CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.11-12.7
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 for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects 6—12
What This Standard Means
Students need to turn a topic into a workable research question, then adjust it when the evidence is too thin, too broad, or pointing somewhere better. They need to use several credible sources and bring them together, not just report one source at a time.
Mastery looks like a clear question, smart source choices, notes grouped by ideas, and a final claim that shows changed or deeper thinking. Students often get stuck with questions that are too big, copied notes, weak source evaluation, or paragraphs that summarize instead of synthesize.
Ways to Teach It
- Hands-on activity: Give students three articles on the same issue and have them sort sticky-note evidence into shared themes and contradictions.
- Discussion or writing prompt: Ask students, What did your sources make you change, narrow, or add to your original question?
- Quick assessment: Collect one research question, two revised versions, and a one-sentence reason for each change.
- Real-world connection: Have students research a local school problem, such as lunch waste or parking, and propose a solution using three sources.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.7
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 i...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.7
Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.7
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 i...
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