CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.8.7

ELA8th GradeIntegration of Knowledge and Ideas

The Standard

Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using different mediums (e.g., print or digital text, video, multimedia) to present a particular topic or idea.

Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts · Reading Standards for Informational Text

Teacher's field guide

What This Standard Means

What Students Need to Do: Students examine how print, video, audio, and multimedia communicate the same topic or idea. They judge what each format does well and where it falls short.
What Mastery Looks Like: Students compare how two or more mediums present the same topic. They identify specific strengths and limits, then explain which medium works better for a stated purpose or audience.
Common Misconceptions: Students may say one medium is better simply because they enjoy it more. They may list features, such as music or images, without explaining how those features help or limit understanding.
How to Assess It: Show a short infographic and paragraph on the same topic. Ask students to name one advantage and one disadvantage of each, using specific evidence.

Lesson moves

Ways to Teach It

Set up stations with an article, infographic, podcast clip, and video, then have students sort feature cards under strength or limitation.
Ask students to write: Which format best explains this topic to a new learner, and what specific feature makes it effective?
Play Media Match by giving teams audience and purpose cards, then having them choose a medium and defend their choice with evidence.
Compare a printed weather report with a weather app, focusing on speed, detail, visuals, accessibility, and usefulness during an emergency.

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