CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.11-12.8
The Standard
Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the strengths and limitations of each source in terms of the specific task, purpose, and audience; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and over-reliance on any one source and following a standard format for citation.
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 find useful information from strong print and online sources, not just grab the first search result. They should use targeted search terms, filters, databases, and source trails. They also need to judge each source for reliability, bias, depth, date, and fit for the assignment.
Mastery looks like a paper, lab report, or history argument where sources support the student’s own thinking. Evidence is blended smoothly, cited correctly, and balanced across sources. Students often get stuck summarizing source after source, trusting weak websites, quoting too much, or forgetting why a source fits their purpose and audience.
Ways to Teach It
- Give students one research question and have them build a three-source annotated source ladder using a database article, book section, and credible website.
- Ask students to write: Which source would your audience trust most, and what limitation would you need to mention?
- Collect a five-minute exit ticket with one advanced search string, one credible source, and one sentence explaining why it fits.
- Have students compare a government report, news article, and advocacy page on the same issue before choosing evidence for a policy memo.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.8
Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source; and quo...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.8
Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the strengths and limitations of ...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.8
Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the usefulness of each source in ...
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