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Grade 8

TEKS ELA Standard: 8.6.B

write responses that demonstrate understanding of texts, including comparing sources within and across genres

Scythe vs Brushcutter
Holiday Worksheets
Holiday Worksheets
Writing prompts, non-fiction analysis, and science topics related to Christmas and Hanukkah.
Power and Traditions
Power and Traditions
We compare the power of traditions shared by millions with smaller traditions shared by perhaps just one family.
Gr 1-8
Power in Autumn
Power in Autumn
Autumn was once powerful because of the harvest. What gives Fall its power now?
Gr 2-8
Halloween Worksheets
Halloween Worksheets
Crosswords, image analysis, and writing prompts for Halloween!
Gr 2-8
Two Animals Switch Biomes
Two Animals Switch Biomes
What if a capybara and a kangaroo rat switched homes? Would their adaptations be helpful at all?
Gr 1-8
Not Like The Others: 20th Century Presidents – Group A
Not Like The Others: 20th Century Presidents – Group A
Four 20th century presidents. One doesn’t belong. But which one? That depends on your argument.
Gr 2-8
Student Introductions With Depth, Complexity, and Frames: Level Two
Student Introductions With Depth, Complexity, and Frames: Level Two
Once students know the prompts of Depth and Complexity, let’s take them much higher up Bloom’s Taxonomy.
Gr 2-8
A Character’s Playlist
A Character’s Playlist
What playlist of songs best goes with a character’s change over time?
Gr 2-8
Robot Writing: Volcano
Robot Writing: Volcano
Read three pieces of writing from three different robots about the same beautiful painting of a volcano. Who wrote it best?
Gr 2-8
Robot Writing: Acropolis
Robot Writing: Acropolis
One painting of ruins. Three robots. Three pieces of writing. Who wrote it best?
Gr 2-8
Robot Writing: The Bridge
Robot Writing: The Bridge
One painting of a bridge. Three robots. Who wrote it best?
Gr 2-8
Robot Writing: Orchestra
Robot Writing: Orchestra
Read three pieces of writing from three different robots based on a beautiful painting and decide who wins!
Gr 2-8
Not Like The Others: Types of Volcanoes
Not Like The Others: Types of Volcanoes
Which of these types of volcanoes is not like the others?
Gr 2-8
Not Like The Others: Branches of the US Government
Not Like The Others: Branches of the US Government
How is each part of the United States Government not like the other parts?
Gr 2-8
Analyze Paragraphs: Wolverines
Analyze Paragraphs: Wolverines
Three paragraphs about wolverines. They all cover the same topic — so what makes each one different? Now combine them into one super-paragraph.
Gr 2-8
Thinking With Art: Head Down
Thinking With Art: Head Down
One artist, two paintings. Notice details, compare, synthesize, then find a parallel in another creator’s work.
Gr 2-8
Writing Sample: A Christmas Carol (Cold)
Writing Sample: A Christmas Carol (Cold)
A passage from White Fang to use as a mentor text, discussion starter, or writing prompt.
Gr 3-8
Writing Sample: White Fang (The Wild)
Writing Sample: White Fang (The Wild)
A passage from White Fang to use as a mentor text, discussion starter, or writing prompt.
Gr 2-8
Not Like The Others: Countries
Not Like The Others: Countries
How is each of these four countries not like the others?
Gr 2-8
Characters Dressed as Other Characters for Halloween
Characters Dressed as Other Characters for Halloween
What if one character dressed up as another for Halloween? Would the Cat in the Hat pick Captain Jack Sparrow, because they’re both chaotic yet good-natured people? Would Elsa dress up as The Ice King since they are both lonely?
Gr 2-8
Not Like The Others: Charlotte’s Web
Not Like The Others: Charlotte’s Web
Four Charlotte’s Web characters. One doesn’t belong. But which one? That depends on your argument.
Gr 2-8
Create A Civilization: A Change In Government
Create A Civilization: A Change In Government
It’s a great moment for your civilization! Power is moving from the hands of a few to a more democratic government.
Gr 2-8
Writing Sample: The Wind in the Willows
Writing Sample: The Wind in the Willows
A passage from The Wind in the Willows to use as a mentor text, discussion starter, or writing prompt.
Gr 2-8
Writing Sample: Anne of Green Gables
Writing Sample: Anne of Green Gables
An intriguing passage from Anne of Green Gables to use as a mentor text, discussion starter, or writing prompt.
Gr 2-8
What Would Poetry Think About Prose?
What Would Poetry Think About Prose?
Poetry and Prose meet at a party. What would they say to each other? How would they feel about each other’s style?
Gr 3-4
Content Imperatives: Parallel
Content Imperatives: Parallel
Get students thinking broadly by exploring similarities across multiple topics. Combine with Depth and Complexity for bonus points!
Gr 1-8