CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.5.1
The Standard
Quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts · Reading Standards for Informational Text
What This Standard Means
Students need to answer questions about nonfiction by pointing to exact words from the text. They should use quotes to support both plain facts and reasonable conclusions. They also need to connect the quote to their own explanation, not just drop it in.
Mastery looks like a student saying, “I think the author means...” and then backing it with a short, accurate quote. Common trouble spots are copying too much, choosing a weak quote, mixing up facts with guesses, and forgetting to explain how the quote proves the answer.
Ways to Teach It
- Give pairs a short article and sticky notes, then have them tag one explicit fact and one inference with exact supporting quotes.
- Ask students to write: What can you infer about the problem in the article, and which sentence proves it best?
- Use an exit ticket with one question and require students to answer in two parts: quote first, explanation second.
- Show a product review or news blurb and ask students which exact words support a buyer’s or reader’s conclusion.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.5.1
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What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.
Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.4.1
Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.1
Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to suppo...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.5.1
Quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.