CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.3a
The Standard
Choose language that expresses ideas precisely and concisely, recognizing and eliminating wordiness and redundancy.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students revise sentences to make each word earn its place. They remove repeated ideas, replace vague phrases, and keep the original meaning clear.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students can cut repeated or empty words without changing the intended meaning. They can replace vague phrases with exact words and explain why their revision is clearer.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think shorter always means better, even when an edit removes meaning. They may also miss repeated ideas when different words express the same point.
How to Assess It
- Give students this exit ticket: “The final outcome was completely unanimous among all the members.” Ask them to revise it and explain two deletions.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs wordy sentences on strips, then have them cut unnecessary words and rebuild each sentence without losing meaning.
Ask students to revise a wordy paragraph, then write two sentences explaining which changes made the ideas clearer.
Play Wordiness Hunt, where teams circle repeated ideas in sample sentences and earn points for clear, accurate revisions.
Have students shorten a school announcement or club flyer while keeping every detail readers need to act.
Free download
Printable L.7.3a Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.3a, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.
Download the worksheetLearning progression
Where This Standard Sits
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.
Keep exploring
Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.9-10.2d
Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to manage the complexity of the topic and convey a style appropriate to the discipline and context as well a...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.11-12.2d
Use precise language, domain-specific vocabulary and techniques such as metaphor, simile, and analogy to manage the complexity of the topic; convey a knowledgea...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.2d
Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.4.3a
Choose words and phrases to convey ideas precisely.
Turn this exact standard into a lesson
Grade, subject, topic, and the complete standard are prefilled. Create one free, no account needed.