North Carolina 8th Grade Standards

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English Language Arts 59 standards

Reading Literature

Reading Literature
RL.8.1Cite textual evidence that most strongly supports an analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
RL.8.2Determine a theme of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to the characters, setting, and plot; provide an objective summary of the text.
RL.8.3Analyze how particular lines of dialogue or incidents in a story or drama propel the action, reveal aspects of a character, or provoke a decision.
RL.8.4Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including analogies or allusions to other texts.
RL.8.5Compare and contrast the structure of two or more texts and analyze how the differing structure of each text contributes to its meaning and style.
RL.8.6Analyze how differences in the perspectives of the characters and the audience or reader create such effects as suspense or humor.
RL.8.7Analyze the extent to which a filmed or live production of a story or drama stays faithful to or departs from the text or script, evaluating the choices made by the director or actors.
RL.8.9Analyze how a modern work of fiction draws on themes, patterns of events, or character types from myths, traditional stories, or religious works, including describing how the material is rendered new.
RL.8.10By the end of grade 8, read and understand literature at the high end of the 6-8 text complexity band proficiently and independently for sustained periods of time. Connect prior knowledge and experiences to text.

Reading Informational Text

Reading Informational Text
RI.8.1Cite textual evidence that most strongly supports an analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
RI.8.2Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.
RI.8.3Analyze how a text makes connections among and distinctions between individuals, ideas, or events.
RI.8.4Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including analogies or allusions to other texts.
RI.8.5Analyze in detail the structure of a specific paragraph in a text, including the role of particular sentences in developing and refining a key concept.
RI.8.6Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how the author acknowledges and responds to conflicting evidence or viewpoints.
RI.8.7Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using different mediums to present a particular topic or idea.
RI.8.8Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant and sufficient; recognize when irrelevant evidence is introduced.
RI.8.9Analyze a case in which two or more texts provide conflicting information on the same topic and identify where the texts disagree on matters of fact or interpretation.
RI.8.10By the end of grade 8, read and understand informational texts at the high end of the 6-8 text complexity band proficiently and independently for sustained periods of time. Connect prior knowledge and experiences to text.

Writing

Writing
W.8.1 Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
W.8.1aOrganize information and ideas around a topic to plan and prepare to write.
W.8.1bIntroduce claim(s), acknowledge and distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and organize the
W.8.1cSupport claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources and
W.8.1dUse words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among claim(s),
W.8.1eEstablish and maintain a formal style.
W.8.1fProvide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.
W.8.1gWith some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on how well purpose and audience have been addressed.
W.8.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.
W.8.2aOrganize information and ideas around a topic to plan and prepare to write.
W.8.2bIntroduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and information into broader categories; include formatting, graphics, and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.
W.8.2cDevelop the topic with relevant, well-chosen facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples.
W.8.2dUse appropriate and varied transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts.
W.8.2eUse precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.
W.8.2fEstablish and maintain a formal style.
W.8.2gProvide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the information or explanation presented.
W.8.2hWith some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by revising,
W.8.3 Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences.
W.8.3aOrganize information and ideas around a topic to plan and prepare to write.
W.8.3bEngage and orient the reader by establishing a context and point of view and introducing a narrator and/or characters; organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally and logically.
W.8.3cUse narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, description, and reflection, to develop experiences, events, and/or characters.
W.8.3dUse a variety of transition words, phrases, and clauses to convey sequence, signal shifts from one time frame or setting to another, and show the relationships among experiences and events.
W.8.3eUse precise words and phrases, relevant descriptive details, and sensory language to capture the action and convey experiences and events.
W.8.3fProvide a conclusion that follows from and reflects on the narrated experiences or events.
W.8.3gWith some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on how well purpose and audience have been addressed."
W.8.4Use digital tools and resources to produce and publish writing and present the relationships between information and ideas efficiently as well as to interact and collaborate with others.
W.8.5Conduct short research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question), drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions that allow for multiple avenues of exploration.
W.8.6Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.

Speaking and Listening

Speaking and Listening
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.
SL.8.1aCome to discussions prepared, having read or researched material under study; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence on the topic, text, or issue to probe and reflect on ideas under discussion.
SL.8.1bFollow rules for collegial discussions and decision-making, track progress toward specific goals and deadlines, and define individual roles as needed.
SL.8.1cPose questions that connect the ideas of several speakers and respond to others’ questions and comments with relevant evidence, observations, and ideas.
SL.8.1dAcknowledge new information expressed by others, and, when warranted, qualify or justify their own views in light of the evidence presented.
SL.8.2Analyze the purpose of information presented in diverse media and formats and evaluate the motives behind its presentation.
SL.8.3Delineate a speaker’s argument and specific claims, evaluating the soundness of the reasoning and relevance and sufficiency of the evidence, and identifying when irrelevant evidence is introduced.
SL.8.4Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with relevant evidence,
SL.8.5Integrate multimedia and visual displays into presentations to clarify information, strengthen claims and evidence, and add interest.

Language

Language
L.8.1Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking; demonstrate proficiency within the 6-8 grammar continuum.
L.8.2Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing; demonstrate proficiency within the 6-8 conventions continuum.
L.8.3 Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.
L.8.3aUse verbs in the active or passive voice and in the conditional mood to achieve particular effects.
L.8.4Determine and/or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words or phrases based on grade 8 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies: context clues, word parts, word relationships, and reference materials.
L.8.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language and nuances in word meanings.
L.8.5aInterpret figures of speech in context based on grade 8 reading and content.
L.8.5bDistinguish among the connotations of words with similar denotations.
L.8.6Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; develop vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.

Mathematics 44 standards

The Number System

Know that there are numbers that are not rational, and approximate them by rational numbers.
NC.8.NS.1Understand that every number has a decimal expansion. Building upon the definition of a rational number, know that an irrational number is defined as a non-repeating, non-terminating decimal.
NC.8.NS.2 Use rational approximations of irrational numbers to compare the size of irrational numbers and locate them approximately on a number line. Estimate the value of expressions involving:
Square roots and cube roots to the tenths.
π to the hundredths.

Expressions and Equations

Work with radicals and integer exponents.
NC.8.EE.1Develop and apply the properties of integer exponents to generate equivalent numerical expressions.
NC.8.EE.2 Use square root and cube root symbols to:
Represent solutions to equations of the form x2 = p and x3 = p, where p is a positive rational number.
Evaluate square roots of perfect squares and cube roots of perfect cubes for positive numbers less than or equal to 400.
NC.8.EE.3Use numbers expressed in scientific notation to estimate very large or very small quantities and to express how many times as much one is than the other.
NC.8.EE.4Perform multiplication and division with numbers expressed in scientific notation to solve real-world problems, including problems where both decimal and scientific notation are used.
Analyze and solve linear equations and inequalities.
NC.8.EE.7 Solve real-world and mathematical problems by writing and solving equations and inequalities in one variable.
Recognize linear equations in one variable as having one solution, infinitely many solutions, or no solutions.
Solve linear equations and inequalities including multi-step equations and inequalities with the same variable on both sides.
Analyze and solve pairs of simultaneous linear equations.
NC.8.EE.8 Analyze and solve a system of two linear equations in two variables in slope-intercept form.
Understand that solutions to a system of two linear equations correspond to the points of intersection of their graphs because the point of intersection satisfies both equations simultaneously.
Solve real-world and mathematical problems leading to systems of linear equations by graphing the equations. Solve simple cases by inspection

Functions

Define, evaluate, and compare functions.
NC.8.F.1 Understand that a function is a rule that assigns to each input exactly one output.
Recognize functions when graphed as the set of ordered pairs consisting of an input and exactly one corresponding output.
Recognize functions given a table of values or a set of ordered pairs.
NC.8.F.2Compare properties of two linear functions each represented in a different way (algebraically, graphically, numerically in tables, or by verbal descriptions).
NC.8.F.3Identify linear functions from tables, equations, and graphs.
Use functions to model relationships between quantities.
NC.8.F.4 Analyze functions that model linear relationships.
Understand that a linear relationship can be generalized by y = mx + b .
Write an equation in slope-intercept form to model a linear relationship by determining the rate of change and the initial value, given at least two (x, y) values or a graph.
Construct a graph of a linear relationship given an equation in slope-intercept form.
Interpret the rate of change and initial value of a linear function in terms of the situation it models, and in terms of the slope and y-intercept of its graph or a table of values.
NC.8.F.5 Qualitatively analyze the functional relationship between two quantities.
Analyze a graph determining where the function is increasing or decreasing; linear or non-linear.
Sketch a graph that exhibits the qualitative features of a real-world function.

Geometry

Understand congruence and similarity using physical models, transparencies, or geometry software.
NC.8.G.2 Use transformations to define congruence.
Verify experimentally the properties of rotations, reflections, and translations that create congruent figures.
Understand that a two-dimensional figure is congruent to another if the second can be obtained from the first by a sequence of rotations, reflections, and translations.
Given two congruent figures, describe a sequence that exhibits the congruence between them.
NC.8.G.3Describe the effect of dilations about the origin, translations, rotations about the origin in 90 degree increments, and reflections across the x-axis and y-axis on two-dimensional figures using coordinates.
NC.8.G.4 Use transformations to define similarity.
Verify experimentally the properties of dilations that create similar figures.
Understand that a two-dimensional figure is similar to another if the second can be obtained from the first by a sequence of rotations, reflections, translations, and dilations.
Given two similar two-dimensional figures, describe a sequence that exhibits the similarity between them.
Analyze angle relationships.
NC.8.G.5 Use informal arguments to analyze angle relationships.
Recognize relationships between interior and exterior angles of a triangle.
Recognize the relationships between the angles created when parallel lines are cut by a transversal.
Recognize the angle-angle criterion for similarity of triangles.
Solve real-world and mathematical problems involving angles.
Understand and apply the Pythagorean Theorem.
NC.8.G.6Explain the Pythagorean Theorem and its converse.
NC.8.G.7Apply the Pythagorean Theorem and its converse to solve real-world and mathematical problems.
NC.8.G.8Apply the Pythagorean Theorem to find the distance between two points in a coordinate system.
Solve real-world and mathematical problems involving volume of cylinders, cones, and spheres.
NC.8.G.9Understand how the formulas for the volumes of cones, cylinders, and spheres are related and use the relationship to solve real-world and mathematical problems.

Statistics and Probability

Investigate patterns of association in bivariate data.
NC.8.SP.1Construct and interpret scatter plots for bivariate measurement data to investigate patterns of association between two quantities. Investigate and describe patterns such as clustering, outliers, positive or negative association, linear association, and nonlinear association.
NC.8.SP.2 Model the relationship between bivariate quantitative data to:
Informally fit a straight line for a scatter plot that suggests a linear association.
Informally assess the model fit by judging the closeness of the data points to the line.
NC.8.SP.3Use the equation of a linear model to solve problems in the context of bivariate quantitative data, interpreting the slope and y-intercept.
NC.8.SP.4 Understand that patterns of association can also be seen in bivariate categorical data by displaying frequencies and relative frequencies in a two-way table.
Construct and interpret a two-way table summarizing data on two categorical variables collected from the same subjects.
Use relative frequencies calculated for rows or columns to describe possible association between the two variables.
North Carolina Math 1

Science 22 standards

Matter and its Interactions

PS.8.1 Understand the properties of matter and changes that occur when matter interacts in open and closed systems.
PS.8.1.1Construct an explanation to classify matter as elements, compounds, or mixtures based on how the atoms are arranged in various substances.
PS.8.1.2Use models to illustrate the structure of atoms in terms of the protons, electrons, and neutrons (using the location, charges and comparative size of these subatomic particles), without consideration of isotopes, ions, and energy levels.
PS.8.1.3Analyze and interpret data to explain how the physical properties of elements and their reactivity have been used to produce the current model of the Periodic Table of Elements.
PS.8.1.4Construct an explanation to classify changes in matter as physical changes (including changes in size, shape, and state) or chemical changes that are the result of a chemical reaction (including changes in energy, color, formation of a gas or precipitate).
PS.8.1.5Use models to illustrate how atoms are rearranged during a chemical reaction so that balanced chemical equations support the Law of Conservation of Mass (in both open and closed systems).

From Molecules to Organisms - Structures and Processes

LS.8.1 Understand the hazards caused by agents of diseases that affect living organisms.
LS.8.1.1Construct an explanation to compare the basic characteristics of viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites relating to the spread, treatment and prevention of disease.
LS.8.1.2Analyze and interpret data to explain the difference between epidemic and pandemic as it relates to the spread, treatment and prevention of disease.

Ecosystems - Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics

LS.8.2 Understand how organisms interact with and respond to the biotic and abiotic factors in their environment.
LS.8.2.1Carry out investigations to explain how changing biotic and abiotic factors such as food, water, shelter, and space affect populations in an ecosystem.
LS.8.2.2Construct an explanation to summarize the relationships among producers, consumers, and decomposers including the positive and negative consequences of such interactions including: coexistence and cooperation, competition (predator/prey), parasitism, and mutualism.
LS.8.2.3Construct an explanation to summarize how food provides the energy and the building materials required for the growth and survival of all organisms (to include plants).
LS.8.2.4Use models to explain how the flow of energy within food webs is interconnected with the cycling of matter (water and carbon).

Biological Evolution - Unity and Diversity

LS.8.3 Understand the evolution of organisms over time based on evidence and processes.
LS.8.3.1Analyze and interpret data to infer evolutionary relationships by using evidence drawn from fossils and comparative anatomy.
LS.8.3.2Use models to explain the process of natural selection, in which genetic variations in a population affect individuals’ likelihood of surviving and reproducing in its environment.

Earth’s Place in the Universe

ESS.8.1 Understand the history of Earth and its life forms based on evidence of change recorded in fossil records and landforms.
ESS.8.1.1Analyze and interpret data to conclude the relative age of Earth and relative age of rocks and fossils from index fossils and ordering of rock layers.
ESS.8.1.2Engage in argument from evidence to explain the use of fossils, composition of sedimentary rocks, faults, and igneous rock formations found in rock layers as evidence of the history of the Earth and its life forms.

Earth’s Systems

ESS.8.2 Understand the hydrosphere including freshwater, estuarine, ocean systems.
ESS.8.2.1Use models to explain the structure of the hydrosphere including: water distribution on earth, local river basins, estuaries, and water availability.
ESS.8.2.2Use models to explain how temperature and salinity drive major ocean currents and how these currents impact climate, ecosystems, and the distribution of nutrients, minerals, dissolved gases, and life forms.

Earth and Human Activity

ESS.8.3 Understand the reciprocal relationship between the hydrosphere and humans.
ESS.8.3.1Analyze and interpret data to predict the safety and potability of water supplies in North Carolina based on physical and biological factors, including: temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, nitrates and phosphates, turbidity, and bio-indicators.
ESS.8.3.2Engage in argument from evidence to explain that the good health of humans and the environment requires: monitoring of the hydrosphere, water quality standards, methods of water treatment, maintaining safe water quality, and stewardship.
ESS.8.4 Understand the environmental implications associated with the various methods of obtaining, managing, and using energy resources.
ESS.8.4.2Engage in argument from evidence to explain the environmental consequences of the various methods of obtaining, transforming, and distributing energy.
ESS.8.4.3Analyze and interpret data to illustrate the relationship between human activities and global temperatures since industrialization.
ESS.8.4.4Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to compare the long term implications of the use of renewable and nonrenewable energy resources and the importance of stewardship and conservation.

More Information: North Carolina Dates, Sources and Homeschool Law

North Carolina Standard Course of Study, published by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NC DPI).

Adopted by the state: English 2017, Math 2017, Science 2023, Social Studies 2021
Last checked by NexStudents: September 25, 2026

Copied from the state's own files, word for word. States revise their standards, so check the state's page for the current version.

English Language Arts (the state's file)
Mathematics (the state's file)
Science (the state's file)
Social Studies (the state's file)

Homeschool Law in North Carolina

School required for ages: 7–16
Ways to homeschool: One
Notice to the state: Yes
Teacher qualifications: Yes
Required subjects: No
Testing or evaluation: Yes
Immunization records: Yes
Instruction time: A regular schedule for at least nine calendar months a year, apart from reasonable holidays.
The law: North Carolina General Statute §115C-563

Written from HSLDA's summary of North Carolina homeschool law, read September 25, 2026. Laws change and this is not legal advice. Read HSLDA's full step-by-step guide before you file anything.