Read this sentence from paragraph 15. “The bird had a gray head the color of soot, and its eyes, two onyx stones, were surrounded with black, as if rimmed in eye makeup.” The purpose of the figurative language in this sentence is to —

describe physical characteristics of the bird

explain a defense strategy of the bird

illustrate the bird’s surroundings

Paragraph 18 suggests that Joanna —

is determined to rescue the bird

has hiked to the ranger station before

is nervous about the hiking trail

knows the park ranger studies birds

In paragraph 25, what is Dan’s most logical reason for moving away from the waterfall?

He wants to avoid startling the bird.

He realizes they are going in the wrong direction.

He wants to have a better view of the bird.

He realizes the sound they hear could be imitated.

Grade 8 English · Research

Virginia SOL 8.R.1

Virginia SOL 8.R.1 is part of the Research strand in Grade 8 English (English). Under this Standards of Learning objective, students formulate research questions, collect/organize/synthesize information, evaluate sources, quote/summarize/paraphrase findings, organize/share findings, cite sources, and use technology ethically. Below is what 8.R.1 covers in plain language, the specific skills it is assessed on, the key concepts to review, and how to practice 8.R.1 for the Virginia SOL test.

Practice 8.R.1 All Grade 8 English standards

What SOL 8.R.1 means

Formulate research questions, collect/organize/synthesize information, evaluate sources, quote/summarize/paraphrase findings, organize/share findings, cite sources, and use technology ethically.

Practice Grade 8 English SOL questions

Free Grade 8 English questions from official Virginia Department of Education released SOL tests — good practice while you work on 8.R.1 and the rest of the course. Pick an answer to check it instantly, or open “Show answer” to review.

1. Read this sentence from paragraph 15. “The bird had a gray head the color of soot, and its eyes, two onyx stones, were surrounded with black, as if rimmed in eye makeup.” The purpose of the figurative language in this sentence is to —
Show answer
Answer: J — describe physical characteristics of the bird
2. Which word is the best antonym for arduous in paragraph 18?
Show answer
Answer: C — effortless
3. Paragraph 18 suggests that Joanna —
Show answer
Answer: F — is determined to rescue the bird
4. In paragraph 25, what is Dan’s most logical reason for moving away from the waterfall?
Show answer
Answer: D — He wants to avoid startling the bird.

→ Take the full free Grade 8 English SOL practice test

Skills you’ll practice for 8.R.1

Formulating questions about research topics
Revising questions about research topics
Broadening or narrowing inquiry as necessary
Collecting, organizing, and synthesizing information from multiple sources
Using various notetaking formats
Evaluating and analyzing relevance, validity, and credibility of sources
Identifying main and supporting ideas
Identifying conflicting information
Identifying points of view
Identifying biases
Quoting research findings from primary and secondary sources
Summarizing research findings from primary and secondary sources
Paraphrasing research findings from primary and secondary sources
Avoiding plagiarism by using own words
Following ethical and legal guidelines
Organizing and sharing findings in formal formats
Organizing and sharing findings in informal formats
Organizing and sharing findings orally
Organizing and sharing findings in written formats
Citing primary and secondary sources using MLA or APA style
Demonstrating ethical and responsible use of all sources
Using Internet, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and new technologies responsibly

Key concepts covered by 8.R.1

research questions
formulating
inquiry
revising
inquiry refinement
broaden inquiry
narrow inquiry
research scope
collect information
organize information
synthesize information
multiple sources
notetaking formats
information organization
research skills
source evaluation
relevance
validity
credibility
main ideas
supporting ideas
source analysis
conflicting information
critical evaluation
points of view
bias
biases
quoting
research findings
primary sources
secondary sources
summarizing
paraphrasing
plagiarism avoidance
originality
academic integrity
ethical guidelines
legal guidelines
research ethics
organize findings
share findings
formal formats
informal formats
oral presentation
written report
cite sources
MLA style
APA style
citation
ethical use
responsible use
sources
Internet
AI
new technologies

How to study and practice SOL 8.R.1

Start with a quick diagnostic to see whether 8.R.1 is already solid, then work each skill above with guided notes, flashcards, and SOL-style practice questions. For official released items, see our Virginia SOL practice tests guide and how to study for the SOL test.

→ Take the free Grade 8 English SOL practice test

8.R — Conduct research and read related texts to build knowledge, solve problems, and support cross-curricular learning.

Frequently asked questions about SOL 8.R.1

What is Virginia SOL 8.R.1?

SOL 8.R.1 is a Grade 8 English Standard of Learning in the Research strand. It expects students to formulate research questions, collect/organize/synthesize information, evaluate sources, quote/summarize/paraphrase findings, organize/share findings, cite sources, and use technology ethically.

What skills does SOL 8.R.1 cover?

SOL 8.R.1 is assessed on 22 skills: formulating questions about research topics; revising questions about research topics; broadening or narrowing inquiry as necessary; collecting, organizing, and synthesizing information from multiple sources; using various notetaking formats; evaluating and analyzing relevance, validity, and credibility of sources; identifying main and supporting ideas; identifying conflicting information; identifying points of view; identifying biases; quoting research findings from primary and secondary sources; summarizing research findings from primary and secondary sources; paraphrasing research findings from primary and secondary sources; avoiding plagiarism by using own words; following ethical and legal guidelines; organizing and sharing findings in formal formats; organizing and sharing findings in informal formats; organizing and sharing findings orally; organizing and sharing findings in written formats; citing primary and secondary sources using MLA or APA style; demonstrating ethical and responsible use of all sources; using Internet, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and new technologies responsibly.

What strand of Grade 8 English is SOL 8.R.1 in?

SOL 8.R.1 belongs to the Research reporting strand of the Grade 8 English Virginia Standards of Learning.

How do I study and practice for SOL 8.R.1?

Start with a diagnostic to see whether 8.R.1 is already solid, then work the 22 skills above with guided notes, flashcards, and SOL-style practice questions. For official released items, see the Virginia SOL practice tests guide.