CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.9-10.9
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 pull specific, useful evidence from nonfiction sources and use it to back up a claim, explanation, or research point. They should choose details that actually prove something, not just lines that sound related. They also need to explain how the evidence connects to their thinking.
Mastery looks like a paragraph or short research response with a clear point, well-chosen evidence, and commentary that makes the reasoning visible. Students often get stuck copying too much, dropping quotes without explanation, or choosing facts that are interesting but not helpful.
Ways to Teach It
- Give pairs two short articles and have them highlight one claim in yellow and three matching evidence lines in blue.
- Ask students to write: Which detail best proves the author’s point, and why is it stronger than the others?
- Use an exit ticket with one claim and three evidence choices, then have students circle the strongest and explain why.
- Bring in a news article about a local issue and have students find evidence a city council member could use in a speech.
What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.
Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.5.9
Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.9
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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