CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.11-12.9
The Standard
Synthesize information from a range of sources (e.g., texts, experiments, simulations) into a coherent understanding of a process, phenomenon, or concept, resolving conflicting information when possible.
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 pull information from several science or technical sources and build one clear explanation. Sources might include an article, lab data, a diagram, a simulation, or a video. They should compare what each source says, notice agreement and conflict, and decide what evidence is strongest.
Mastery looks like a student explaining a concept in their own words while citing multiple source types. They can say why one source is more reliable or useful than another. Students often get stuck by summarizing each source separately, ignoring conflicting data, or treating all sources as equal.
Ways to Teach It
- Give students a short article, lab results, and a diagram on erosion, then have them create one labeled process model using all three.
- Ask students to write: Which source best explains the process, and what information from another source changes or complicates it?
- Use an exit ticket asking students to name two sources, one agreement, one conflict, and their best resolution.
- Compare weather app forecasts, radar maps, and local observations to explain why predictions differ and which evidence seems most reliable.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.11-12.9
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.6.7
Integrate information presented in different media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively) as well as in words to develop a coherent understanding of a topi...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.11-12.9
Integrate information from diverse sources, both primary and secondary, into a coherent understanding of an idea or event, noting discrepancies among sources.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.2
Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) in order to make informed decisions an...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.11-12.7
Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively, as well as in words) in order to ...