CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.1b

ELA6th GradeText Types and Purposes

The Standard

Support claim(s) with clear reasons and relevant evidence, using credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text.

Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts

What This Standard Means

Students need to make a claim, give reasons that make sense, and back those reasons with evidence from texts or sources they can trust. They also need to show they understand the topic, not just drop in random facts or quotes.

Mastery looks like a paragraph or essay where each reason connects directly to the claim, evidence is accurate and useful, and sources are named or introduced clearly. Students often get stuck choosing weak evidence, using personal opinion as proof, or adding quotes without explaining how they support the point.

Ways to Teach It

Give pairs a claim, three source cards, and sticky notes to sort evidence into strong, weak, or unrelated piles.
Ask students to write: Which piece of evidence best supports this claim, and why is it stronger than the others?
Use an exit ticket with one claim and four evidence choices, asking students to circle the best one and explain why.
Show two product reviews and have students identify which reviewer gives better evidence before writing their own supported recommendation.