CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.9a

ELAGrades 11–12Research to Build and Present Knowledge

The Standard

Apply grades 11—12 Reading standards to literature (e.g., "Demonstrate knowledge of eighteenth-, nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century foundational works of American literature, including how two or more texts from the same period treat similar themes or topics").

Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts

What This Standard Means

Students need to use strong reading skills when writing about literature. They should pull evidence from complex texts, compare works from the same time period, and explain how authors handle similar themes, conflicts, or ideas. The writing should show both close reading and knowledge of the literary period.

Mastery looks like a clear claim, well-chosen textual evidence, and analysis that connects wording, character choices, structure, or context to a larger idea. Students often get stuck summarizing plots, using vague theme words, or comparing texts side by side without explaining why the differences matter.

Ways to Teach It

  • Give pairs two short passages from American Romantic writers and have them highlight where each author develops nature as a theme.
  • Ask students to write: How do these two authors from the same period treat freedom differently, and what evidence proves it?
  • Use an exit ticket with one claim, one quote from each text, and one sentence explaining the connection between them.
  • Connect the task to film remakes by asking how two versions of the same story change the message for their audience.

Before This Standard

If students are struggling here, check these first.

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Related Standards

Standard text verified against corestandards.org on July 10, 2026.

Page updated July 10, 2026.

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