Skills to prepare for New York State Tests
Find the math, reading and writing skills covered by the New York State tests at your grade.
Grade 3 New York State math skills
22 skill groups across 5 topic areasOperations and algebraic thinking
Equal groups, multiplication, division and patterns
Operations and algebraic thinking
Equal groups, multiplication, division and patterns
Interpret multiplication
Explain a whole-number product using equal groups of objects.
Interpret division
Explain a quotient as equal sharing or as finding the number of equal groups.
Solve multiplication and division word problems
Use drawings or equations for equal groups, arrays and measurements within 100.
Find an unknown factor or quotient
Find the missing number in a multiplication or division equation.
Use operation properties
Use changes in order or grouping and the distributive property to make calculations easier.
Use multiplication to solve division
Treat division as finding an unknown factor.
Build multiplication and division fluency
Calculate fluently within 100 and recall products of two one-digit numbers.
Solve problems in two steps
Solve two-step whole-number problems, write an equation for the unknown quantity, use the conventional order of operations and check the result with an estimate.
Explain number patterns
Spot relationships in addition or multiplication tables and explain why they work.
Number and operations
Whole-number calculations and beginning fractions
Number and operations
Whole-number calculations and beginning fractions
Round, add and subtract whole numbers
Round to tens or hundreds and calculate sums and differences within 1,000.
Multiply by multiples of ten
Use place value to multiply a one-digit number by 10, 20, and other multiples through 90.
Represent fractions as numbers
Connect equal parts of a whole to fractions and positions on a number line. Grade 3 denominators are 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8.
Compare fractions and find equivalents
Explain simple equivalence, express whole numbers as fractions, and compare fractions sharing a numerator or denominator.
Read, write and understand four-digit numbers
Use place value, number names and expanded form for four-digit whole numbers.
Measurement and data
Time, measurement, graphs, area and perimeter
Measurement and data
Time, measurement, graphs, area and perimeter
Work with time, mass and liquid volume
Read time to the minute, calculate elapsed time, and solve measurement problems with grams, kilograms and liters.
Understand square units
Explain area as the amount of surface covered by unit squares without gaps or overlaps.
Measure area by counting squares
Count unit squares to determine a figure's area.
Connect area to multiplication
Multiply rectangle side lengths and add areas of non-overlapping rectangles.
Geometry
Shape categories and equal-area parts
Geometry
Shape categories and equal-area parts
Divide shapes into equal areas
Describe each equal-area part as a unit fraction of the whole shape.
Problem solving and mathematical reasoning
Choosing a method, explaining it and checking the result
Problem solving and mathematical reasoning
Choosing a method, explaining it and checking the result
Plan and solve a multi-step problem
Identify the quantities and constraints, choose useful operations or representations, and carry out the steps needed to answer the question.
Explain why a solution works
Support an answer with equations, diagrams, examples or a logical argument. Identify an error in another solution or explain why a proposed method is valid.
Interpret and check a mathematical model
Connect a calculation, graph or equation to the original situation. Check units, assumptions and whether the result is reasonable.
Grade 3 New York State reading and writing skills
15 skill groups across 3 topic areasUnderstanding and analyzing texts
Evidence, main ideas, characters, events and organization
Understanding and analyzing texts
Evidence, main ideas, characters, events and organization
Support an answer or inference with evidence
Locate relevant details in the text. Use them to answer a question, explain stated information or support an inference.
Determine the theme or central idea
Determine a theme or central idea, explain the supporting key details and summarize part of the text.
Analyze characters and events
Explain character traits, motivations or feelings with specific details and connect character actions to the event sequence.
Follow ideas and relationships
Explain connections between events, ideas or procedures using time, sequence or cause and effect.
Explain how text structure works
Explain how chapters, scenes and stanzas build on one another. Use informational text features to locate information.
Analyze point of view
Distinguish your point of view from that of the narrator, author or characters.
Connect text with a visual display
Explain how a supplied illustration, chart, diagram or other text feature contributes information or meaning.
Evaluate claims and supporting evidence
Explain how relevant reasons and evidence support a claim.
Make connections between texts
Recognize genre and connect ideas or perspectives in the supplied texts using specific details.
Vocabulary and word choice
Context, word parts, figurative meaning and tone
Vocabulary and word choice
Context, word parts, figurative meaning and tone
Determine word meanings in context
Use surrounding sentences, familiar word parts and the role of a word in the passage to determine an unfamiliar or multiple-meaning word.
Interpret figurative language and word relationships
Explain literal and nonliteral meanings and use relationships such as synonyms and antonyms to refine meaning.
Understand academic and topic vocabulary
Interpret subject-specific and academic language accurately when reading a passage or writing about it.
Text-based written responses
Explaining an answer with relevant evidence
Text-based written responses
Explaining an answer with relevant evidence
Write a supported short response
Answer the question directly, select relevant details from the passage and explain how those details support the answer or inference.
Develop an organized analysis
Respond to the full prompt, organize connected ideas and develop them with specific evidence. When the task supplies two texts, use evidence from both.
Make the response clear and readable
Use complete sentences, correct grammar, capitalization, punctuation and spelling so that errors do not obscure the meaning.
Grade 4 New York State math skills
25 skill groups across 5 topic areasOperations and algebraic thinking
Comparisons, multi-step problems, factors and patterns
Operations and algebraic thinking
Comparisons, multi-step problems, factors and patterns
Understand multiplicative comparisons
Represent how many times as much one quantity is as another, using equations and word problems.
Solve multi-step word problems
Choose among the four operations, interpret remainders, and check answers with estimates.
Find factors and multiples
Identify factor pairs, multiples, and prime or composite numbers within 100.
Generate and explain patterns
Follow a number or shape rule and describe features that the rule does not explicitly state.
Number and operations
Larger whole numbers, fraction operations and decimals
Number and operations
Larger whole numbers, fraction operations and decimals
Explain neighboring place values
Explain why a digit represents ten times as much in the place to its left.
Read, write and compare larger whole numbers
Use numerals, words and expanded form through one million and compare values digit by digit.
Round larger whole numbers
Use place value to round a multi-digit whole number to any place.
Add and subtract larger whole numbers
Use standard algorithms fluently for multi-digit sums and differences.
Multiply larger whole numbers
Multiply up to four digits by one digit or two digits by two digits, explaining the strategy with models or equations.
Divide larger whole numbers
Divide up to four digits by one digit and explain quotients and remainders using place value or models.
Explain fraction equivalence and comparisons
Use models or benchmarks to compare fractions referring to the same whole. Grade 4 fraction denominators are 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 100.
Add, subtract and multiply fractions
Add or subtract fractions and mixed numbers with like denominators, and multiply a fraction by a whole number.
Measurement and data
Conversions, rectangle measurements, line plots and angles
Measurement and data
Conversions, rectangle measurements, line plots and angles
Apply area and perimeter formulas
Find rectangle measurements, including a missing side when other information is given.
Calculate with line-plot data
Display measurements in halves, quarters and eighths and answer questions using fraction addition and subtraction.
Understand angle measurement
Connect an angle's size to a fraction of a full turn measured in degrees.
Measure and draw angles
Use a protractor to measure an angle or draw an angle of a specified size.
Find unknown angles
Add or subtract angle measures to find missing parts of a larger angle.
Represent data in graphs and line plots
Use scaled picture and bar graphs; measure to half- and quarter-inches and display the results on line plots.
Find and compare perimeters
Calculate distances around polygons and distinguish perimeter from area.
Geometry
Lines, angles, shape properties and symmetry
Geometry
Lines, angles, shape properties and symmetry
Identify lines, angles and shape categories
Recognize parallel and perpendicular lines and classify figures, including right triangles, using line and angle properties.
Recognize lines of symmetry
Identify and draw lines that divide a figure into matching reflected halves.
Group shapes by shared properties
Recognize quadrilaterals and explain how rectangles, squares and rhombuses fit within that category.
Problem solving and mathematical reasoning
Choosing a method, explaining it and checking the result
Problem solving and mathematical reasoning
Choosing a method, explaining it and checking the result
Plan and solve a multi-step problem
Identify the quantities and constraints, choose useful operations or representations, and carry out the steps needed to answer the question.
Explain why a solution works
Support an answer with equations, diagrams, examples or a logical argument. Identify an error in another solution or explain why a proposed method is valid.
Interpret and check a mathematical model
Connect a calculation, graph or equation to the original situation. Check units, assumptions and whether the result is reasonable.
Grade 4 New York State reading and writing skills
16 skill groups across 3 topic areasUnderstanding and analyzing texts
Evidence, main ideas, characters, events and organization
Understanding and analyzing texts
Evidence, main ideas, characters, events and organization
Support an answer or inference with evidence
Locate relevant details in the text. Use them to answer a question, explain stated information or support an inference.
Determine the theme or central idea
Determine a theme or central idea, explain its supporting details and summarize the text.
Analyze characters and events
Describe a character, setting or event in depth using specific textual details.
Follow ideas and relationships
Explain events, procedures, ideas or concepts, including what happened and why.
Explain how text structure works
Analyze verse, rhythm, meter or dramatic structure. Identify how an informational text organizes its content.
Analyze point of view
Compare first-person and third-person narration. Distinguish accounts in primary and secondary sources.
Connect text with a visual display
Explain how a supplied illustration, chart, diagram or other text feature contributes information or meaning.
Evaluate claims and supporting evidence
Explain how relevant reasons and evidence support a claim.
Make connections between texts
Recognize genre and connect ideas or perspectives in the supplied texts using specific details.
Vocabulary and word choice
Context, word parts, figurative meaning and tone
Vocabulary and word choice
Context, word parts, figurative meaning and tone
Determine word meanings in context
Use surrounding sentences, familiar word parts and the role of a word in the passage to determine an unfamiliar or multiple-meaning word.
Interpret figurative language and word relationships
Explain literal and nonliteral meanings and use relationships such as synonyms and antonyms to refine meaning.
Understand academic and topic vocabulary
Interpret subject-specific and academic language accurately when reading a passage or writing about it.
Text-based written responses
Explaining an answer with relevant evidence
Text-based written responses
Explaining an answer with relevant evidence
Write a supported short response
Answer the question directly, select relevant details from the passage and explain how those details support the answer or inference.
Develop an organized analysis
Respond to the full prompt, organize connected ideas and develop them with specific evidence. When the task supplies two texts, use evidence from both.
Use textual evidence in an explanation
Draw relevant evidence from the supplied literary or informational texts to support analysis rather than retelling without explanation.
Make the response clear and readable
Use complete sentences, correct grammar, capitalization, punctuation and spelling so that errors do not obscure the meaning.
Grade 5 New York State math skills
20 skill groups across 4 topic areasNumber and operations
Place value, whole numbers, decimals and fractions
Number and operations
Place value, whole numbers, decimals and fractions
Understand place value and powers of ten
Explain how a digit changes value across places and how powers of ten affect whole numbers and decimals.
Read, compare and round decimals
Use words, numerals and expanded form through thousandths; compare values and round to a chosen place.
Multiply and divide larger whole numbers
Use the standard multiplication algorithm. Divide up to four-digit numbers by two-digit numbers, explaining the method.
Calculate with decimals
Use all four operations with decimals to hundredths and explain the reasoning with models or place value.
Add and subtract fractions
Find common denominators, including for mixed numbers. Solve word problems and check answers using estimates.
Understand fractions as division
Express equal-sharing answers as fractions or mixed numbers, connecting the fraction bar to division.
Multiply fractions and explain scaling
Model products and fractional rectangle areas, solve word problems, and explain why a factor can enlarge or reduce a quantity.
Divide with unit fractions
Divide a unit fraction by a whole number, or a whole number by a unit fraction. General fraction-by-fraction division is not a Grade 5 requirement.
Connect tenths and hundredths
Express tenths as hundredths and add fractions with denominators 10 and 100.
Write fractions as decimals
Use decimal notation for fractions with denominators 10 or 100.
Compare decimals through hundredths
Use models or place value to compare decimal amounts referring to the same whole.
Measurement and data
Unit conversions, line plots and volume
Measurement and data
Unit conversions, line plots and volume
Convert measurement units
Switch between units within one measurement system and use conversions in multi-step problems.
Read and create line plots
Plot measurements in halves, quarters and eighths, then use fraction calculations to answer questions about the data.
Measure volume with unit cubes
Connect the space a solid occupies to a count of cubes packed without gaps or overlaps.
Calculate the volume of rectangular prisms
Use length, width and height, or base area and height. Add volumes for shapes made of two non-overlapping prisms.
Convert units and solve measurement problems
Express larger units as smaller units within one system; solve problems involving time, money and other measurements.
Geometry
Coordinate points and properties of shapes
Geometry
Coordinate points and properties of shapes
Classify shapes by their properties
Organize two-dimensional shapes into related groups and explain why a subgroup inherits the properties of its larger category.
Problem solving and mathematical reasoning
Choosing a method, explaining it and checking the result
Problem solving and mathematical reasoning
Choosing a method, explaining it and checking the result
Plan and solve a multi-step problem
Identify the quantities and constraints, choose useful operations or representations, and carry out the steps needed to answer the question.
Explain why a solution works
Support an answer with equations, diagrams, examples or a logical argument. Identify an error in another solution or explain why a proposed method is valid.
Interpret and check a mathematical model
Connect a calculation, graph or equation to the original situation. Check units, assumptions and whether the result is reasonable.
Grade 5 New York State reading and writing skills
16 skill groups across 3 topic areasUnderstanding and analyzing texts
Evidence, main ideas, characters, events and organization
Understanding and analyzing texts
Evidence, main ideas, characters, events and organization
Support an answer or inference with evidence
Locate relevant details in the text. Use them to answer a question, explain stated information or support an inference.
Determine the theme or central idea
Determine a theme or central idea, connect it to key details and summarize the text.
Analyze characters and events
Compare characters, settings or events and explain their relationships with specific details.
Follow ideas and relationships
Explain relationships and interactions between individuals, events, ideas or concepts.
Explain how text structure works
Compare the organization of stories, plays or poems and the structure of informational texts.
Analyze point of view
Explain how a narrator or speaker shapes events and compare perspectives across informational accounts.
Connect text with a visual display
Explain how a supplied illustration, chart, diagram or other text feature contributes information or meaning.
Evaluate claims and supporting evidence
Identify which reasons and evidence support a particular claim.
Make connections between texts
Compare ideas, themes or perspectives in the supplied texts and support a judgment about their content or quality with evidence.
Vocabulary and word choice
Context, word parts, figurative meaning and tone
Vocabulary and word choice
Context, word parts, figurative meaning and tone
Determine word meanings in context
Use surrounding sentences, familiar word parts and the role of a word in the passage to determine an unfamiliar or multiple-meaning word.
Interpret figurative language and word relationships
Explain figurative meanings, connotations and relationships between words. Use context to distinguish closely related meanings.
Understand academic and topic vocabulary
Interpret subject-specific and academic language accurately when reading a passage or writing about it.
Text-based written responses
Explaining an answer with relevant evidence
Text-based written responses
Explaining an answer with relevant evidence
Write a supported short response
Answer the question directly, select relevant details from the passage and explain how those details support the answer or inference.
Develop an organized analysis
Respond to the full prompt, organize connected ideas and develop them with specific evidence. When the task supplies two texts, use evidence from both.
Use textual evidence in an explanation
Draw relevant evidence from the supplied literary or informational texts to support analysis rather than retelling without explanation.
Make the response clear and readable
Use complete sentences, correct grammar, capitalization, punctuation and spelling so that errors do not obscure the meaning.
Grade 6 New York State math skills
31 skill groups across 4 topic areasOperations and algebraic thinking
Expressions, equations and variable relationships
Operations and algebraic thinking
Expressions, equations and variable relationships
Evaluate numerical expressions with exponents
Use whole-number powers and the conventional order of operations.
Write and evaluate variable expressions
Translate words into expressions, identify their parts and substitute values for variables.
Generate equivalent expressions
Apply operation properties to rewrite an expression without changing its value.
Recognize equivalent expressions
Decide whether two expressions have the same value for every allowed value of a variable.
Check solutions by substitution
Substitute a value to decide whether an equation or inequality is true.
Use variables for unknown quantities
Write expressions that represent an unknown number or quantities in a situation.
Solve one-step equations
Solve equations of the forms x + p = q and px = q using nonnegative rational numbers.
Represent inequalities
Write constraints such as x > c or x < c and show their infinitely many solutions on a number line.
Connect tables, graphs and equations
Identify which quantity depends on another and represent how the two quantities change together.
Work with numerical expressions
Evaluate calculations with parentheses, brackets and braces, keeping the intended order of operations.
Turn a calculation into an expression
Write and interpret numerical expressions using whole numbers, fractions or decimals without necessarily evaluating them.
Connect two number patterns
Generate sequences from two rules, explain how their terms relate, and plot corresponding pairs.
Number systems and ratios
Rates, fractions, decimals and signed numbers
Number systems and ratios
Rates, fractions, decimals and signed numbers
Describe ratio relationships
Use ratio language to compare quantities in a situation.
Understand unit rates
Explain a rate with a denominator of one in the context of a ratio relationship.
Solve ratio, rate and percent problems
Use equivalent ratios, tables, graphs or equations, including for percentages and unit conversions.
Divide fractions
Interpret and calculate a quotient of fractions using models or equations.
Divide multi-digit whole numbers
Use the standard division algorithm fluently.
Calculate with decimals
Use standard algorithms for all four decimal operations.
Find common factors and multiples
Use greatest common factors, least common multiples and the distributive property to restructure calculations.
Interpret positive and negative quantities
Explain signed values and the meaning of zero in situations such as temperature or elevation.
Locate signed values and opposites
Use number lines and all four coordinate quadrants to represent rational numbers.
Compare signed numbers and use absolute value
Distinguish order from distance to zero and explain comparisons in context.
Find coordinate distances
Plot points in all quadrants and use absolute value to find horizontal or vertical distances.
Geometry
Areas, nets, coordinate figures and volume
Geometry
Areas, nets, coordinate figures and volume
Find polygon areas
Break figures into triangles and rectangles or combine simpler shapes to calculate an area.
Work with volume and surface area
Calculate rectangular-prism volume with fractional side lengths and use nets to find surface area.
Use coordinates to measure shapes
Draw a polygon from its vertices and find side lengths parallel to the coordinate axes.
Plot and interpret coordinate points
Use ordered pairs and axes to represent situations in the first quadrant and explain what the coordinates mean.
Connect perfect squares and cubes with geometry
Use area and volume models to explain perfect squares and perfect cubes.
Problem solving and mathematical reasoning
Choosing a method, explaining it and checking the result
Problem solving and mathematical reasoning
Choosing a method, explaining it and checking the result
Plan and solve a multi-step problem
Identify the quantities and constraints, choose useful operations or representations, and carry out the steps needed to answer the question.
Explain why a solution works
Support an answer with equations, diagrams, examples or a logical argument. Identify an error in another solution or explain why a proposed method is valid.
Interpret and check a mathematical model
Connect a calculation, graph or equation to the original situation. Check units, assumptions and whether the result is reasonable.
Grade 6 New York State reading and writing skills
16 skill groups across 3 topic areasUnderstanding and analyzing texts
Evidence, main ideas, characters, events and organization
Understanding and analyzing texts
Evidence, main ideas, characters, events and organization
Support an answer or inference with evidence
Select relevant textual evidence to support an analysis of explicit or implied meaning and explain the connection.
Determine the theme or central idea
Explain how key details develop a theme or central idea and provide a summary.
Analyze characters and events
Explain how events unfold and how characters respond or change as the plot develops.
Follow ideas and relationships
Explain how an idea or event is introduced, illustrated and developed.
Explain how text structure works
Explain how a sentence, paragraph, chapter or scene contributes to the development of ideas, theme, setting or plot.
Analyze point of view
Explain how point of view develops and conveys meaning, including cultural or geographic perspectives.
Connect text with a visual display
Explain how a supplied illustration, chart, diagram or other text feature contributes information or meaning.
Evaluate claims and supporting evidence
Trace the development of a claim and distinguish supported claims from unsupported ones.
Make connections between texts
Compare ideas, themes or perspectives in the supplied texts and support a judgment about their content or quality with evidence.
Vocabulary and word choice
Context, word parts, figurative meaning and tone
Vocabulary and word choice
Context, word parts, figurative meaning and tone
Determine word meanings in context
Use surrounding sentences, familiar word parts and the role of a word in the passage to determine an unfamiliar or multiple-meaning word.
Interpret figurative language and word relationships
Explain figurative meanings, connotations and relationships between words. Use context to distinguish closely related meanings.
Understand academic and topic vocabulary
Interpret subject-specific and academic language accurately when reading a passage or writing about it.
Text-based written responses
Explaining an answer with relevant evidence
Text-based written responses
Explaining an answer with relevant evidence
Write a supported short response
Answer the question directly, select relevant details from the passage and explain how those details support the answer or inference.
Develop an organized analysis
Respond to the full prompt, organize connected ideas and develop them with specific evidence. When the task supplies two texts, use evidence from both.
Use textual evidence in an explanation
Draw relevant evidence from the supplied literary or informational texts to support analysis rather than retelling without explanation.
Make the response clear and readable
Use complete sentences, correct grammar, capitalization, punctuation and spelling so that errors do not obscure the meaning.
Grade 7 New York State math skills
19 skill groups across 5 topic areasOperations and algebraic thinking
Equivalent expressions and multi-step problems
Operations and algebraic thinking
Equivalent expressions and multi-step problems
Rewrite expressions to reveal meaning
Expand, factor or combine linear expressions with rational coefficients and explain what an equivalent form shows.
Solve multi-step numerical problems
Calculate with signed fractions or decimals and use estimates to check whether a result makes sense.
Solve equations and inequalities
Represent a situation with an equation or inequality, solve it, and interpret or graph the solution.
Number systems and ratios
Proportional relationships and rational-number calculations
Number systems and ratios
Proportional relationships and rational-number calculations
Recognize and model proportional relationships
Calculate unit rates involving fractions and connect proportional tables, graphs and equations.
Solve percent and ratio problems
Handle multi-step situations such as discounts, tax, interest or percentage change.
Add and subtract signed rational numbers
Use number lines, opposites and sign rules to calculate with positive and negative fractions or decimals.
Multiply and divide signed rational numbers
Explain sign rules, calculate products and quotients, and connect fractions to terminating or repeating decimals.
Solve rational-number problems
Choose among all four operations in practical and mathematical situations.
Geometry
Scale, circles, angle relationships and solids
Geometry
Scale, circles, angle relationships and solids
Use scale drawings
Calculate actual lengths and areas and reproduce a drawing at a different scale.
Statistics and probability
Distributions, sampling, probability and comparisons
Statistics and probability
Distributions, sampling, probability and comparisons
Identify statistical questions and useful samples
Recognize questions that anticipate variability. Use representative samples to reason about populations and compare the effects of sampling methods or sample sizes.
Describe center, spread and shape
Describe a distribution using its center, spread and overall shape. Use mean, median, mode and range, and explain what each describes.
Display and summarize numerical data
Read or construct dot plots and histograms. Report the number of observations, units, center, range and notable gaps or outliers in context.
Interpret probability and repeated trials
Describe likelihood on a scale from 0 to 1. Estimate probability from relative frequency and compare experimental results with a probability model.
Construct and interpret box plots
Use a five-number summary to draw or read a box plot. Interpret its median, quartiles and spread.
Compare two groups using data
Describe the overlap between distributions and compare their centers and variability using mean, median, mode, range or interquartile range.
Find compound-event probabilities
Represent combined outcomes with lists, tables or tree diagrams. Use the sample space or a simulation to estimate or calculate a compound probability.
Problem solving and mathematical reasoning
Choosing a method, explaining it and checking the result
Problem solving and mathematical reasoning
Choosing a method, explaining it and checking the result
Plan and solve a multi-step problem
Identify the quantities and constraints, choose useful operations or representations, and carry out the steps needed to answer the question.
Explain why a solution works
Support an answer with equations, diagrams, examples or a logical argument. Identify an error in another solution or explain why a proposed method is valid.
Interpret and check a mathematical model
Connect a calculation, graph or equation to the original situation. Check units, assumptions and whether the result is reasonable.
Grade 7 New York State reading and writing skills
15 skill groups across 3 topic areasUnderstanding and analyzing texts
Evidence, main ideas, characters, events and organization
Understanding and analyzing texts
Evidence, main ideas, characters, events and organization
Support an answer or inference with evidence
Select relevant textual evidence to support an analysis of explicit or implied meaning and explain the connection.
Determine the theme or central idea
Analyze how a theme or central idea develops across the text and provide a summary.
Analyze characters and events
Explain how plot elements affect one another and shape the narrative.
Follow ideas and relationships
Analyze interactions between individuals, events and ideas.
Explain how text structure works
Compare literary forms and structures and explain how informational sections build the main ideas.
Analyze point of view
Compare the viewpoints of characters or narrators. Explain how an author distinguishes a position from other perspectives.
Evaluate claims and supporting evidence
Evaluate whether reasoning is valid and evidence is relevant and sufficient. Identify irrelevant evidence.
Make connections between texts
Compare ideas, themes or perspectives in the supplied texts and support a judgment about their content or quality with evidence.
Vocabulary and word choice
Context, word parts, figurative meaning and tone
Vocabulary and word choice
Context, word parts, figurative meaning and tone
Determine word meanings in context
Use surrounding sentences, familiar word parts and the role of a word in the passage to determine an unfamiliar or multiple-meaning word.
Interpret figurative language and word relationships
Explain figurative meanings, connotations and relationships between words. Use context to distinguish closely related meanings.
Understand academic and topic vocabulary
Interpret subject-specific and academic language accurately when reading a passage or writing about it.
Text-based written responses
Explaining an answer with relevant evidence
Text-based written responses
Explaining an answer with relevant evidence
Write a supported short response
Answer the question directly, select relevant details from the passage and explain how those details support the answer or inference.
Develop an organized analysis
Respond to the full prompt, organize connected ideas and develop them with specific evidence. When the task supplies two texts, use evidence from both.
Use textual evidence in an explanation
Draw relevant evidence from the supplied literary or informational texts to support analysis rather than retelling without explanation.
Make the response clear and readable
Use complete sentences, correct grammar, capitalization, punctuation and spelling so that errors do not obscure the meaning.
Grade 8 New York State math skills
27 skill groups across 5 topic areasOperations and algebraic thinking
Linear equations, systems, functions and graphs
Operations and algebraic thinking
Linear equations, systems, functions and graphs
Connect slope, rate and line equations
Compare proportional relationships and explain how slope and an intercept describe a line.
Solve linear equations in one variable
Solve equations with rational coefficients, including distributing and combining terms. Recognize equations with one, no or infinitely many solutions.
Recognize a function
Decide whether each input is assigned exactly one output.
Compare functions in different forms
Compare properties shown by tables, graphs, equations or descriptions.
Distinguish linear and nonlinear functions
Recognize a straight-line relationship of the form y = mx + b and explain examples that are not linear.
Model and interpret changing quantities
Build a linear model from data, interpret its starting value and rate, and describe increasing or decreasing portions of a graph.
Number systems and ratios
Irrational numbers, exponents and scientific notation
Number systems and ratios
Irrational numbers, exponents and scientific notation
Distinguish rational and irrational numbers
Connect repeating decimals with fractions and estimate irrational values on a number line.
Use exponents and roots
Apply integer-exponent rules and evaluate square or cube roots of familiar perfect powers.
Geometry
Transformations, similarity, right triangles and volume
Geometry
Transformations, similarity, right triangles and volume
Describe rigid transformations
Explain which properties of lines, angles and figures are preserved by rotations, reflections and translations.
Recognize congruent figures
Describe a sequence of rigid motions that maps one figure onto another.
Transform figures on a coordinate plane
Describe how translations, reflections, rotations and dilations change coordinates.
Recognize similar figures
Use rigid motions and dilations to explain similarity.
Explain angle relationships
Use informal arguments for triangle angle sums, parallel lines cut by a transversal and angle-angle similarity.
Explain the Pythagorean theorem
Explain a proof of the right-triangle relationship and its converse.
Find right-triangle lengths
Use the Pythagorean theorem to find missing lengths in two or three dimensions.
Find distances between coordinate points
Use the Pythagorean theorem to calculate a distance on a coordinate plane.
Find volumes of curved solids
Calculate the volume of a cylinder, cone or sphere in a practical or mathematical problem.
Draw shapes with given conditions
Investigate whether specified angles or side lengths determine one triangle, more than one or none.
Describe cross-sections
Identify the flat shapes made by slicing rectangular prisms and pyramids.
Find circle measurements and unknown angles
Use circumference and area formulas and relationships between adjacent, vertical, complementary or supplementary angles.
Calculate measurements of composite figures
Find area, surface area or volume by combining or separating familiar shapes and solids.
Statistics and probability
Scatter plots, fitted lines and two-way tables
Statistics and probability
Scatter plots, fitted lines and two-way tables
Interpret scatter plots
Describe clusters, outliers and positive, negative, linear or nonlinear associations in paired data.
Fit and assess a line
Informally fit a straight line to data and judge how closely the points follow it.
Use a linear data model
Interpret slope and intercept in context and use the fitted equation to answer questions.
Problem solving and mathematical reasoning
Choosing a method, explaining it and checking the result
Problem solving and mathematical reasoning
Choosing a method, explaining it and checking the result
Plan and solve a multi-step problem
Identify the quantities and constraints, choose useful operations or representations, and carry out the steps needed to answer the question.
Explain why a solution works
Support an answer with equations, diagrams, examples or a logical argument. Identify an error in another solution or explain why a proposed method is valid.
Interpret and check a mathematical model
Connect a calculation, graph or equation to the original situation. Check units, assumptions and whether the result is reasonable.
Grade 8 New York State reading and writing skills
15 skill groups across 3 topic areasUnderstanding and analyzing texts
Evidence, main ideas, characters, events and organization
Understanding and analyzing texts
Evidence, main ideas, characters, events and organization
Support an answer or inference with evidence
Select relevant textual evidence to support an analysis of explicit or implied meaning and explain the connection.
Determine the theme or central idea
Analyze how one or more themes or central ideas develop and interact, and provide a summary.
Analyze characters and events
Explain how dialogue or events propel action, reveal character or provoke a decision.
Follow ideas and relationships
Explain how a text connects or distinguishes people, ideas and events.
Explain how text structure works
Compare literary structures and explain how a specific paragraph or sentence develops an informational idea.
Analyze point of view
Explain how differences in perspective create mood or tone and how an author responds to conflicting perspectives.
Evaluate claims and supporting evidence
Evaluate the reasoning, relevance and sufficiency of evidence behind an argument or specific claim.
Make connections between texts
Compare ideas, themes or perspectives in the supplied texts and support a judgment about their content or quality with evidence.
Vocabulary and word choice
Context, word parts, figurative meaning and tone
Vocabulary and word choice
Context, word parts, figurative meaning and tone
Determine word meanings in context
Use surrounding sentences, familiar word parts and the role of a word in the passage to determine an unfamiliar or multiple-meaning word.
Interpret figurative language and word relationships
Explain figurative meanings, connotations and relationships between words. Use context to distinguish closely related meanings.
Understand academic and topic vocabulary
Interpret subject-specific and academic language accurately when reading a passage or writing about it.
Text-based written responses
Explaining an answer with relevant evidence
Text-based written responses
Explaining an answer with relevant evidence
Write a supported short response
Answer the question directly, select relevant details from the passage and explain how those details support the answer or inference.
Develop an organized analysis
Respond to the full prompt, organize connected ideas and develop them with specific evidence. When the task supplies two texts, use evidence from both.
Use textual evidence in an explanation
Draw relevant evidence from the supplied literary or informational texts to support analysis rather than retelling without explanation.
Make the response clear and readable
Use complete sentences, correct grammar, capitalization, punctuation and spelling so that errors do not obscure the meaning.