CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.11-12.1c

ELAGrades 11–12Text Types and Purposes

The Standard

Use words, phrases, and clauses as well as varied syntax to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion, and clarify the relationships between claim(s) and reasons, between reasons and evidence, and between claim(s) and counterclaims.

Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts

What This Standard Means

Students need to make an argument read smoothly from start to finish. They should use transitions, repeated key terms, pointing words, and sentence structure to show how each part connects. Readers should see how the claim, reasons, evidence, and counterclaim fit together without guessing.

Mastery looks like clear movement between sections and ideas. Students do more than drop in words like however or therefore. They choose links that match the logic. Common trouble spots include weak paragraph openings, evidence that feels pasted in, counterclaims that seem separate, and repetitive sentence patterns.

Ways to Teach It

Give students a cut-up argument essay and have them reorder it, then add transition phrases that explain each move.
Ask students to revise one paragraph using the prompt, How does this evidence prove this reason and support the claim?
Have students highlight every transition and connecting phrase in a draft, then label what relationship each one shows.
Show a newspaper editorial and ask students to mark where the writer connects claims, evidence, and opposing views.

Before This Standard

If students are struggling here, check these first.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.9-10.1c
Students extend linking words, phrases, and clauses to include varied syntax for cohesion and clear argumentative relationships.

Related Standards

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