CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.11-12.1
The Standard
Write arguments focused on discipline-specific content.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts · Writing Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects 6—12
What This Standard Means
Students need to make a clear claim about a topic in history, science, or a technical field, then support it with evidence that fits that field. They must use facts, data, examples, and sources, not just opinions. They also need to address counterclaims and explain why their reasoning holds up.
Mastery looks like a focused argument with precise evidence, logical organization, and language that matches the subject. Students often get stuck making claims that are too broad, dropping in evidence without explaining it, or treating all sources as equal. Many need practice linking data or quotations back to the claim.
Ways to Teach It
- Give students three short source excerpts and have them sort evidence into claim, counterclaim, and background piles.
- Ask students to write: Which piece of evidence best proves the claim, and why does the weaker evidence fall short?
- Use an exit ticket with one claim, one cited fact, and one sentence explaining how the fact supports the claim.
- Have students argue a local policy issue using city data, a news article, and one expert source.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
Related Standards
Ready to Teach This Standard?
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