based on evidence, reasons, or relevant information.
    • considering the implications, consequences, or impact of those conclusions.
  • Objective 4.03: Use the stance of a critic to:
    • consider alternative points of view or reasons.
    • remain fair-minded and open to other interpretations.
    • construct a critical response/review of a work/topic.
• Goal 5: The learner will respond to various literary genres using interpretive and evaluative processes.
  • Objective 5.01: Increase fluency, comprehension, and insight through a meaningful and comprehensive literacy program by:
    • using effective reading strategies to match type of text.
    • reading self-selected literature and other materials of interest to the individual.
    • reading literature and other materials selected by the teacher.
    • assuming a leadership role in student-teacher reading conferences.
    • leading small group discussions.
    • taking an active role in whole class seminars.
    • analyzing the effects of elements such as plot, theme, charaterization, style, mood, and tone.
    • discussing the effects of such literary devices as figurative language, dialogue, flashback, allusion, irony, and symbolism.
    • analyzing and evaluating themes and central ideas in literature and other texts in relation to personal and societal issues.
    • extending understanding by creating products for different purposes, different audiences, and within various contexts.
    • analyzing and evaluating the relationships between and among characters, ideas, concepts, and/or experiences.