CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.8
The Standard
Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism 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 more than one source, including books, articles, databases, and websites. They should use specific search terms, decide which sources can be trusted, and take notes in their own words. When they use exact words, they need quotation marks and a citation.
Mastery looks like a short research product with reliable sources, clear notes, accurate facts, and citations in a consistent format. Students often get stuck using vague searches, trusting the first result, copying whole sentences, or forgetting where a fact came from.
Ways to Teach It
- Hands-on activity: Give students three sources on the same topic and have them sort facts into quote, paraphrase, and reject columns.
- Writing prompt: Explain which of two websites you would trust more for a science report, using three specific clues from the pages.
- Quick assessment: Students submit one search term, one credible source, one paraphrased note, and one correctly formatted citation on an index card.
- Real-world connection: Have students compare online reviews, product pages, and expert articles before choosing the best bike helmet for a middle schooler.
Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.8
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.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.6.8
Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources; assess the credibility of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of ...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.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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