CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.7
The Standard
Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts · Writing Standards
What This Standard Means
Students need to plan and complete research that starts with a real question or problem. They should know how to revise that question when it is too broad, too narrow, or not researchable. They also need to gather information from several sources and combine it into their own clear understanding, not just stack quotes.
Mastery looks like a focused research question, useful source choices, notes that show patterns and conflicts, and a final product that explains what the student learned. Students often get stuck picking topics instead of questions, using the first sources they find, or summarizing each source one by one without making connections.
Ways to Teach It
- Hands-on activity: Give students five broad topics and have them turn each into a focused research question using a timer and peer feedback.
- Discussion or writing prompt: Ask students, “What did two sources agree on, where did they differ, and what do you think now?”
- Quick assessment: Have students submit a research question, three source titles, and one sentence explaining how each source helps answer it.
- Real-world connection: Show a city council issue or school policy question, then have students list what research would help someone make a decision.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.7
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.7
Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.11-12.7
Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the i...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.9-10.7
Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the i...