CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.1d
The Standard
Respond thoughtfully to diverse perspectives; synthesize comments, claims, and evidence made on all sides of an issue; resolve contradictions when possible; and determine what additional information or research is required to deepen the investigation or complete the task.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts
What This Standard Means
Students need to listen closely in a serious discussion, not just wait to speak. They should track different viewpoints, connect one person’s idea to another’s, compare the evidence being used, and ask what is still missing.
Mastery looks like a student saying, “These two claims seem to conflict because…” or “We need data from another source before deciding.” Students often struggle by agreeing too quickly, treating all opinions as equal, or ignoring evidence that challenges their first view.
Ways to Teach It
- Hands-on activity: Give groups four conflicting source cards on school start times, and have them sort claims, evidence, agreements, and contradictions.
- Discussion prompt: Ask, “Which viewpoint changed or complicated your thinking, and what evidence made that happen?”
- Quick assessment: Use an exit ticket asking students to name one unresolved contradiction and one source that could help resolve it.
- Real-world connection: Have students analyze a city council issue and list what residents, officials, and experts each claim and still need to prove.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.1d
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
Related Standards
- 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.RST.11-12.9
Synthesize information from a range of sources (e.g., texts, experiments, simulations) into a coherent understanding of a process, phenomenon, or concept, resol...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.1c
Propel conversations by posing and responding to questions that probe reasoning and evidence; ensure a hearing for a full range of positions on a topic or issue...