Grade 8 Reading practice

Step 1: Greek and Latin roots

Many English words are built from Greek and Latin roots. Knowing a root unlocks many words.

Example: The root “graph” in “autograph” means:

Tip: Think of other words with the same root. What do they share?

Step 2: Connotation

Words with similar meanings can feel positive or negative. That feeling is called connotation.

Example: Which word gives the sentence a more NEGATIVE feeling? The dancer was tall and ___ .

Tip: Ask: would the person described be happy or upset to hear this word?

Step 3: Allusions

An allusion is a short reference to a famous person, place, story or event.

Example: What does the allusion suggest? The new phone was his Achilles’ heel; he could not stop checking it.

Tip: Think about what the famous reference is known for.

Step 4: Text structure

Authors organize information in patterns: sequence, cause and effect, compare and contrast, or problem and solution.

Example: Which text structure does this paragraph use? Frogs and toads are both amphibians. However, frogs have smooth, wet skin, while toads have dry, bumpy skin.

Tip: Signal words help: first/next (sequence), because/as a result (cause), however/while (compare), to fix this (solution).

Step 5: Types of irony

Verbal irony says the opposite of what is meant. Situational irony is an unexpected outcome. Dramatic irony is when the audience knows more than a character.

Example: What type of irony is this? The audience knows the villain is hiding in the closet, but the hero opens the door smiling.

Tip: Ask: who knows what, and what was expected?

Step 6: Evaluate evidence

Good evidence is relevant (it connects to the claim) and sufficient (there is enough of it).

Example: Which evidence is MOST relevant? Claim: The town should lower the speed limit near schools.

Tip: Ask: does this prove the claim, and is it enough?

Step 7: Compare viewpoints

Two authors can look at the same topic and focus on different evidence or values.

Tip: Summarize each writer’s position in a few words, then compare.

Step 8: Argument, structure and theme

Authors build meaning through structure, word choice and evidence. Readers evaluate how well it works.

Tip: Ask: what is the author trying to show, and how do they show it?