CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.2
The Standard
Determine the central ideas or conclusions of a text; trace the text's explanation or depiction of a complex process, phenomenon, or concept; provide an accurate summary of the text.
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 idea or conclusion in a science or technical text. They track how the text explains a process, event, or concept. They summarize it accurately without opinions or minor details.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students state the main idea or conclusion precisely and support it with relevant details. They trace stages, causes, or relationships in order and produce a brief, accurate summary without personal opinions.
Common Misconceptions
- Students often choose the topic instead of stating the central idea. They may list details without showing how they connect, or include opinions and minor facts in the summary.
How to Assess It
- Give students a 250-word passage explaining the greenhouse effect. Ask: “State its central idea, list three linked steps, and write a two-sentence objective summary.”
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Cut a short process text into paragraph strips, then have students order the strips, label each step, and state the central idea.
After reading, students answer: “How does each paragraph develop the author’s explanation or conclusion?” and cite two specific details.
Teams sort detail cards into supports the central idea, explains the process, or minor detail, then defend one disputed card.
Read a phone battery safety guide, trace its cause-and-effect links, and write a three-sentence summary for a new phone owner.
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Printable RST.9-10.2 Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.2, 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.
What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.
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Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.7.2
Determine two or more central ideas in a text and analyze their development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary of the text.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.8.2
Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective...
- 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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