Common Core: 8th Grade English Language Arts

This subject focuses on developing critical reading, writing, and analytical skills aligned with the Common Core standards for 8th grade English Language Arts.

Analyzing Literary TextsUnderstanding Informational TextsWriting Clear Arguments
Evaluating Author’s Claims and EvidenceIntegrating Multiple SourcesCrafting Narratives
Reading for Everyday LifeWriting in the Real WorldCommunicating and Presenting
Active Reading StrategiesPlanning and Revising Writing
Analyzing Literary T...Understanding Inform...Writing Clear Argume...Evaluating Author’s ...Integrating Multiple...Crafting NarrativesReading for Everyday...Writing in the Real ...Communicating and Pr...Active Reading Strat...Planning and Revisin...
Basic Concepts

Understanding Informational Texts

Getting the Most Out of Informational Texts

Informational texts are nonfiction writings that aim to teach you about real-world topics. These can be newspaper articles, websites, essays, or textbooks. Understanding them means figuring out the main idea, the supporting details, and the author's purpose.

What to Look For

  • Main Idea: What is the text mostly about?
  • Supporting Evidence: What facts, statistics, or examples does the author use?
  • Text Features: Headings, bullet points, graphs, and charts help you find information quickly.
  • Author's Purpose: Is the author trying to inform, persuade, or entertain you?

Strategies

  • Skim for headings and keywords before reading in detail.
  • Take notes or highlight important points.
  • Summarize each section in your own words.

Why It's Useful

Mastering informational texts helps you in school and in life. You'll read instructions, news, or research for projects or to solve real-world problems.

Examples

  • Reading an article about climate change and identifying the main argument.

  • Using headings and charts in a science textbook to quickly find information.

In a Nutshell

Understanding informational texts means finding the main idea, evidence, and purpose in nonfiction writing.

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Writing Clear Arguments