CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.9-10.1e

ELAGrades 9–10Text Types and Purposes

The Standard

Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from or supports the argument presented.

Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts

What This Standard Means

Students need to end an argument in a way that fits what they already proved. The conclusion should not just repeat the thesis. It should pull the claim, evidence, and reasoning together so the reader sees why the argument holds up.

Mastery looks like a final paragraph or section that feels earned, specific, and connected to the body of the writing. Students often get stuck by adding a vague summary, introducing brand-new evidence, using dramatic filler, or ending with a weak phrase like “that is why I am right.”

Ways to Teach It

  • Give students three sample conclusions and have them highlight the claim, key evidence link, and final takeaway in different colors.
  • Prompt students to write: What should the reader understand now because of the evidence you presented?
  • Collect only the final paragraph and ask students to label where it connects back to the argument.
  • Show an editorial conclusion from a local news site and identify how it leaves readers with a clear position.

What This Unlocks

Mastery here sets students up for these next.

Related Standards

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Standard text verified against corestandards.org on July 10, 2026.

Page updated July 10, 2026.

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