CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.3.3
The Standard
Ask and answer questions about information from a speaker, offering appropriate elaboration and detail.
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 listen closely to a classmate or adult and identify the main points. They ask relevant follow-up questions and give answers that include clear details from what they heard.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can respond accurately without changing the topic. The student asks questions that clarify or extend the speaker's ideas and supports answers with specific information.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may ask questions unrelated to the speaker's message or repeat facts instead of seeking clarification. Answers may be one word, based on prior knowledge rather than listening, or missing details.
How to Assess It
- Read a 45-second announcement about a class field trip. Have each student write one useful follow-up question and answer one teacher question with two details from the announcement.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Have pairs build matching block models behind folders while one student gives directions and the listener asks questions before building.
After a classmate explains a hobby, students write one clarifying question and one answer that includes two details they heard.
Play Question Toss after a short oral story, where students catch a ball, ask a relevant question, then answer the next one.
Hold a mock press conference where one student gives a weather report and classmates ask follow-up questions about plans and safety.
Free download
Printable SL.3.3 Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.3.3, 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 Speaking & Listening progression map.
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.7.1c
Pose questions that elicit elaboration and respond to others' questions and comments with relevant observations and ideas that bring the discussion back on topi...
- 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.6.1c
Pose and respond to specific questions with elaboration and detail by making comments that contribute to the topic, text, or issue under discussion.
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