CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.7
The Standard
Conduct short research projects that build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts · Writing Standards
What This Standard Means
Students need to ask a focused question, gather information from more than one source, and write or present what they learned. They should look at different parts of a topic, not just copy one fact from one website or book.
Mastery looks like a short project with a clear question, notes in the student’s own words, facts from several sources, and an organized final product. Students often get stuck choosing a topic that is too broad, copying sentences, or collecting random facts that do not answer the question.
Ways to Teach It
- Hands-on activity: Give pairs three short sources about volcanoes and have them sort facts into causes, effects, and safety tips.
- Discussion or writing prompt: Ask, “What is one question about animal habitats that cannot be answered with one quick fact?”
- Quick assessment: Have students write one research question, list two possible sources, and add three notes in their own words.
- Real-world connection: Plan a mini research task where students investigate school lunch waste and suggest one practical change.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.7
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.7
Conduct short research projects that build knowledge about a topic.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.7
Conduct short research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question), drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focuse...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.5.7
Conduct short research projects that use several sources to build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.7
Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions for further research and i...