English VA STANDARDS of Learning>Middle School
Grade 6
Grade 6 LinksThe sixth-grade student will be an active participant in classroom discussions. The student will present personal opinions, understand differing viewpoints, distinguish between fact and opinion, and analyze the effectiveness of group communication. The student will begin the study of word origins and continue
vocabulary development. The student will read independently a variety of fiction and nonfiction, including a significant number of classic works, for appreciation and comprehension. The student will also plan, draft, revise, and edit narratives, descriptions, and explanations, with attention to composition and style as well as sentence formation, usage, and mechanics. The student will also demonstrate correct use of language, spelling, and mechanics by applying grammatical conventions in writing and speaking. In addition, reading and writing will be used as tools for learning academic concepts, and available technology will be used as appropriate.
Grade 7
The seventh-grade student will continue to develop oral communication skills and will become more knowledgeable of the effects of verbal and nonverbal behaviors in oral communication. The student will continue to read a wide variety of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry while becoming more independent and analytical. The student will continue to refine written composition skills, with special attention to word choice, organization, style, and grammar. Written explanations will utilize informational writing skills, and persuasive writing will be introduced. The student will continue vocabulary development through a study of figurative language and continuing study of roots and affixes. Knowledge of the impact of media on public opinion will be introduced. The student will increase proficiency in the use of print and electronic information resources and will learn ways to give credit to reference sources. The student will also demonstrate correct use of language, spelling, and mechanics by applying grammatical conventions in writing and speaking.
Grade 8
The eighth-grade student will learn and apply interviewing techniques. The student will demonstrate correct use of language, spelling, and mechanics by applying grammatical conventions in writing and speaking. The student will plan, draft, revise, and edit writing, with emphasis on exposition and persuasion. The student will apply reading and writing skills in all subjects, as well as respond critically to literature. The student will continue development of vocabulary, with attention to connotations and figurative language. The student will become a skillful interpreter of the persuasive strategies used in print and mass media. The student will continue to develop an appreciation for literature through a study of a wide variety of selections. The student will describe themes or inferred main ideas, interpret cause-effect relationships, and draw conclusions from a variety of literary and informational selections.