CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.7

ELAGrades 9–10Research to Build and Present Knowledge

The Standard

Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.

Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts · Writing Standards

What This Standard Means

Students need to ask a research question, find useful sources, and adjust the question when it is too broad, too narrow, or not answerable. They need to combine information from several sources instead of reporting one source at a time.

Mastery looks like a focused question, notes that sort ideas by subtopic, and writing that explains patterns, tensions, or agreements across sources. Students often get stuck choosing a question that is just a topic, using weak sources, copying facts, or making a claim before they understand the research.

Ways to Teach It

Give groups three articles on school start times and have them sort evidence into agree, disagree, and complicate columns.
Ask students to rewrite the topic social media into three research questions, then choose the strongest one and explain why.
Collect an exit ticket with one narrowed question, two credible sources, and one sentence showing how the sources connect.
Have students research a local issue, such as cafeteria waste or phone rules, and propose one evidence-based change.

Before This Standard

If students are struggling here, check these first.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.7
Students extend short question-driven research into longer projects by adjusting the inquiry and synthesizing understanding across multiple sources.

What This Unlocks

Mastery here sets students up for these next.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.7
The same research process carries forward, including inquiry adjustment and synthesis of multiple sources with greater independence expected.

Related Standards

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