CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.11-12.2
The Standard
Determine the central ideas or conclusions of a text; summarize complex concepts, processes, or information presented in a text by paraphrasing them in simpler but still accurate terms.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts · Reading Standards for Literacy in Science and Technical Subjects 6—12
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students identify the main ideas or conclusions in science and technical texts. They restate complex concepts, processes, and information in simpler, accurate language without copying or adding opinions.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students state the main idea or conclusion and identify details that support it. They explain a complex process in simpler language while keeping key steps, terms, and relationships accurate.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may choose an interesting detail instead of the central idea. They may copy sentences, oversimplify until meaning is lost, or add opinions and unsupported conclusions.
How to Assess It
- Give students a short technical passage and ask: “State the central idea, then summarize the process in three accurate sentences using your own words.”
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs a cut apart process description to sequence, then have them write one clear sentence explaining each step.
Ask students to explain which detail best supports the author’s conclusion and defend their choice with evidence from the text.
Play Summary Swap: students trade summaries, check for accuracy, missing ideas, and copied wording, then revise.
Compare appliance instructions with a student written version, then identify where simpler wording helps or changes the meaning.
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Printable RST.11-12.2 Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.11-12.2, 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: Science & Technical Subjects progression map.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
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Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.6.2
Determine a central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.2
Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.6-8.2
Determine the central ideas or conclusions of a text; provide an accurate summary of the text distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.
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