CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.2.2
The Standard
Identify the main topic of a multiparagraph text as well as the focus of specific paragraphs within the 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 name what a whole informational text is mostly about. They also state what each paragraph is mainly about and connect those focuses to the overall topic.
What Mastery Looks Like
- After reading a short nonfiction text, students can give a clear topic for the whole text. They can name each paragraph’s focus and point to details that support it.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may choose an interesting detail as the main topic. They may give every paragraph the same label instead of noticing its specific focus. Some copy the title without checking the details.
How to Assess It
- Give each student a three-paragraph nonfiction passage. Ask them to write the main topic, label each paragraph’s focus, and underline one supporting clue.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Cut a short article into paragraphs, then have pairs sequence the strips and label each paragraph’s focus with a sticky note.
Ask, “How does each paragraph help explain the text’s main topic?” and require students to cite one detail in their response.
Play Topic Match: students match paragraph cards to focus cards, then place all matches under the correct main-topic heading.
Read a school lunch notice, identify its main topic, and name the focus of each section or paragraph.
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Printable RI.2.2 Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.2.2, 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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