CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.3.5
The Standard
Use text features and search tools (e.g., key words, sidebars, hyperlinks) to locate information relevant to a given topic efficiently.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts · Reading Standards for Informational Text
What This Standard Means
Students need to find information in nonfiction without reading every word from start to finish. They should use headings, table of contents, index, captions, sidebars, bold words, keywords, and links to answer a question or learn about a topic.
Mastery looks like choosing the right feature for the job and explaining why it helped. Students often get stuck by using only pictures, typing full questions instead of keywords, or missing sidebars and captions because they seem separate from the main text.
Ways to Teach It
- Give pairs a nonfiction book and sticky notes, then have them tag the table of contents, index, captions, headings, and bold words.
- Ask, “Which text feature would help you find facts about an animal’s diet fastest, and why?”
- Hand students three questions and one article, then time them as they find each answer and name the feature they used.
- Show a kids’ museum or zoo webpage, then have students use menus, links, and keywords to find hours, prices, and animal facts.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.3.5
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.
Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.1.5
Know and use various text features (e.g., headings, tables of contents, glossaries, electronic menus, icons) to locate key facts or information in a text.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.9-10.8
Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the usefulness of each source in ...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.8
Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the strengths and limitations of ...