CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.8

ELA8th 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, both print and online. They should choose search terms that narrow results, judge whether a source can be trusted, and decide what evidence fits their research question. They also need to quote, paraphrase, and cite without copying someone else’s work.

Mastery looks like a short research piece with sources that are relevant, credible, and clearly credited. Students often get stuck using vague searches, trusting the first result, copying too closely when paraphrasing, or forgetting citation details like author, title, date, and URL.

Ways to Teach It

Hands-on activity: Give students three sources on school start times and have them sort evidence into useful, questionable, and off-topic piles.
Discussion or writing prompt: Ask, "Which source would you trust most for a health claim, and what clues helped you decide?"
Quick assessment: Have students turn one copied sentence into a paraphrase, then add a parenthetical citation or source note.
Real-world connection: Compare two online reviews for the same product and identify which one gives more accurate, supported information.