CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.3.8
The Standard
Describe the logical connection between particular sentences and paragraphs in a text (e.g., comparison, cause/effect, first/second/third in a sequence).
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 explain how specific sentences or paragraphs fit together. They identify comparison, cause and effect, or sequence and use text details to support their explanation.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students correctly identify comparison, cause and effect, or sequence in a short passage. They point to signal words or details and explain how one idea builds on another.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may describe each sentence separately without explaining how the ideas connect. They may confuse sequence with cause and effect or rely on signal words without checking the meaning.
How to Assess It
- Give students: “Heavy rain fell overnight. As a result, the soccer field flooded.” Ask them to name the connection, underline the clue, and explain their answer.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs sentence strips from a short article; students arrange them, label each connection, and justify the order.
Read two linked paragraphs and ask, “How does paragraph two build on paragraph one?” Students answer with one cited detail.
Play Connection Match: students pair idea cards with comparison, cause-effect, or sequence labels, then explain each match.
Use a school lunch recipe or fire drill directions to trace sequence words and explain why the steps follow that order.
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Printable RI.3.8 Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.3.8, 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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Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.1.3
Describe the connection between two individuals, events, ideas, or pieces of information in a text.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.K.3
With prompting and support, describe the connection between two individuals, events, ideas, or pieces of information in a text.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.2.3
Describe the connection between a series of historical events, scientific ideas or concepts, or steps in technical procedures in a text.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.3.3
Describe the relationship between a series of historical events, scientific ideas or concepts, or steps in technical procedures in a text, using language that p...
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