CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.9-10.7
The Standard
Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
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 plan and carry out research that answers a real question or solves a problem. They should be able to start with a question, adjust it when it is too broad or too narrow, find useful sources, take notes, and combine ideas from several sources instead of copying one source at a time.
Mastery looks like a clear research question, sources that fit the task, notes grouped by idea, and a final explanation that shows what the student learned across texts. Students often get stuck choosing a question, using weak sources, or writing source-by-source summaries instead of making connections.
Ways to Teach It
- Give students three articles on school start times and have them sort evidence cards into causes, effects, and possible solutions.
- Ask students to write: What question did your research answer, and how did your question change as you learned more?
- Collect each student’s research question, two source titles, and one sentence explaining how each source helps answer the question.
- Show a city council issue page, then have students name one problem residents could research before proposing a solution.
What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.
Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.7
Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the i...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.7
Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.7
Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the i...
Ready to Teach This Standard?
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.9-10.7, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.