CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.1.2
The Standard
Identify the main topic and retell key details of a text.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts · Reading Standards for Informational Text
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students figure out what a nonfiction text is mostly about. They retell key facts from the text that explain or support that topic.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students state what an informational text is mostly about in a few words. They retell two or more accurate details that clearly connect to that topic.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may name an interesting detail instead of the topic. They may retell every fact, add facts not in the text, or choose details that do not support the topic.
How to Assess It
- Read a short nonfiction paragraph aloud. Ask students to draw or write the topic, then tell two details from the paragraph that support it.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs a short animal article, then have them sort picture cards into topic, supporting detail, and unrelated fact groups.
After reading a page about weather, ask, “What is this mostly about, and which two facts helped you decide?”
Play Detail Detective by reading three facts aloud and having students identify the shared topic on a mini whiteboard.
Examine a school lunch menu, name its main topic, and retell details about two meals or food choices.
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Printable RI.1.2 Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.1.2, 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
See the whole path on the Reading: Informational Text progression map.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.
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Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.3.2
Determine the main idea of a text; recount the key details and explain how they support the main idea.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.4.2
Determine the main idea of a text and explain how it is supported by key details; summarize the text.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.5.2
Determine two or more main ideas of a text and explain how they are supported by key details; summarize the text.
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