CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.11-12.9
The Standard
Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
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 use facts, examples, data, and expert claims from nonfiction sources to back up their own thinking. They should not just drop in quotes. They need to choose evidence that fits the point, explain how it supports the point, and cite it clearly.
Mastery looks like a student making a claim, selecting strong evidence from a reliable text, and explaining the connection in their own words. Students often get stuck by summarizing the source, using weak or unrelated quotes, or assuming the evidence speaks for itself.
Ways to Teach It
- Give pairs a short article and three claims, then have them highlight the best evidence for each claim and explain their choices.
- Ask students to write: Which detail from the text most changes or supports your thinking, and why?
- Use a one-paragraph exit ticket with claim, evidence, explanation, and citation from today’s reading.
- Have students read a product safety report or local news article and use evidence to recommend a clear action.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.9
Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.9
Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.9
Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
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