1. **State the problem:** We have two rectangles, one larger with dimensions 2 units by 8 units, and a smaller one inside it with dimensions 2 units by 3 units. We need to find the area of the shaded region, which is the area of the larger rectangle minus the area of the smaller rectangle. 2. **Formula for area of a rectangle:** $$\text{Area} = \text{width} \times \text{height}$$ 3. **Calculate the area of the larger rectangle:** $$\text{Area}_{large} = 2 \times 8 = 16$$ 4. **Calculate the area of the smaller rectangle:** $$\text{Area}_{small} = 2 \times 3 = 6$$ 5. **Find the shaded area by subtracting the smaller area from the larger area:** $$\text{Shaded area} = 16 - 6 = 10$$ 6. **Final answer:** The area of the shaded region is $10$ units$^2$.