English Language Arts Standards » Writing » Grades 11-12

Text Types and Purposes

• 1. Write arguments focused on discipline-specific content.

  Suggested tag: cc-11-12e-hst-w-1

• Introduce precise, knowledgeable claim(s), establish the significance of the claim(s), distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and create an organization that logically sequences the claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.

  Suggested tag: cc-11-12e-hst-w-1a

• Develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly and thoroughly, supplying the most relevant data and evidence for each while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both claim(s) and counterclaims in a discipline-appropriate form that anticipates the audience’s knowledge level, concerns, values, and possible biases.

  Suggested tag: cc-11-12e-hst-w-1b

• Use words, phrases, and clauses as well as varied syntax to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion, and clarify the relationships between claim(s) and reasons, between reasons and evidence, and between claim(s) and counterclaims.

  Suggested tag: cc-11-12e-hst-w-1c

• Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while attending to the norms and conventions of the discipline in which they are writing.

  Suggested tag: cc-11-12e-hst-w-1d

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

  Suggested tag: cc-11-12e-hst-w-1e

• 2. Write informative/explanatory texts, including the narration of historical events, scientific procedures/ experiments, or technical processes.

  Suggested tag: cc-11-12e-hst-w-2

• Introduce a topic and organize complex ideas, concepts, and information so that each new element builds on that which precedes it to create a unified whole; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., figures, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.

  Suggested tag: cc-11-12e-hst-w-2a

• Develop the topic thoroughly by selecting the most significant and relevant facts, extended definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples appropriate to the audience’s knowledge of the topic.

  Suggested tag: cc-11-12e-hst-w-2b

• Use varied transitions and sentence structures to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion, and clarify the relationships among complex ideas and concepts.

  Suggested tag: cc-11-12e-hst-w-2c

• Use precise language, domain-specific vocabulary and techniques such as metaphor, simile, and analogy to manage the complexity of the topic; convey a knowledgeable stance in a style that responds to the discipline and context as well as to the expertise of likely readers.

  Suggested tag: cc-11-12e-hst-w-2d

• Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the information or explanation provided (e.g., articulating implications or the significance of the topic).

  Suggested tag: cc-11-12e-hst-w-2e

• 3. (See note; not applicable as a separate requirement)

  Suggested tag: cc-11-12e-hst-w-3

Production and Distribution of Writing

• 4. Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.

  Suggested tag: cc-11-12e-hst-w-4

• 5. Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on addressing what is most significant for a specific purpose and audience.

  Suggested tag: cc-11-12e-hst-w-5

• 6. Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products in response to ongoing feedback, including new arguments or information.

  Suggested tag: cc-11-12e-hst-w-6

Research to Build and Present Knowledge

• 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 inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.

  Suggested tag: cc-11-12e-hst-w-7

• 8. Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the strengths and limitations of each source in terms of the specific task, purpose, and audience; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and overreliance on any one source and following a standard format for citation.

  Suggested tag: cc-11-12e-hst-w-8

• 9. Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

  Suggested tag: cc-11-12e-hst-w-9

Range of Writing

• 10. Write routinely over extended time frames (time for reflection and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.

  Suggested tag: cc-11-12e-hst-w-10

Note

Students’ narrative skills continue to grow in these grades. The Standards require that students be able to incorporate narrative elements effectively into arguments and informative/explanatory texts. In history/social studies, students must be able to incorporate narrative accounts into their analyses of individuals or events of historical import. In science and technical subjects, students must be able to write precise enough descriptions of the step-by-step procedures they use in their investigations or technical work that others can replicate them and (possibly) reach the same results.