English Language Arts, Standard C: Oral Language
Performance Standards - Grade 8

By the end of grade eight, students will:

C.8.1 Orally communicate information, opinions, and ideas effectively to different audiences for a variety of purposes.

• Share brief impromptu remarks about topics of interest to oneself and others
• Speaking from notes or an outline, relate an experience in descriptive detail, with a sense of timing and decorum appropriate to the occasion
• Perform expressive oral readings of prose, poetry, and drama
• Prepare and conduct interviews
• Present a coherent, comprehensive report on differing viewpoints on an issue, evaluating the content of the material presented, and organizing the presentation in a manner appropriate to the audience
• Differentiate between formal and informal contexts and employ an appropriate style of speaking, adjusting language, gestures, rate, and volume according to audience and purpose
• Observe the appropriate etiquette when expressing thanks and receiving praise

C.8.2 Listen to and comprehend oral communications.

• Summarize and explain the information conveyed in an oral communication, accounting for the key ideas, structure, and relationship of parts to the whole
• Distinguish among purposes for listening, such as gaining information or being entertained, and take notes as appropriate
• Recall significant details and sequence accurately
• Follow a speaker's argument and represent it in notes
• Evaluate the reliability of information in a communication, using criteria based on prior knowledge of the speaker, the topic, and the context and on analysis of logic, evidence, propaganda devices, and language

C.8.3 Participate effectively in discussion.

• Participate in discussion by listening attentively, demonstrating respect for the opinions of others, and responding responsibly and courteously to the remarks of others
• Explain and advance opinions by citing evidence and referring to sources
• Evaluate the stated ideas and opinions of others, seeking clarification through questions
• Invite ideas and opinions of others into the discussion, responding clearly and tactfully to questions and comments
• Accept and use helpful criticism
• Establish and maintain an open mind when listening to others' ideas and opinions
• Summarize the main points of a discussion, orally and in writing, specifying areas of agreement and disagreement and paraphrasing contributions
• Display and maintain facial expressions, body language, and other response cues that indicate respect for the speaker and attention to the discussion
• Attend to the content of discussion rather than the speaker
• Participate in discussion without dominating
• Distinguish between supported and unsupported statements

Content Standard C

For questions about this information, contact Emilie Amundson (608) 266-3551

Last updated on 10/1/2009 10:56:51 AM