CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.8
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
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students use focused search terms to find information in several print and digital sources. They judge whether each source is trustworthy and accurate. They integrate quotations and paraphrases into their own writing, with clear citations that prevent plagiarism.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can refine a broad search, select relevant evidence, and explain why a source deserves trust. The student accurately quotes or paraphrases an author’s idea, marks borrowed material, and creates citations in the assigned format.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may trust the first search result, confuse a polished website with a reliable source, or use evidence that does not answer the research question. They may think changing a few words makes a paraphrase, or cite direct quotes but not paraphrased ideas.
How to Assess It
- Give students two short sources on the same claim, one credible and one weak. Ask them to choose the stronger source, explain two reasons, paraphrase one useful detail, and add a citation.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs printed source cards and have them sort by credibility, then annotate each card with evidence for their ranking.
Post the prompt, “Which source would you trust for a school report, and why?” and require a claim plus two source details.
Run a citation relay where teams match four evidence slips to source entries, label each quote or paraphrase, and correct any missing citations.
Have students research a product claim from an advertisement, compare it with two independent sources, and write a cited verdict for consumers.
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Printable W.8.8 Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.8, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.
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The 7th Grade version of this standard.
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