CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.7.1a
The Standard
Come to discussions prepared, having read or researched material under study; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence on the topic, text, or issue to probe and reflect on ideas under discussion.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts
What This Standard Means
Students need to read or research before a discussion, bring useful notes, and use those notes while talking. They should point to specific evidence from the text or source, not just say what they think. They also need to use evidence to ask better questions and respond to classmates’ ideas.
Mastery looks like a student saying, “On page 4, the author says…” or “That connects to the article because…” without being prompted. Students often get stuck by coming with vague notes, reading from notes without listening, or giving opinions with no support.
Ways to Teach It
- Give pairs a short article, two sticky notes for evidence, and one question card to bring into a four-person discussion.
- Ask students to write: Which piece of evidence changed or strengthened your thinking during today’s discussion, and why?
- Use a tally sheet during discussion to mark each time a student refers to a source or asks an evidence-based question.
- Connect it to a school rule debate by having students bring one quote from the handbook and one example from student life.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.7.1a
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.
Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.1a
Come to discussions prepared, having read and researched material under study; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence from texts and other...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.1a
Come to discussions prepared, having read and researched material under study; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence from texts and other...