CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.3.1
The Standard
Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts · Reading Standards for Informational Text
What This Standard Means
Students need to ask clear questions about an informational text and answer questions using details from the text. They should point to the sentence, heading, caption, or paragraph that supports their answer, not just say what they remember.
Mastery looks like a student saying, “I know because the text says…” and choosing evidence that actually matches the question. Students often get stuck giving opinions, using background knowledge only, or picking a detail that is true but does not answer the question.
Ways to Teach It
- Hands-on activity: Give pairs printed articles and sticky notes to mark answers to teacher-made questions directly in the text.
- Discussion prompt: Ask, “Which sentence proves your answer, and how does it prove it?” after each student response.
- Quick assessment: Students answer three text questions and underline the exact words that helped them answer.
- Real-world connection: Read a school lunch notice and have students answer questions by pointing to the line that gives the information.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.3.1
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What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.
Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.1.1
Ask and answer questions about key details in a text.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.2.1
Ask and answer such questions as who, what, where, when, why, and how to demonstrate understanding of key details in a text.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.3.1
Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers.