CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.2b

ELA8th GradeText Types and Purposes

The Standard

Develop the topic with relevant, well-chosen facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples.

Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts

What This Standard Means

Students need to build an informative piece with evidence that actually helps the reader understand the topic. They should choose facts, definitions, details, quotes, examples, and explanations that fit the point they are making, not just add random research.

Mastery looks like a paragraph where every piece of information earns its place. Students explain how evidence connects to the topic and use stronger details than vague statements. Common sticking points are quote dumping, using facts that are interesting but off topic, and repeating the same idea in different words.

Ways to Teach It

  • Give students a weak research paragraph and colored pencils to label facts, definitions, quotes, examples, and off-topic details.
  • Ask students to write: Which piece of evidence best explains your topic, and why does it belong there?
  • Have students highlight one claim and underline two details that directly develop it in their draft.
  • Show a news article and ask students to find one statistic, one quote, and one concrete detail that explain the issue.

Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.2b

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Related Standards

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

Page updated July 10, 2026.

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