CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.1.1c
The Standard
Ask questions to clear up any confusion about the topics and texts under discussion.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students notice when part of a text or conversation does not make sense. They ask a specific question that helps them understand the topic, word, detail, or idea.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student notices when an idea or detail is unclear. The student asks a relevant question, such as "What does that word mean?" or "Why did the character leave?"
Common Misconceptions
- Students may stay quiet when confused or say only, "I don't get it." They may ask unrelated questions or repeat a classmate's question without listening to the answer.
How to Assess It
- Read a short paragraph with one unclear detail, then ask each student to write or say one question that would help explain it.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Read a picture book page, then have students place a sticky note beside one detail they want explained and ask about it.
Ask, "What could you ask if you do not understand why the character acted that way?" and record student questions.
Play Question Fix It by changing vague statements like "I don't get it" into clear questions about a shared text.
Role-play asking for clarification when a coach explains a game rule or a librarian explains how to check out a book.
Free download
Printable SL.1.1c Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.1.1c, 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
What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.
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Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.1.4
Ask and answer questions to help determine or clarify the meaning of words and phrases in a text.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.1.3
Ask and answer questions about what a speaker says in order to gather additional information or clarify something that is not understood.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.2.3
Ask and answer questions about what a speaker says in order to clarify comprehension, gather additional information, or deepen understanding of a topic or issue...
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