CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.2d
The Standard
Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts
What This Standard Means
Students need to choose words that explain their topic clearly and accurately. They should replace vague words like stuff, things, good, and bad with specific nouns, verbs, and adjectives. They also need to use key terms from the topic, such as erosion, isotope, primary source, or symbolism, and explain them when needed.
Mastery looks like writing that sounds informed without sounding copied from a textbook. Students use terms correctly, define them in context, and avoid padding with fancy words. Common trouble spots are misusing vocabulary, overloading sentences with jargon, or staying too general because they do not know the topic well enough yet.
Ways to Teach It
- Give pairs a vague paragraph about volcanoes and have them revise it using a provided word bank of accurate science terms.
- Ask students to write: Which three words in your draft do the most work, and why did you choose them?
- Have students underline five topic-specific words in their draft, then write a quick margin note explaining each one.
- Show a short product manual, recipe, or sports article and have students list words only an informed writer would use.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.2d
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Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.2d
Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.2d
Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.2d
Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.2d
Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.