Book excerpt: This brand-new book is fully aligned with the Common Core State Standards. It opens with an explanation of New York State’s standards for English Language Arts and Literacy, directs teachers on the best way to use this book, advises students on preparing for the eighth grade ELA test, and presents a diagnostic test with answers to analyze students’ strengths and weaknesses. Chapters that follow present— A test overview and effective test-taking strategies Practice exercises in Reading; Listening and Reading; and Reading and Writing Two full-length practice tests with answer keys and a strategies checklist The manual also features a helpful glossary of literary genres and terms.