Performance Indicator - ELA.8.W.1.A:
Students use several sources of information, in addition to an encyclopedia, to develop research reports.

Performance Indicator - ELA.8.W.1.B:
Students identify appropriate format for sharing information with intended audience and comply with the accepted features of that format.

Performance Indicator - ELA.8.W.1.C:
Students take research notes, using a note-taking process.

Performance Indicator - ELA.8.W.1.D:
Students use outlines and graphic organizers, such as semantic webs, to plan reports.

Performance Indicator - ELA.8.W.1.E:
Students include relevant and exclude irrelevant information.

Performance Indicator - ELA.8.W.1.F:
Students use paraphrase and quotation correctly.

Performance Indicator - ELA.8.W.1.G:
Students connect, compare, and contrast ideas and information from one or more sources.

Performance Indicator - ELA.8.W.1.H:
Students support ideas with examples, definitions, analogies, and direct references to the text.

Performance Indicator - ELA.8.W.1.I:
Students cite sources in notes and bibliography, using correct form.

Performance Indicator - ELA.8.W.1.J:
Students write accurate and complete responses to questions about informational material.

Performance Indicator - ELA.8.W.1.K:
Students maintain a portfolio that includes informational writing.

Performance Indicator - ELA.8.W.2.A:
Students write original literary texts to:

• develop a narrative, using an organizational plan such as chronology or flashback
• sequence events to advance a plot; use action, conflict, climax, falling action, and resolution
• maintain a consistent point of view that enhances the message and/or establishes the mood
• select a genre and use appropriate conventions, such as dialogue, rhythm, and rhyme

Performance Indicator - ELA.8.W.2.B:
Students write interpretive and responsive essays of approximately three pages to:

• express opinions and support them through specific references to the text
• demonstrate an understanding of plot and theme
• identify and describe characters and their motivations
• analyze the importance of setting
• identify and interpret how the use of literary devices, such as symbolism, metaphor and simile, alliteration, personification, flashback, and foreshadowing, affects meaning
• draw conclusions and provide reasons for the conclusions
• compare and contrast characters, setting, mood, and voice in more than one literary text or performance

Performance Indicator - ELA.8.W.2.C:
Students maintain a writing portfolio that includes literary, interpretive, and responsive writing.

Performance Indicator - ELA.8.W.3.A:
Students present clear analyses, using examples, details, and reasons from text.

Performance Indicator - ELA.8.W.3.B:
Students present a hypothesis and predict possible outcomes from one or more perspectives.

Performance Indicator - ELA.8.W.3.C:
Students select content and choose strategies for written presentation on the basis of audience, purpose, and content.

Performance Indicator - ELA.8.W.3.D:
Students explain connections between and among texts to extend the meaning of each individual text.

Performance Indicator - ELA.8.W.3.E:
Students compare and contrast the use of literary elements in more than one genre, by more than one author.

Performance Indicator - ELA.8.W.3.F:
Students maintain a writing portfolio that includes writing for critical analysis and evaluation.

Performance Indicator - ELA.8.W.4.A:
Students share the process of writing with peers and adults; for example, write a condolence note, get-well card, or thank-you letter with a writing partner or in small groups.

Performance Indicator - ELA.8.W.4.B:
Students respect the age, gender, social position, and cultural traditions of the recipient.

Performance Indicator - ELA.8.W.4.C:
Students develop a personal voice that enables the reader to get to know the writer.

Performance Indicator - ELA.8.W.4.D:
Students write personal reactions to experiences, events, and observations, using a form of social communication.

Performance Indicator - ELA.8.W.4.E:
Students identify and model the social communication techniques of published writers.

Performance Indicator - ELA.8.W.4.F:
Students maintain a portfolio that includes writing for social communication.

Performance Indicator - ELA.8.W.4.G:
Students use the conventions of email.