Maryland ELA SL.8.1.d

ELA8th GradeSpeaking and Listening

The Standard

SL.8.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 8 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly. Come to discussions prepared, having read or studied required material; explicitly draw on that preparation and other information known about the topic to explore ideas under discussion. Follow rules for collegial discussions, set specific goals and deadlines, and define individual roles as needed. Pose questions that elicit elaboration and respond to others’ questions and comments with relevant observations and ideas that bring the discussion back on topic as needed. Acknowledge new information expressed by others and, when warranted, modify their own views.

Acknowledge new information expressed by others and, when warranted, modify their own views.

Maryland College and Career Ready Standards for English Language Arts (2025)

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students listen for a classmate's point that adds something to the discussion. They name the point and explain whether it changes their view.
What Mastery Looks Like: A student can explain which part of a classmate's reasoning made them rethink a position. They can also keep their position and give a reason for doing so.
Common Misconceptions: Students may say "I agree" without naming the point they heard. Some change their answer to avoid disagreement, while others dismiss a strong point without considering it.
How to Assess It: After a two-minute partner talk about later school start times, collect this exit slip: "My partner pointed out ___. That did or did not change my view because ___."

Lesson moves

Give pairs sample student sleep schedules to sort, then have each student move or keep a sticky note on an opinion line after listening.
Ask, "Which point from your partner about later start times deserves a response, and why?"
Play Keep or Change: read a claim and a counterexample, then students show a KEEP or CHANGE card and explain their choice.
Read a mock school board comment about phone rules, then have students write a reply that addresses one concern and gives their position.

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