CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.9-10.2d
The Standard
Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to manage the complexity of the topic and convey a style appropriate to the discipline and context as well as to the expertise of likely readers.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts
What This Standard Means
Students need to choose words that fit the subject, audience, and purpose. In history, science, and technical writing, they should use accurate terms, not vague words like thing, stuff, good, or bad. They also need to explain hard ideas clearly without watering them down.
Mastery looks like a paragraph where key terms are correct, tone fits the field, and a reader can follow the idea. Students often overuse big words, drop in vocabulary they cannot explain, or write too casually for the task. They may also assume the reader knows more than they do.
Ways to Teach It
- Hands-on activity: Give students a vague lab or history paragraph and have them replace weak words with exact terms from a provided word bank.
- Discussion prompt: Ask, “How would this explanation change for a scientist, a classmate, and a younger student?” using the same topic.
- Quick assessment: Have students underline five domain words in their draft and write a one-sentence reason for each choice.
- Real-world connection: Show a weather alert, medical form, or repair manual and identify how precise wording prevents confusion.
What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.
Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.2d
Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.2d
Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to manage the complexity of the topic.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.2d
Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.
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