CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.2.1c
The Standard
Ask for clarification and further explanation as needed 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 an idea, detail, or word is unclear during a conversation. They ask a focused question to get more information or a clearer explanation.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students ask specific, relevant questions when they are confused or need more detail. They listen to the response and can explain how it helped them understand.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may repeat information instead of asking a question. They may use vague questions like “What?” or ask about details already explained. Some think questions show they were not listening.
How to Assess It
- After a short partner explanation, have each listener ask one specific question about an unclear point or a detail they want explained further.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs a picture and covered clue cards; partners ask clear questions before lifting each card to identify the scene.
After a read-aloud, ask, “Which part was unclear, and what question would help you understand it?”
Play Question Repair: teams turn vague questions such as “What?” into specific questions that name the confusing idea.
Role-play asking a librarian for help finding a book, including a follow-up question when the first answer is unclear.
Free download
Printable SL.2.1c Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.2.1c, 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
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.
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Related Standards
- 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.K.2
Confirm understanding of a text read aloud or information presented orally or through other media by asking and answering questions about key details and reques...
- 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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