CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.6-8.1
The Standard
Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts.
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, make a claim about what it means, and point to exact lines, data, captions, steps, or diagrams that prove the claim. They should not rely on memory, opinions, or vague references like “the article says.”
Mastery looks like a student saying, “The author shows that erosion is caused by moving water,” then citing a sentence, a photo caption, or a chart that supports it. Students often get stuck choosing evidence that is related but not strong, copying too much text, or explaining the evidence poorly.
Ways to Teach It
- Hands-on activity: Give students a lab procedure and highlighters, then have them mark three details that explain why each step matters.
- Discussion prompt: Ask, “Which sentence best proves the author’s claim, and why is it stronger than the other options?”
- Quick assessment: Show a short science paragraph and ask students to write one claim with two exact pieces of evidence.
- Real-world connection: Use a product manual or safety label and have students cite the text that supports a safe-use decision.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.6-8.1
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.1
Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.11-12.1
Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts, attending to important distinctions the author makes and to any gaps or incon...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.9-10.1
Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources, attending to such features as the date and origin of the information.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.1
Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts, attending to the precise details of explanations or descriptions.