CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.2b

ELA4th GradeText Types and Purposes

The Standard

Develop the topic with facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples related to the topic.

Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts

What This Standard Means

Students need to build an informative piece with useful support, not just list opinions or repeat the topic. They should add facts, definitions, details, examples, and short quotations that clearly connect to the main idea.

Mastery looks like a paragraph where every detail teaches the reader something specific. Students can explain why each fact or example belongs. Common trouble spots are adding random facts, using vague words like “cool” or “interesting,” copying long chunks from sources, or giving examples without explaining them.

Ways to Teach It

  • Give students a short article and highlighters, then mark facts in yellow, definitions in blue, and examples in green.
  • Ask students to write: Which detail best teaches the reader about your topic, and why does it belong?
  • Have students sort six detail cards into helpful, too vague, and off topic piles.
  • Use a school lunch menu and nutrition label to add facts and concrete details to a paragraph about healthy choices.

Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.2b

Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.

Related Standards

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

Page updated July 10, 2026.

Send Feedback