CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.8

ELA7th GradeResearch to Build and Present Knowledge

The Standard

Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.

Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts · Writing Standards

What This Standard Means

Students need to find useful information from more than one source, not just grab the first result. They should use smart search terms, judge whether a source is trustworthy, and decide what information fits their research question. They also need to quote and paraphrase without copying, then cite sources in a consistent format.

Mastery looks like a short research piece or notes page with relevant facts from several credible sources, clear paraphrases, accurate quotes, and citations. Students often get stuck using weak search terms, trusting unreliable sites, changing only a few words when paraphrasing, or forgetting where information came from.

Ways to Teach It

Hands-on: Give pairs three websites on the same topic and have them rank credibility using author, date, evidence, and purpose.
Prompt: Write which source you trust most for a school report and explain your choice using two details from the source.
Quick assessment: Ask students to turn one copied sentence into a true paraphrase and add a correct citation.
Real-world connection: Compare researching a phone purchase online with researching for class, focusing on reviews, expert sources, ads, and outdated information.

Before This Standard

If students are struggling here, check these first.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.8
Students reuse source gathering, credibility checks, paraphrasing, and citation basics while adding effective searches, accuracy checks, and standard citation format.

Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.8

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What This Unlocks

Mastery here sets students up for these next.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.8
Both grades require the same research skills: source gathering, credibility checks, paraphrasing or quoting, plagiarism avoidance, and citation formatting.