CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.2.8
The Standard
Describe how reasons support specific points the author makes in a text.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts · Reading Standards for Informational Text
What This Standard Means
Students need to spot the author’s main points in an informational text, then name the reasons the author gives to back those points up. They should be able to say, “The author thinks ___ because ___,” using details from the text.
Mastery looks like matching each point to a clear reason, not just copying an interesting fact. Students often confuse the topic with the author’s point. They may also list details without explaining how those details support the point. Short articles with clear claims work best at first.
Ways to Teach It
- Give pairs a short animal article, sentence strips for points and reasons, and have them match each reason to the correct point.
- Ask students to write: “The author wants me to think ___, and one reason is ___.”
- Read one paragraph aloud and have students hold up P for point or R for reason after each key sentence.
- Show a school lunch menu note and ask what point the writer makes and what reasons support it.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.2.8
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.1.8
Identify the reasons an author gives to support points in a text.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.5.8
Explain how an author uses reasons and evidence to support particular points in a text, identifying which reasons and evidence support which point(s).
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.K.8
With prompting and support, identify the reasons an author gives to support points in a text.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.4.8
Explain how an author uses reasons and evidence to support particular points in a text.