Grade 8 ELA Ontario Curriculum Standards

Literacy Connections and Applications

Demonstrate an understanding of how the seven transferable skills (critical thinking and problem solving; innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship; self-directed learning; collaboration; communication; global citizenship and sustainability; and digital literacy) are used in various language and literacy contexts.

Demonstrate and apply the knowledge and skills needed to interact safely and responsibly in online environments, use digital and media tools to construct knowledge, and demonstrate learning as critical consumers and creators of media.

Apply language and literacy skills in cross-curricular and integrated learning, and demonstrate an understanding of, and make connections to, diverse voices, experiences, perspectives, histories, and contributions, including those of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit individuals, communities, groups, and nations.

Foundations of Language

Apply listening, speaking, and non-verbal communication skills and strategies to understand and communicate meaning in formal and informal contexts and for various purposes and audiences.

Demonstrate an understanding of foundational language knowledge and skills, and apply this understanding when reading and writing.

Demonstrate an understanding of sentence structure, grammar, cohesive ties, and capitalization and punctuation, and apply this knowledge when reading and writing sentences, paragraphs, and a variety of texts.

Comprehension: Understanding and Responding to Texts

Apply foundational knowledge and skills to understand a variety of texts, including digital and media texts, by creators with diverse identities, perspectives, and experience, and demonstrate an understanding of the patterns, features, and elements of style associated with various text forms and genres .

Apply comprehension strategies before, during, and after reading, listening to, and viewing a variety of texts, including digital and media texts, by creators with diverse identities, perspectives, and experience, in order to understand and clarify the meaning of texts.

Apply critical thinking skills to deepen understanding of texts, and analyze how various perspectives and topics are communicated and addressed in a variety of texts, including digital, media, and cultural texts.

Composition: Expressing Ideas and Creating Texts

Plan, develop ideas, gather information, and organize content for creating texts of various forms, including digital and media texts, on a variety of topics.

Apply knowledge and understanding of various text forms and genres to create, revise, edit, and proofread their own texts, using a variety of media, tools, and/or strategies, and reflect critically on created texts

Select suitable and effective media, techniques, and tools to publish and present final texts, and critically analyze how well the texts address various topics .

analyze and explain how transferable skills can be used to support communication in various cultural, social, linguistic, and domain-specific contexts, and apply them when reading, listening to, viewing, and creating texts of various forms

evaluate and explain how transferable skills help them to express their voice, be engaged in their learning, and implement a plan to develop their capabilities and potential

evaluate and explain their rights and responsibilities when interacting online with appropriate permission, and make decisions that contribute positively to the development of their digital identity and those of their communities

demonstrate an understanding of how to navigate online environments safely, manage their privacy, personal data, and security, and interact in a way that supports their well-being and that of others, including seeking appropriate permission

conduct research, considering accuracy, credibility, and perspectives, with a focus on misinformation, disinformation, and curated information, to construct knowledge, create texts, and demonstrate learning, while respecting legal and ethical considerations

evaluate the use of the various forms, conventions, and techniques of digital and media texts, consider the impact on the audience, and apply this understanding when analyzing and creating texts

demonstrate an understanding of the interrelationships between the form, message, and context of texts, the intended and unintended audience, and the purpose for production

select and use appropriate digital and media tools to support the design process and address authentic, relevant, real-world problems by developing and proposing innovative solutions

communicate and collaborate with various communities in a safe, respectful, responsible, and inclusive manner when using online platforms and environments, including digital and media tools, and demonstrate and model cultural awareness with members of the community

analyze and explain how the knowledge and skills developed in this grade support learning in various subject areas and in everyday life, and describe how they enhance understanding and communication

demonstrate an understanding of the historical contexts, contributions, lived experiences, and perspectives of a diversity of individuals and communities, including those in Canada, by exploring and analyzing the concepts of identity, self, and sense of belonging in a variety of culturally responsive and relevant texts

analyze themes explored in First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cultures to demonstrate an understanding of the varied identities, perspectives, relationships, legacies, truths, and ways of knowing, being, and doing

evaluate and use various effective listening skills to enhance comprehension, including paraphrasing, asking open-ended questions, making relevant responses in group discussions, and reflecting on what has been said, and use these skills in formal and informal contexts and for various purposes

select and use a variety of listening strategies before, during, and after listening to analyze and comprehend information communicated orally and non-verbally, seek clarification, and identify relevant evidence to support a response appropriate to the context

analyze the purpose and audience for speaking in formal and informal contexts, and select and adapt speaking strategies to communicate clearly and coherently

identify and use oral and non-verbal communication strategies, including expression, gestures, and body language, and evaluate and compare the effectiveness of these strategies in supporting understanding or communication, including how their use may vary across cultures

use precise and descriptive word choice, including domain-specific vocabulary from various subjects, and cohesive and coherent sentences during formal and informal communication, to support audience comprehension

use consolidated knowledge of the meanings of words and morphemes (i.e., bases, prefixes, and suffixes) to read and spell complex words with accuracy and automaticity

demonstrate an understanding of a wide variety of words, acquire and use explicitly taught vocabulary flexibly in various contexts, including other subject areas, and use consolidated morphological knowledge to analyze and understand new words in context

read a variety of complex texts fluently, with accuracy and appropriate pacing, to support comprehension, and when reading aloud, adjust expression and intonation according to the purpose of reading

apply their knowledge of sentence types and forms to construct increasingly complex sentences that connect and communicate ideas accurately and effectively

demonstrate an understanding of the functions of parts of speech in sentences, refine their understanding of grammar, and use this knowledge to support comprehension and communicate meaning clearly and precisely

use and refine their understanding of the meaning and function of capitalization and punctuation to communicate meaning clearly and coherently, when reading and writing

read and comprehend various complex texts, using knowledge of words, grammar, cohesive ties, sentence structures, and background knowledge

analyze and compare the characteristics of various text forms and genres, including cultural text forms, and provide evidence to explain how they help communicate meaning

compare the text patterns, such as problem-solution in a letter to the editor, and text features, such as a glossary and infographics, associated with different text forms, including cultural texts, and evaluate their importance in helping readers, listeners, and viewers understand the meaning

evaluate how images, graphics, and visual design create, communicate, and contribute to meaning in a variety of texts

identify various elements of style in texts, including voice, word choice, word patterns, and sentence structure, and analyze how each element helps create meaning and is appropriate for the text form and genre

analyze the narrator's point of view, including limited, omniscient, or unreliable, in a variety of texts, explain how it is communicated, and suggest alternative points of view, giving reasons

read, listen to, and view a wide variety of text forms by diverse First Nations, Métis, and Inuit creators to make meaning through Indigenous Storywork about First Nations, Métis, and Inuit histories, cultures, relationships, communities, groups, nations, and lived experiences

identify and explain prior knowledge from various sources, including personal experiences and learning in other subject areas, that they can use to make connections and understand new texts

identify a variety of purposes for engaging with texts, select texts from diverse creators that are suitable for the purposes, and explain why the selections are appropriate

make predictions using background knowledge and textual information, pose questions to confirm or refute their predictions, and revise or refine their understanding as indicated

select suitable strategies, such as rereading, using the glossary, asking questions, and consulting references and other resources, to monitor and confirm their understanding of complex texts and solve comprehension problems

connect, compare, and contrast the ideas expressed in texts and their knowledges and lived experiences, the ideas in other texts, and the world around them

summarize and synthesize the important ideas and supporting details in complex texts, and draw effective conclusions

explain and compare how various strategies, such as visualizing, making predictions, summarizing, and connecting to their experiences, have helped them comprehend various texts, and set goals for future improvement

analyze literary devices, including, irony, satire, and allusion, in a variety of texts, and explain how they help create meaning and are appropriate for the intended purpose and audience

make local and global inferences, using explicit and implicit evidence, to explain and support their interpretations about various complex texts

analyze complex texts, including literary and informational texts, by evaluating, synthesizing, and sequencing relevant information and formulating conclusions

analyze cultural elements that are represented in various texts, including norms, values, social hierarchy, past times, language, and taboos, by investigating the meanings of these elements, making connections to their lived experience and culture, and considering how the inclusion of these elements contributes to the meaning of the text

analyze explicit and implicit perspectives communicated in various texts, evaluate any evidence that could suggest bias in these perspectives, and suggest ways to avoid any such bias

analyze how various topics, such as diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, are addressed in texts, respond to the insights and messages conveyed, and identify different positions presented

compare the ways in which historical periods, cultural experiences, and/or socio-political conditions and events have influenced two or more texts created by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit individuals, communities, groups, or nations, and how they relate to current lived experiences

assess the effectiveness of the critical thinking skills they used when analyzing and evaluating various texts, and set goals to improve their use

identify the topic, purpose, and audience for various texts they plan to create; choose a text form, genre, and medium to suit the purpose and audience, and justify their choices

generate and develop ideas and details about challenging topics, such as topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion and to other subject areas, using a variety of strategies, and drawing on various resources, including their own lived experiences

gather and synthesize information and content relevant to a topic, using a variety of textual sources and appropriate strategies; evaluate the currency, quality, bias, and accuracy of information; verify the reliability of sources; and cite the sources of all content created by others

classify and sequence ideas and collected information, selecting effective strategies and tools, and identify and organize relevant content, evaluating the choices of text form, genre, and medium, and considering alternatives

evaluate the strategies and tools used to develop ideas and organize content for texts of the chosen forms, genres, and media, explain which were most helpful, and suggest steps for future improvement as a text creator

draft complex texts of various forms and genres, including narrative, persuasive, expository, and informational texts, citing sources, and use a variety of appropriate media, tools, and strategies to transform information and communicate ideas

write in cursive fluently, with a personal style, and apply advanced word-processing skills to improve the accuracy and effect of texts

establish an identifiable voice in their texts, modifying language and style to suit the text's form, genre, audience, and purpose, and express their thoughts, feelings, and opinions about the topic clearly

explain the explicit and implicit points of view, perspectives, and bias conveyed in their texts, evaluate how various audiences might respond, and suggest ways to acknowledge other perspectives

make revisions to the content, elements of style, patterns, and features of draft texts, and add, delete, revise, and reorganize sentences to improve clarity, focus, and coherence, using various strategies and seeking and selectively using feedback

edit draft texts to improve accuracy and style, checking for errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar, and format; edit digital texts using word-processing software, including spell- and grammar-checkers

produce final texts using appropriate techniques and tools, including digital design and production tools, to achieve the intended effect

publish and present texts they have created, using various media and tools, and evaluate how their choices helped them communicate their intended message

evaluate the strategies and tools they found helpful when publishing and presenting texts, reflect on what they learned at each stage of the creative process, analyze how their texts address various topics, and suggest steps for future improvement as a text creator

Language

Literacy Connections and Applications

Transferable Skills: demonstrate an understanding of how the seven transferable skills (critical thinking and problem solving; innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship; self-directed learning; collaboration; communication; global citizenship and sustainability; and digital literacy) are used in various language and literacy contexts

analyze and explain how transferable skills can be used to support communication in various cultural, social, linguistic, and domain-specific contexts, and apply them when reading, listening to, viewing, and creating texts of various forms

evaluate and explain how transferable skills help them to express their voice, be engaged in their learning, and implement a plan to develop their capabilities and potential

Digital Media Literacy: demonstrate and apply the knowledge and skills needed to interact safely and responsibly in online environments, use digital and media tools to construct knowledge, and demonstrate learning as critical consumers and creators of media

evaluate and explain their rights and responsibilities when interacting online with appropriate permission, and make decisions that contribute positively to the development of their digital identity and those of their communities

demonstrate an understanding of how to navigate online environments safely, manage their privacy, personal data, and security, and interact in a way that supports their well-being and that of others, including seeking appropriate permission

conduct research, considering accuracy, credibility, and perspectives, with a focus on misinformation, disinformation, and curated information, to construct knowledge, create texts, and demonstrate learning, while respecting legal and ethical considerations

evaluate the use of the various forms, conventions, and techniques of digital and media texts, consider the impact on the audience, and apply this understanding when analyzing and creating texts

demonstrate an understanding of the interrelationships between the form, message, and context of texts, the intended and unintended audience, and the purpose for production

select and use appropriate digital and media tools to support the design process and address authentic, relevant, real-world problems by developing and proposing innovative solutions

communicate and collaborate with various communities in a safe, respectful, responsible, and inclusive manner when using online platforms and environments, including digital and media tools, and demonstrate and model cultural awareness with members of the community

Applications, Connections, and Contributions: apply language and literacy skills in cross-curricular and integrated learning, and demonstrate an understanding of, and make connections to, diverse voices, experiences, perspectives, histories, and contributions, including those of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit individuals, communities, groups, and nations

analyze and explain how the knowledge and skills developed in this grade support learning in various subject areas and in everyday life, and describe how they enhance understanding and communication

demonstrate an understanding of the historical contexts, contributions, lived experiences, and perspectives of a diversity of individuals and communities, including those in Canada, by exploring and analyzing the concepts of identity, self, and sense of belonging in a variety of culturally responsive and relevant

analyze themes explored in First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cultures to demonstrate an understanding of the varied identities, perspectives, relationships, legacies, truths, and ways of knowing, being, and doing

Foundations of Language

Oral and Non-Verbal Communication: apply listening, speaking, and non-verbal communication skills and strategies to understand and communicate meaning in formal and informal contexts and for various purposes and audiences

evaluate and use various effective listening skills to enhance comprehension, including paraphrasing, asking open-ended questions, making relevant responses in group discussions, and reflecting on what has been said, and use these skills in formal and informal contexts and for various purposes

select and use a variety of listening strategies before, during, and after listening to analyze and comprehend information communicated orally and non-verbally, seek clarification, and identify relevant evidence to support a response appropriate to the context

analyze the purpose and audience for speaking in formal and informal contexts, and select and adapt speaking strategies to communicate clearly and coherently

identify and use oral and non-verbal communication strategies, including expression, gestures, and body language, and evaluate and compare the effectiveness of these strategies in supporting understanding or communication, including how their use may vary across cultures

use precise and descriptive word choice, including domain-specific vocabulary from various subjects, and cohesive and coherent sentences during formal and informal communication, to support audience comprehension

Language Foundations for Reading and Writing: demonstrate an understanding of foundational language knowledge and skills, and apply this understanding when reading and writing

use consolidated knowledge of the meanings of words and morphemes (i.e., bases, prefixes, and suffixes) to read and spell complex words with accuracy and automaticity

demonstrate an understanding of a wide variety of words, acquire and use explicitly taught vocabulary flexibly in various contexts, including other subject areas, and use consolidated morphological knowledge to analyze and understand new words in context

read a variety of complex texts fluently, with accuracy and appropriate pacing, to support comprehension, and when reading aloud, adjust expression and intonation according to the purpose of reading

Language Conventions for Reading and Writing: demonstrate an understanding of sentence structure, grammar, cohesive ties, and capitalization and punctuation, and apply this knowledge when reading and writing sentences, paragraphs, and a variety of texts

apply their knowledge of sentence types and forms to construct increasingly complex sentences that connect and communicate ideas accurately and effectively

demonstrate an understanding of the functions of parts of speech in sentences, refine their understanding of grammar, and use this knowledge to support comprehension and communicate meaning clearly and precisely

use and refine their understanding of the meaning and function of capitalization and punctuation to communicate meaning clearly and coherently, when reading and writing

Comprehension: Understanding and Responding to Texts

Knowledge about Texts: apply foundational knowledge and skills to understand a variety of texts, including digital and media texts, by creators with diverse identities, perspectives, and experience, and demonstrate an understanding of the patterns, features, and elements of style associated with various texts forms and genres

read and comprehend various complex texts, using knowledge of words, grammar, cohesive ties, sentence structures, and background knowledge

analyze and compare the characteristics of various text forms and genres, including cultural text forms, and provide evidence to explain how they help communicate meaning

compare the text patterns, such as problem-solution in a letter to the editor, and text features, such as a glossary and infographics, associated with different text forms, including cultural texts, and evaluate their importance in helping readers, listeners, and viewers understand the meaning

evaluate how images, graphics, and visual design create, communicate, and contribute to meaning in a variety of texts

identify various elements of style in texts, including voice, word choice, word patterns, and sentence structure, and analyze how each element helps create meaning and is appropriate for the text form and genre

analyze the narrator’s point of view, including limited, omniscient, or unreliable, in a variety of texts, explain how it is communicated, and suggest alternative points of view, giving reasons

read, listen to, and view a wide variety of text forms by diverse First Nations, Métis, and Inuit creators to make meaning through Indigenous Storywork about First Nations, Métis, and Inuit histories, cultures, relationships, communities, groups, nations, and lived experiences

Comprehension Strategies: apply comprehension strategies before, during, and after reading, listening to, and viewing a variety of texts, including digital and media texts, by creators with diverse identities, perspectives, and experience, in order to understand and clarify the meaning of texts

identify and explain prior knowledge from various sources, including personal experiences and learning in other subject areas, that they can use to make connections and understand new texts

identify a variety of purposes for engaging with texts, select texts from diverse creators that are suitable for the purposes, and explain why the selections are appropriate

make predictions using background knowledge and textual information, pose questions to confirm or refute their predictions, and revise or refine their understanding as indicated

select suitable strategies, such as rereading, using the glossary, asking questions, and consulting references and other resources, to monitor and confirm their understanding of complex texts and solve comprehension problems

connect, compare, and contrast the ideas expressed in texts and their knowledges and lived experiences, the ideas in other texts, and the world around them

summarize and synthesize the important ideas and supporting details in complex texts, and draw effective conclusions

explain and compare how various strategies, such as visualizing, making predictions, summarizing, and connecting to their experiences, have helped them comprehend various texts, and set goals for future improvement

Critical Thinking in Literacy: apply critical thinking skills to deepen understanding of texts, and analyze how various perspectives and topics are communicated and addressed in a variety of texts, including digital, media, and cultural texts

analyze literary devices, including, irony, satire, and allusion, in a variety of texts, and explain how they help create meaning and are appropriate for the intended purpose and audience

make local and global inferences, using explicit and implicit evidence, to explain and support their interpretations about various complex texts

analyze complex texts, including literary and informational texts, by evaluating, synthesizing, and sequencing relevant information and formulating conclusions

analyze cultural elements that are represented in various texts, including norms, values, social hierarchy, past times, language, and taboos, by investigating the meanings of these elements, making connections to their lived experience and culture, and considering how the inclusion of these elements contributes to the meaning of the text

analyze explicit and implicit perspectives communicated in various texts, evaluate any evidence that could suggest bias in these perspectives, and suggest ways to avoid any such bias

analyze how various topics, such as diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, are addressed in texts, respond to the insights and messages conveyed, and identify different positions presented

compare the ways in which historical periods, cultural experiences, and/or socio-political conditions and events have influenced two or more texts created by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit individuals, communities, groups, or nations, and how they relate to current lived experiences

assess the effectiveness of the critical thinking skills they used when analyzing and evaluating various texts, and set goals to improve their use

Composition: Expressing Ideas and Creating Texts

Developing Ideas and Organizing Content: plan, develop ideas, gather information, and organize content for creating texts of various forms, including digital and media texts, on a variety of topics

identify the topic, purpose, and audience for various texts they plan to create; choose a text form, genre, and medium to suit the purpose and audience, and justify their choices

generate and develop ideas and details about challenging topics, such as topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion and to other subject areas, using a variety of strategies, and drawing on various resources, including their own lived experiences

gather and synthesize information and content relevant to a topic, using a variety of textual sources and appropriate strategies; evaluate the currency, quality, bias, and accuracy of information; verify the reliability of sources; and cite the sources of all content created by others

classify and sequence ideas and collected information, selecting effective strategies and tools, and identify and organize relevant content, evaluating the choices of text form, genre, and medium, and considering alternatives

evaluate the strategies and tools used to develop ideas and organize content for texts of the chosen forms, genres, and media, explain which were most helpful, and suggest steps for future improvement as a text creator

Creating Texts: apply knowledge and understanding of various text forms and genres to create, revise, edit, and proofread their own texts, using a variety of media, tools, and strategies, and reflect critically on created texts

draft complex texts of various forms and genres, including narrative, persuasive, expository, and informational texts, citing sources, and use a variety of appropriate media, tools, and strategies to transform information and communicate ideas

write in cursive fluently, with a personal style, and apply advanced word-processing skills to improve the accuracy and effect of texts

establish an identifiable voice in their texts, modifying language and style to suit the text’s form, genre, audience, and purpose, and express their thoughts, feelings, and opinions about the topic clearly

explain the explicit and implicit points of view, perspectives, and bias conveyed in their texts, evaluate how various audiences might respond, and suggest ways to acknowledge other perspectives

make revisions to the content, elements of style, patterns, and features of draft texts, and add, delete, revise, and reorganize sentences to improve clarity, focus, and coherence, using various strategies and seeking and selectively using feedback

edit draft texts to improve accuracy and style, checking for errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar, and format; edit digital texts using word-processing software, including spell- and grammar-checkers

Publishing, Presenting, and Reflecting: select suitable and effective media, techniques, and tools to publish and present final texts, and critically analyze how well the texts address various topics

produce final texts using appropriate techniques and tools, including digital design and production tools, to achieve the intended effect

publish and present texts they have created, using various media and tools, and evaluate how their choices helped them communicate their intended message

evaluate the strategies and tools they found helpful when publishing and presenting texts, reflect on what they learned at each stage of the creative process, analyze how their texts address various topics, and suggest steps for future improvement as a text creator