Academic Terms (Grade 8)

Front

analyze

Back

explain how each part functions or fits into the whole; write the obvious as well as the hidden characteristics or meanings

Front

argue

Back

give a point of view; take a stand and defend one side of an issue; give facts, statistics, beliefs, opinions, and your personal view; show passion when you are defending your side

Front

compare

Back

provide common characteristics; identify how things are alike or similar or the same

Front

contrast

Back

how are people, events, or objects different?; provide the characteristics that are NOT alike

Front

demonstrate

Back

provide a step-by-step procedure to show how to do something; include a statement indicating what the instructions are for

Front

describe

Back

present a clear picture of a person, place, thing, or idea; use sensory words

Front

explain

Back

give clear descriptions of an event, object, or idea; think about the five W's (who, what, when, where, why, and (H) how).

Front

infer

Back

read between the lines; the answer is not directly in the passage; derive meaning from information or clues the author provides

Front

interpret

Back

write your understanding of the passage in your own words; give a view from your experiences and the information you find

Front

Describe citing (textual) evidence.

Back

look for different types of evidence, such as facts, statistics, examples, expert testimony, and logical reasoning; highlight the text where the evidence is found or take notes; make a direct reference of the evidence and elaborate how that one particular piece of evidence proves the author's claim