Kentucky Reading and Writing RI.2.8
The Standard
Describe how reasons support specific claims the author makes in a text.
Kentucky Academic Standards for Reading and Writing (2025) · Integration of Knowledge and Ideas
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students find the point a writer wants readers to believe or act on. They find a reason in the text and explain how it backs up that point.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can name the writer's point and find a reason that matches it. They can explain the link, such as flowers help bees because flowers give bees food.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may name the topic, such as bees, instead of the writer's point about bees. They may give their own reason or choose a nearby fact that does not support the point.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Read 'We should plant flowers near school because flowers give bees food,' then name the writer's point, name the reason, and explain how they connect.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs strips reading 'Plant flowers near school' and 'Flowers give bees food'; have them match the writer's point to its reason.
Read 'Libraries should stay open late because families can visit after work' and ask, 'How does the reason help the writer's point?'
Play Match the Reason with 'Wear boots on rainy days' and three choices: 'They keep feet dry,' 'Fish swim,' and 'I like pizza.'
Show a cafeteria sign reading 'Choose water because it has no added sugar' and ask students to name the advice and its reason.
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Printable RI.2.8 Worksheet
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Related Standards
- RI.3.8
Describe how reasons and evidence support specific claims the author makes in a text.
- RI.5.8
Explain how an author uses reasons and evidence to support particular claims in a text, identifying which reasons and evidence support which claim(s).
- RI.1.8
Identify the claim and the reasons an author gives to support the claim in a text.
- RI.4.8
Explain how an author uses reasons and evidence to support particular claims the author makes in a text.
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