CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.5.3
The Standard
Summarize the points a speaker makes and explain how each claim is supported by reasons and evidence.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts · Speaking and Listening Standards
What This Standard Means
Students need to listen closely to a speaker, pull out the main points, and retell them in their own words. They also need to name each claim and explain what reasons or evidence the speaker used to back it up.
Mastery looks like a clear summary that leaves out side details and includes support for each claim. Students often confuse a topic with a claim, list random facts instead of evidence, or say whether they agree without explaining the speaker’s support.
Ways to Teach It
- Play a short student-friendly speech, then have students sort cards into claims, reasons, evidence, and extra details.
- Ask students to write: What was the speaker trying to prove, and what did they use to prove it?
- Use a three-column exit ticket labeled Claim, Reason, Evidence after a two-minute audio clip.
- Have students watch a school announcement or public service ad and identify the claim and supporting evidence.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.5.3
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.4.3
Identify the reasons and evidence a speaker provides to support particular points.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.5.8
Explain how an author uses reasons and evidence to support particular points in a text, identifying which reasons and evidence support which point(s).
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.6.3
Delineate a speaker's argument and specific claims, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.4.8
Explain how an author uses reasons and evidence to support particular points in a text.