CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.2

ELA8th GradeComprehension and Collaboration

The Standard

Analyze the purpose of information presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and evaluate the motives (e.g., social, commercial, political) behind its presentation.

Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts · Speaking and Listening Standards

What This Standard Means

Students need to look at information in videos, charts, speeches, ads, podcasts, infographics, and images, then ask why it was made and why it was shown that way. They should name the main purpose, notice format choices, and explain how those choices affect the message.

Mastery looks like a student saying, “This chart makes the difference look bigger because of the scale,” or “The speaker wants voters to feel worried.” Students often stop at summarizing the content. They may also confuse topic with purpose, or miss commercial, political, and social motives when the message seems neutral.

Ways to Teach It

  • Give pairs a cereal ad, a campaign flyer, and a school infographic, then have them label purpose, audience, format choices, and motive.
  • Ask students to write: What does this source want me to think, feel, or do, and what clues prove it?
  • Show a 30-second video clip and ask students to write one purpose, one motive, and one format choice on an index card.
  • Have students compare a charity poster and a product ad, then discuss how both use emotion to shape audience response.

Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.2

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Related Standards

Standard text verified against corestandards.org on July 10, 2026.

Page updated July 10, 2026.

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