CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.11-12.1
The Standard
Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts · Reading Standards for Informational Text
What This Standard Means
Students need to make claims about an informational text and back them with the best evidence, not just any related quote. They should explain what the text says directly, what can be reasonably inferred, and what the author does not fully answer or prove.
Mastery looks like a claim supported by precise, relevant evidence and clear reasoning. Strong students can name uncertainty without guessing too far. Students often get stuck choosing long quotes, paraphrasing without analysis, or treating an inference as fact when the text only suggests it.
Ways to Teach It
- Give pairs a short editorial and have them highlight one explicit claim, one inference, and one unanswered question in three colors.
- Ask students to write: What does the author prove, suggest, and leave uncertain, and which sentence best supports each answer?
- Use an exit ticket with one claim and four possible quotes, asking students to pick the strongest evidence and explain why.
- Bring in a news analysis article and have students mark where the reporter separates confirmed facts from likely conclusions.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.11-12.1
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Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.1
Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.6.1
Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.11-12.1
Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining ...