CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.2b
The Standard
Develop the topic thoroughly by selecting the most significant and relevant facts, extended definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples appropriate to the audience's knowledge of the topic.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts
What This Standard Means
Students need to build an informative piece with evidence that actually helps the reader understand the topic. They must choose facts, definitions, details, quotations, and examples that are relevant, specific, and suited to what the audience already knows.
Mastery looks like focused support, not a pile of research. Strong writers explain why each piece of information matters and cut details that are interesting but off track. Students often struggle by adding random quotes, using vague examples, or assuming the audience knows too much background.
Ways to Teach It
- Give students five source cards on one topic and have them sort each into keep, maybe, and cut for a named audience.
- Ask students to write a paragraph explaining which evidence best helps a ninth grader understand the topic and why.
- Have students highlight one claim and label each supporting detail as fact, definition, quote, example, or irrelevant.
- Show a patient information page and a medical journal abstract, then compare how each selects details for its audience.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.2b
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.2b
Develop the topic with relevant, well-chosen facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.11-12.2b
Develop the topic thoroughly by selecting the most significant and relevant facts, extended definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and ...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.9-10.2b
Develop the topic with well-chosen, relevant, and sufficient facts, extended definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples approp...