ARM 10.54.3652. BENCHMARK FOR COMMUNICATION ARTS WRITING CONTENT STANDARD 5 FOR END OF GRADE 8

(1) The benchmark for communication arts writing content standard 5 for a student at the end of grade 8 is the ability to: (a) apply the steps of the writing process in a variety of written work; (b) select appropriate topics and generate thesis statements that indicate the writer's purpose for writing; (c) generate and develop main ideas using a variety of relevant supporting details; (d) organize writing using transitions and a logical progression of ideas; (e) demonstrate knowledge of language choices and their impact on writing through control of voice, strong sentence fluency, and effective word choice; (f) apply conventions of standard written English (e.g., usage, punctuation, and spelling) appropriate for purpose, audience, and form; (g) identify and describe the purpose, audience, format, and tone in one's own writing; (h) analyze the characteristics of different writing forms and genres and write in a variety of forms and genres; (i) compose written works demonstrating the ability to sustain focus through a variety of forms and genres; (j) use an information problem solving process to collect and utilize information to research a topic; (k) obtain and use information legally and respectfully and appropriately credit ideas and words of others, including those of Montana American Indians; (l) set goals, seek feedback, and monitor writing progress; and (m) use writing as a means of clarifying thought and reflecting on learning.