CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.4
The Standard
Present information, findings, and supporting evidence, conveying a clear and distinct perspective, such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning, alternative or opposing perspectives are addressed, and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and a range of formal and informal tasks.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts · Speaking and Listening Standards
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students present a clear position and build a logical case with relevant evidence. They address other viewpoints and shape their organization, detail, and tone for the audience and task.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student delivers a focused presentation that listeners can summarize accurately. The student sequences reasons and evidence clearly, treats opposing views fairly, and adjusts language and detail for the audience.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may list facts without making a clear claim or linking evidence to reasons. They may ignore opposing views, misrepresent them, or use the same tone and detail for every audience.
How to Assess It
- Give students one minute to prepare and two minutes to answer: “Should seniors complete a community service project to graduate?” Require a claim, two supporting details, one opposing view, and a response.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give groups claim, evidence, and counterclaim cards, then have them arrange a logical presentation and deliver it using the card order.
Ask students to write and discuss: How should a speaker change the same argument for classmates, parents, and a school board?
Run a two-minute presentation relay where partners score claim, evidence, counterargument, organization, and audience fit on a five-box checklist.
Have students pitch a school policy change to the principal, using survey data and answering one likely objection.
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Printable SL.11-12.4 Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.4, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.
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Where This Standard Sits
See the whole path on the Speaking & Listening progression map.
Before This Standard
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Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.7.4
Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with pertinent descriptions, facts, details, and examples; use appropriate...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.4
Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with relevant evidence, sound valid reasoning, and well-chosen details; us...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL.4
Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are app...
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