Running head: EDUC 672 – BENCHMARK ASSESSMENT 1

Benchmark Assessments: English Language Arts – Grade - 8

Dona Thanushi Hettipathirana

Liberty University

EDUC 672: Curriculum Assessment

Dr. Cynthia Crites

EDUC 672 – BENCHMARK ASSESSMENT 2

Benchmark Assessments - English Language Arts – Grade 8

Dona Thanushi Hettipathirana

SOL Strand: COMMUNICATIONS – SPEAKING, LISTENING, AND MEDIA LITERACY

Name of Student: ____________________________________________________________

Date: ________________________

Standard: 8.1 The student will use interviewing techniques to gain information.

a. Prepare and ask relevant questions for the interview.

b. Make notes of responses.
c. Compile, accurately report, and publish responses.
d. Evaluate the effectiveness of the interview.

Question 1:

i. Match the interview subjects (people being interviewed) below with the relevant

interview questions.

Interview Subjects Interview Questions

1. School Principal A. How do you advise the players on winning and

losing?

2. Basketball Coach B. Could you give a brief description of your

accomplishments thus far as the president this
school year?

3. A religious leader C. What do you like best about heading the school
leadership team?

4. PTA President D. Why did you want to become a priest?

5. Student Body President E. Is parental involvement in school activities

important? Why?
EDUC 672 – BENCHMARK ASSESSMENT 3

ii. List two (2) interview subjects you would like to interview.

1. _____________________________________________________________________

2. _____________________________________________________________________

iii. Write three (3) questions you would ask if you were to interview the local mayor.

1. _____________________________________________________________________

2. _____________________________________________________________________

3. _____________________________________________________________________

Question 2:

i. Name three (3) note-taking techniques.

1. _____________________________________________________________________

2. _____________________________________________________________________

3. _____________________________________________________________________

ii. Use the chart below to prepare for an interview with your computer science teacher on

the topic “The Internet and Education.” Identify sub topics and relevant interview

questions.

Topic

Subtopics

Relevant Interview
Questions
EDUC 672 – BENCHMARK ASSESSMENT 4

SOL Strand: COMMUNICATION – SPEAKING, LISTENING, AND MEDIA LITERACY

8.2 The student will develop and deliver oral presentations in groups and individually.

i. Choose topic and purpose appropriate to the audience.

ii. Choose vocabulary and tone appropriate to the audience, topic, and purpose.
iii. Use appropriate verbal and nonverbal presentation skills.
iv. Respond to audience questions and comments.
v. Differentiate between standard English and informal language.
vi. Critique oral presentations.
vii. Assume shared responsibility for collaborative work.
viii. Use a variety of strategies to listen actively.

Question 1:

i. Read the descriptions below and determine whether the author’s purpose is to entertain,

inform or persuade.

Descriptions Author’s Purpose

1. A newspaper article on immigration policy.

2. A poem about nature.

3. A drama about children of war.

4. An instruction manual describing how to operate an

iPad.
5. An article where the author argues why Yamaha
pianos are better than other brands.
6. A movie about a lost civilization.

7. A book on video game development.

8. An essay on the negative effects of the Internet on

children.
9. A magazine article on the benefits of exercise.

10. A book about Greek and Roman history.

EDUC 672 – BENCHMARK ASSESSMENT 5

ii. Use the web-diagram to categorize the oral presentation skills below into the correct

traits.

Eye contact Elocution Mechanics

Enthusiasm Subject Knowledge Poise

Organization Body Language Questions and Feedback

Presentation Skills

Non-Verbal Skills Verbal Skills Content

1. 1. 1.

2. 2. 2.

3. 3. 3.
EDUC 672 – BENCHMARK ASSESSMENT 6

Question 2: Alternative Assessment

i. Develop and deliver a presentation on one of the topics listed below, working in assigned

groups.

I. Ancient Egypt

II. Ancient Greece

III. Ancient Rome

IV. Ancient China

Each member should play a part in the development and delivery. The presentation length

should be between 5 – 7 minutes long and include appropriate vocabulary, definition of

technical terms and multimedia components.

ii. Students will engage in Q and A sessions at the end of each presentation, asking relevant

and appropriate questions and providing feedback. Students will work in groups

evaluating and critiquing the presentations by peer groups using the criteria mentioned

below.

NOTE:

Group presentations will be evaluated based on the following criteria the use of diverse media

formats (audio, visual and written), persuasive techniques, presentation layout, and planning and

organization.

Individual student will be evaluated on skills in collaboration - the ability and effectiveness in

working as constructive members of a diverse group, asking questions and providing feedback.
EDUC 672 – BENCHMARK ASSESSMENT 7

SOL Strand: COMMUNICATION – SPEAKING, LISTENING, AND MEDIA LITERACY

8.3 The student will analyze, develop, and produce creative or informational media messages.

a. Evaluate the persuasive/informational technique being used in nonprint media including

television, radio, video, and Internet.
b. Examine how values and viewpoints are included or excluded and how the media can
influence beliefs, behaviors, and interpretations.
c. Use media and visual literacy skills to create products that express new understandings.
d. Evaluate sources for relationships between intent and factual content.

Question 1:

i. Name the three rhetorical appeals. Provide a short description for each.

1. ___________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

2. ___________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

3. ___________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________
EDUC 672 – BENCHMARK ASSESSMENT 8

ii. Match the following persuasive techniques with the correct definition.

Persuasive Technique Definition

1) Name calling or A. The presentation of partial truth; generalizing from a

innuendo shred of evidence.
2) Glittering generalities B. Use a spokesperson who appeals to the audience: a well-
or card stacking known or appealing person the audience wants to
emulate, a person like the audience members with whom
they can identify, a person whose lifestyle appeals to the
audience.
3) Bandwagon C. The use of a declaration of a famous person or
authoritative expert to give heightened credibility
4) Testimonials D. Creation of an argument claiming the presence of a cause
and effect relationship when there is just a relationship
and other factors ought to be considered.
5) Appeal to prestige, E. A question asked for the creation of dramatic effect than
snobbery or plain folks for an intended answer
6) Appeal to emotions F. The creation of a negative attitude; hinting or implying;
using loaded, emotional, or slanted language.
7) Rhetorical questions G. An understatement or rewording
8) Cause and effect H. The creation of a desire to join a large group satisfied
with the idea; making one feel left out if not with the
crowd.
9) Repetition I. The use of puns, satire, sarcasm or jokes, often to dismiss
opposing ideas and views
10) Hyperbole J. Make connections to emotions: loyalty, pity, or fear; love
of family, peace, or justice.
11) Humor: K. Emphasize points through exaggeration.
12) Euphemism: L. repeat letters, words, phrases, or images for
reinforcement
EDUC 672 – BENCHMARK ASSESSMENT 9

Question 2:

Write a persuasive passage arguing for or against any of the topics below. The length od the

passage should be between 150-200 words.

I. Is social media important?

II. Does the Internet benefit

III. Should parents limit screen time and the Internet access for children?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________
EDUC 672 – BENCHMARK ASSESSMENT 10

SOL Strand: READING

8.4 The student will apply knowledge of word origins, analogies, and figurative language to extend
vocabulary development within authentic texts.

a. Identify and analyze an author’s use of figurative language.

b. Use context, structure, and connotations to determine meaning and differentiate
among multiple meanings of words and phrases.
c. Use roots, affixes, cognates, synonyms, and antonyms to determine the meaning of
unfamiliar words and technical vocabulary.
d. Use dictionaries, thesauruses, and glossaries to determine definition, pronunciation,
etymology, spelling, and usage of words.
e. Discriminate between connotative and denotative meanings and interpret the connotation.
f. Extend general and specialized vocabulary through speaking, listening, reading, and
writing.

Question 1:

i. Choose the correct answer for the figure of speech describing the words/ phrases in bold

face.

a) “As agile as a monkey” is an example of __________________.

a. am imagery b. a simile c. a metaphor d. personification

b) “Time is a thief” is an example of _________________.

a. a metaphor b. onomatopoeia c. personification d. hyperbole

c) There was sap dripping down the tree trunk.

a. euphemism b. hyperbole c. onomatopoeia d. pun

d) It was moving at the speed of light.

a. alliteration b. onomatopoeia c. simile d. hyperbole

e) “The sisters sat in the sun sipping sparkling soda” is an example of _______________.

a. a metaphor b. personification c. pun d. alliteration

EDUC 672 – BENCHMARK ASSESSMENT 11

ii. Give the meanings of the following Greek and Latin roots.

Root Meaning
meter
phone
frat
auto
ology

Question 2:

i. Choose the best synonym for the following words from the given list of synonyms:

Word Synonym

melancholy a. jovial b. breezy c. sad

prodigal a. wasteful b. thrifty c. frugal

ingenuous a. crafty b. innocent c. devious

judicious a. misguided b. unwise c. thoughtful

elucidate a. clarify b. confuse c. puzzle

ii. Choose the best antonym for the following from the given list of antonyms:

Word Antonym

oscillate a. hesitate b. stable c. waver

austerity a. severity b. extravagance c. strictness

castigate a. praise b. criticize c. reprimand

mollify a. soothe b. enrage c. appease

tenuous a. fragile b. weak c. strong

EDUC 672 – BENCHMARK ASSESSMENT 12

SOL Strand: READING

8.5 The student will read and analyze a variety of fictional texts, narrative nonfiction, and poetry.

a. Explain the use of symbols and figurative language.

b. Make inferences and draw conclusions based on explicit and implied information using
evidence from text as support.
c. Explain how authors use characters, conflict, point of view, voice, and tone to create
meaning.
d. Understand the author’s use of conventional elements and characteristics within a variety of
genres.
e. Compare and contrast the author’s use of word choice, dialogue, form, rhyme, rhythm, and
voice in different texts.
f. Compare and contrast authors’ styles.
g. Identify and ask questions that clarify various viewpoints.
h. Identify the main idea.
i. Summarize text relating supporting details.
j. Identify an author’s organizational pattern using textual clues, such as transitional words
and phrases.
k. Identify cause and effect relationships.
l. Use prior and background knowledge as a context for new learning.
m. Use reading strategies to monitor comprehension throughout the reading process.

Question 1:

The Road Not Taken

By Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
EDUC 672 – BENCHMARK ASSESSMENT 13

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

i. What does the word “diverged” in the poem mean?

a. go in the same direction b. go in a different direction

c. spread around d. meet at a point

ii. What season of the year is “The Road Not Taken” set in?

a. in the Winter b. in the Summer

c. in the Fall d. in the Spring

iii. What does the poet encounter at the beginning of the poem?

a. a fork in the road b. four roads

c. a winding road d. an intersection

EDUC 672 – BENCHMARK ASSESSMENT 14

iv. What decision does the poet has to make in “The Road Not Taken”?

a. which town to go to b. which flight to take

c. which car to ride d. which road to take

v. What does “undergrowth” mean?

a. trees in the wood b. herb plants

c. the growth of shrubs and plants d. vines and climber plants

beneath large trees

vi. How different was the path chosen by the poet from the other?

a. It was grassy and less traveled b. It led to the beach.

c. It was shorter. d. It was sunny.

vii. What does the image of the two diverging roads symbolize?

a. making choices in life b. beauty of nature

c. broken roads d. a point at which two roads meet

EDUC 672 – BENCHMARK ASSESSMENT 15

viii. The whole poem is an example of _________________.

a. a simile b. a sonnet

c. a metaphor d. a ballad

ix. The rhyme scheme of the poem is ___________________.

a. ABABA b. ABAAB

c. ABCBA d. AABBC

x. What does the poet mean by “somewhere ages and ages hence”?

a. in the next age b. at some time in the distant future

c. in a few minutes d. shortly

Question 2:

Provide your own examples for the following figurative of speech.

i. Simile ______________________________________________________

ii. Metaphor ______________________________________________________

iii. Personification ______________________________________________________

iv. Hyperbole ______________________________________________________

v. Onomatopoeia ______________________________________________________
EDUC 672 – BENCHMARK ASSESSMENT 16

SOL Strand: READING

8.6 The student will read, comprehend, and analyze a variety of nonfiction texts.

a) Draw on background knowledge and knowledge of text structure to understand

selections.
b) Make inferences and draw conclusions based on explicit and implied information using
evidence from text as support.
c) Analyze the author’s qualifications, viewpoint, and impact.
d) Analyze the author’s use of text structure and word choice.
e) Analyze details for relevance and accuracy.
f) Differentiate between fact and opinion.
g) Identify the main idea.
h) Summarize the text identifying supporting details.
i) Identify an author’s organizational pattern using textual clues, such as transitional
words and phrases.
j) Identify cause and effect relationships.
k) Evaluate, organize, and synthesize information for use in written and oral formats.
l) Use reading strategies to monitor comprehension throughout the reading process.

Question 1:

Identify the cause and effect in the following sentences.

i. Drake gathered firewood to make a fire.

Cause:
Effect:

ii. We ran down to the basement as there was a tornado warning.

Cause:
Effect:

iii. Jake took dance lesson to get ready for the prom.
Cause:
Effect:

iv. Sarah joined a running club to improve her fitness.

Cause:
Effect:

v. Kerry has become a fluent public speaker after attending the training.
Cause:
Effect:
EDUC 672 – BENCHMARK ASSESSMENT 17

Question 2:

Indicate whether the following statements depict facts or opinions.

Statement Fact or Opinion

i. As You Like It is a pastoral comedy written by

Shakespeare.

ii. William Wordsworth is one of the greatest English

Romantic poets.

iii. Fur Elise is one of Ludwig van Beethoven’s most

popular piano compositions.

iv. Robert Frost is an American Poet from California.

v. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is an influential classical

composer in Western classical music.

vi. Geoffrey Chaucer is an English poet who wrote The

Canterbury Tales.

vii. The two cities portrayed in Charles Dickens’ A Tale

of Two Cities are London and Paris.

viii. The Academy in Athens was founded by Plato, a

philosopher in the Classical Greece.

ix. Absalom and Achitophel is a renowned satirical poem

written by John Dryden.

x. Aristotle is one of the greatest philosophers of

Classical Greece who is nicknamed the “Father of
Western Philosophy.”
EDUC 672 – BENCHMARK ASSESSMENT 18

SOL Strand: WRITING

8.7 The student will write in a variety of forms, including narration, exposition, persuasion, and
informational.

a. Identify intended audience.

b. Use prewriting strategies to generate and organize ideas.
c. Distinguish between a thesis statement and a topic sentence.
d. Organize details to elaborate the central idea and provide unity.
e. Select specific vocabulary and information for audience and purpose.
f. Use interview quotations as evidence.
g. Revise writing for clarity of content, word choice, sentence variety, and transitions among
paragraphs.
h. Use computer technology to plan, draft, revise, edit, and publish writing.

Question 1: Alternative Assessment

Provide examples for the following prewriting strategies on the topic “The Internet and Social

Media”.

i. Brain Storming:
ii. Questioning:
iii. Free-writing:
iv. Listing:
v. Clustering or Mind-Mapping:
vi. Outlining:

Question 2: Alternative Assessment

Write an essay on “The Internet and Social Media” using the writing process: planning, drafting,

revising, editing, and publishing. The length of the essay should be between 600 to 1000 words,

discussing the following points (at a minimum): what is the Internet?, what is Social Media?, the

role and significance and the positive and negative effects of the Internet and social media. All

students should use a word-processing software such as MS- Word for all steps of the writing

process.
EDUC 672 – BENCHMARK ASSESSMENT 19

SOL Strand: WRITING

8.8 The student will edit writing for correct grammar, capitalization, punctuation, spelling,
sentence structure, and paragraphing.

a. Use a variety of graphic organizers, including sentence diagrams, to analyze and improve
sentence formation and paragraph structure.
b. Use and punctuate correctly varied sentence structures to include conjunctions and
transition words.
c. Choose the correct case and number for pronouns in prepositional phrases with compound
objects.
d. Maintain consistent verb tense across paragraphs.
e. Use comparative and superlative degrees in adverbs and adjectives.
f. Use quotation marks with dialogue and direct quotations.
g. Use correct spelling for frequently used words.

Question 1:

i. Underline the simple subject in the following sentences.

a. The man sitting in the shade was reading book.

b. After an eight-hour long drive, everyone was feeling tired.

c. The boy in the red shorts started running towards the dog.

d. Ms. Dona collected the papers.

e. Many of my friends are attending the meeting.

ii. Underline the simple predicate in the following sentences.

a. The blue sky suddenly turned gray.

b. Ms. Dona returned the papers.

c. A lot of people are looking for full-time jobs.

d. The children’s choir sound so beautiful.

e. The piano was last tuned two months ago.

EDUC 672 – BENCHMARK ASSESSMENT 20

Question 2:

i. Complete the following sentences with the most suitable correlative conjunction.

a. The forms could be submitted _____________ on Monday ______ Wednesday.

(either…or / if…then)

b. The boy excelled _________________ in academics _______________ in athletic.

(not only…but also / whether…or)

c. The jeweler could not tell _________________ it was authentic __________ fake.

(if…then / whether…or)

d. ______________________ the husband ________ wife took part in the Marathon.

(neither…nor / both…and)

e. _____________ the president ______ the vice president was available for comments.

(not only…but also / neither…nor)

ii. Provide comparative and superlative form of the following adjectives.

Adjective Comparative Superlative

a. good
b. bad
c. cheap
d. expensive
e. less
f. far
g. many
h. smart
i. busy
j. intelligent
EDUC 672 – BENCHMARK ASSESSMENT 21

SOL Strand: RESEARCH

8.9 The student will apply knowledge of appropriate reference materials to produce a
research product.

a. Collect and synthesize information from multiple sources including online, print and
media.
b. Evaluate the validity and authenticity of texts.
c. Use technology as a tool to research, organize, evaluate, and communicate information.
d. Make sense of information gathered from diverse sources by identifying misconceptions,
main and supporting ideas, conflicting information, point of view or bias.
e. Cite primary and secondary sources using Modern Language Association (MLA) or
American Psychological Association (APA) style.
f. Publish findings and respond to feedback.
g. Define the meaning and consequences of plagiarism and follow ethical and legal guidelines
for gathering and using information.

Question 1:

i. Define Plagiarism.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

ii. List at least three (3) consequences of plagiarism.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
EDUC 672 – BENCHMARK ASSESSMENT 22

Question 2:

i. Determine whether the following sources are primary or secondary.

Source Primary or Secondary

a) Works of art and literature

b) Literature reviews

c) Technical reports

d) History books

e) Bibliographies

f) Diaries, personal letters, and correspondence

g) Articles from journals, magazines, and news papers

h) Speeches and oral histories

i) Reference books such as dictionaries and encyclopedias

j) Autobiographies and memoires

k) Textbooks

l) Journal articles reporting experimental research

ii. Underline the correct answer.

a) Which of the following a primary source?

A. The Diary of Anne Franks B. Encyclopedia Britannica

b) Which of the following is a secondary source?

A. Webster Dictionary B. The Republic by Plato

c) Which of the following is a secondary source?

A. The Odyssey by Homer B. The Washington Journal

d) Which of the following is a primary source?

A. The Washington Post B. Emma by Jane Austin
EDUC 672 – BENCHMARK ASSESSMENT 23

References

Ereading Worksheets (n.d.). Author’s purpose. Worksheets. Retrieved from

https://www.ereadingworksheets.com/free-reading-worksheets/authors-purpose-

worksheets/

Frost, R. (n.d.). The Road Not Taken. Retrieved from

https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44272/the-road-not-taken

Mahoney M.P. (2011). Activities for Teaching “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost.

Retrieved from

https://www.lcsnc.org/cms/lib010/NC01911169/Centricity/domain/45/7th%20grade%20e

la/1st%20nine%20weeks/road_not_taken.pdf

Sailor,org Academy. (n.d.). Persuasive techniques. Retrieved from

https://www.saylor.org/site/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/K12ELA7-7.2.2-

PersuasiveTechniquesHandout-BY-SA1.pdf

Santiago Canyon College. (n.d.). Identifying primary and secondary resources. Retrieved from

https://sccollege.edu/Library/Pages/primarysources.aspx

Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). (2010). English sample lesson plans. Retrieved from

http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/standards_docs/english/2010/lesson_plans/index.

shtml#com

Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). (2010). Lesson skills: media literacy in

presentations. Retrieved from

http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/standards_docs/english/2010/lesson_plans/comm

unication/6-8/2_6-8_communication_media_literacy_in_presentations.pdf