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
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students locate credible print and digital sources by using precise search terms, filters, and databases. They judge each source against the task, purpose, and audience. They combine selected evidence in their own writing, balance sources, and cite them correctly.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students use focused search terms and filters to find several credible sources. They explain what each source contributes and where it falls short for a particular audience or purpose. Their writing combines sources smoothly, uses original wording, and follows one citation format consistently.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may treat the first search result as trustworthy or confuse popularity with authority. They may copy source wording too closely, cite only direct quotes, or build a paper around one source. Some judge a source as simply good or bad instead of considering its fit for the task, purpose, and audience.
How to Assess It
- Provide two short, credible excerpts about school start times. Students write a four-sentence synthesis using both, add parenthetical citations, and name one limitation of each source.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give groups six printed source cards about local water quality; they sort by authority, relevance, and limitation, then defend their top three.
Ask students to compare a government report and company blog: Which better serves a city council audience, and what can each contribute?
Run a search challenge where pairs use quotation marks, site filters, and date limits to find three strong sources fastest.
Have students research a current school policy, then write the principal a cited recommendation drawing on at least three independent sources.
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Printable WHST.11-12.8 Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.11-12.8, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.
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Where This Standard Sits
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Before This Standard
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