Georgia 8.T.SS.2.b
The Standard
Use figurative language, literary devices, or connotative language for intentional effects when creating texts to achieve specific purposes or appeal to the target audience. (C)
Georgia's K-12 English Language Arts Standards · Texts (T) · Structure & Style
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students choose figurative language, literary devices, and words with strong associations to shape a reader’s response. They adjust those choices for a specific purpose and audience.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students create clear imagery, tone, or emotional impact without forcing devices into every sentence. They can explain how a specific word or device supports the purpose and fits the intended reader.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think any metaphor or dramatic word makes writing stronger. They may confuse connotation with dictionary meaning, mix metaphors, or choose language that does not fit the audience.
How to Assess It
- Use this exit ticket: “Rewrite ‘The storm was strong’ for a suspense story using figurative or connotative language. Name the effect you intended.”
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give groups literal sentence strips and audience cards; students revise each sentence with imagery or connotation, then match it to the intended audience.
Write one warning for younger students and one for adults, then explain how two word choices change tone and appeal.
Play Connotation Ladder: teams rank synonyms from positive to negative, then use one in a sentence aimed at a named audience.
Compare two snack advertisements, circle emotionally loaded words, then rewrite one advertisement for health-conscious families.
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Printable 8.T.SS.2.b Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 8.T.SS.2.b, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
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Related Standards
- 9.T.SS.2.b
Use literary devices, figurative language, rhetorical language, and/or rhetorical appeals to create a variety of effects, as appropriate to intended purpose and...
- 6.T.SS.2.b
Use figurative language or literary devices for intentional effects when creating texts to achieve specific purposes or appeal to the target audience. (C)
- 7.T.SS.2.b
The 7th Grade version of this standard.
- 11.T.SS.2.b
Use literary devices, figurative language, rhetorical language, and/or rhetorical appeals to create a variety of effects, as appropriate to intended purpose and...
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