CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.9b

ELA4th GradeResearch to Build and Present Knowledge

The Standard

Apply grade 4 Reading standards to informational texts (e.g., "Explain how an author uses reasons and evidence to support particular points in a text").

Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts

What This Standard Means

Students need to use what they know about reading nonfiction when they write about it. They should name the author’s point, find the reasons and evidence used to support it, and explain how that evidence connects to the point. They are not just copying facts.

Mastery looks like a short written response with a clear claim about the text, accurate evidence, and an explanation in the student’s own words. Students often get stuck by listing details without saying what they prove, choosing weak evidence, or mixing up the topic with the author’s point.

Ways to Teach It

  • Give pairs a short article, highlighters, and sticky notes to mark one author point, two reasons, and one piece of evidence.
  • Prompt students to write: The author wants readers to believe ___, and the strongest evidence is ___ because ___.
  • Use an exit ticket asking students to match three text details to the author point each one supports.
  • Have students read a school lunch menu notice and explain what evidence the writer uses to support one change.

Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.9b

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What This Unlocks

Mastery here sets students up for these next.

Related Standards

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

Page updated July 10, 2026.

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