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
What This Standard Means
Students need to read a science or technical text and name the main idea, conclusion, or finding without getting lost in details. They also need to restate complex processes, data, or explanations in simpler language while keeping the meaning accurate.
Mastery looks like a clear, short summary that keeps key terms, cause and effect, steps, and limits of the claim intact. Students often get stuck by copying sentences, dropping needed conditions, mixing up evidence with conclusions, or making the explanation too broad.
Ways to Teach It
- Give pairs a short lab report excerpt and have them highlight the claim, evidence, method, and final conclusion in different colors.
- Ask students to rewrite a dense paragraph from a technical manual for a ninth grader without changing the meaning.
- Use an exit ticket with one article paragraph: write the central idea in 12 words, then list two details that support it.
- Bring in a medication label or phone repair guide and have students explain the main warning or procedure in plain language.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.11-12.2
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
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.