CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.8
The Standard
Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the strengths and limitations of each source in terms of the task, purpose, and audience; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and over-reliance on any one source and following a standard format for citation.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts · Writing Standards
What This Standard Means
Students need to find reliable information from several print and digital sources, not just grab the first results online. They should use strong search terms, filters, databases, and source trails. Then they decide which sources best fit their purpose and audience, and use only the information that supports their own thinking.
Mastery looks like a paper or presentation where sources are balanced, smoothly introduced, cited correctly, and clearly connected to the claim. Students often get stuck using weak websites, dropping in quotes without context, leaning too hard on one source, or confusing citation format with actual source use.
Ways to Teach It
- Give students one research question and have them compare Google, a library database, and one book using a source rating chart.
- Ask students to write which of two sources they would trust more for a teenage audience and explain why.
- Collect an annotated paragraph with two sources, one paraphrase, one quote, and correct in-text citations.
- Have students examine a news article's linked sources and identify how the writer used evidence without copying it.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.8
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.11-12.8
Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the strengths and limitations of ...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.8
Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source; and quo...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.9-10.8
Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the usefulness of each source in ...