CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.9-10.3a
The Standard
Write and edit work so that it conforms to the guidelines in a style manual (e.g., MLA Handbook, Turabian's Manual for Writers) appropriate for the discipline and writing type.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts
What This Standard Means
Students need to format and edit writing according to a named style guide, usually MLA in ELA. They should know how to check margins, spacing, headings, page numbers, titles, in-text citations, and Works Cited entries. They also need to use a handbook or trusted model instead of guessing.
Mastery looks like a clean final draft that follows the required style without teacher fixing. Students often get stuck on citation details, punctuation in Works Cited entries, and matching in-text citations to the source list. They may also format by memory instead of checking the guide.
Ways to Teach It
- Give students a messy MLA-formatted paragraph and Works Cited page, then have them correct it using a one-page MLA checklist.
- Ask students to explain which formatting rule they forget most often and how they will check it before submitting work.
- Use a three-minute exit ticket where students fix one in-text citation and one Works Cited entry.
- Show a college syllabus or journal article and have students identify how style rules help readers find and trust sources.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.9-10.3a
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.2e
Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while attending to the norms and conventions of the discipline in which they are writing.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.2e
Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while attending to the norms and conventions of the discipline in which they are writing.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.9-10.1d
Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while attending to the norms and conventions of the discipline in which they are writing.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.1d
Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while attending to the norms and conventions of the discipline in which they are writing.