Writing Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects: Grades 11-12

Text Types and Purposes

  • 1

    Write arguments focused on discipline-specific content.WHST.11-12.1

    1. a

      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.WHST.11-12.1.a

    2. b

      Develop claim(s) and counterclaims, supplying the most relevant data and evidence for each in a discipline-appropriate form that anticipates the audience’s knowledge level, concerns, values, and possible biases.WHST.11-12.1.b

    3. c

      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.  WHST.11-12.1.c

    4. d

      Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while attending to the norms and conventions of the discipline.WHST.11-12.1.d

    5. e

      Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from or supports the argument presented by summarizing main points. WHST.11-12.1.e

  • 2

    Write informative/explanatory texts, including the narration of historical events, scientific procedures/experiments, or technical processes.WHST.11-12.2

    1. a

      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.WHST.11-12.2.a

    2. b

      Develop the topic clearly and 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.WHST.11-12.2.b

    3. c

      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. WHST.11-12.2.c

    4. d

      Use precise language, domain-specific vocabulary and techniques, such as figures of speech or text structure, 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.WHST.11-12.2.d

    5. e

      Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the information or explanation provided that includes articulating implications or the significance of the topic.  WHST.11-12.2.e

  • 3

    (See note; not applicable as a separate requirement)WHST.11-12.3

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.WHST.11-12.4

  • 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. WHST.11-12.5

  • 6

    Use technology to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products in response to ongoing feedback, including new arguments or information.WHST.11-12.6

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.  WHST.11-12.7

  • 8

    Gather relevant information from multiple credible primary and secondary 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, including recognition of bias; 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.WHST.11-12.8

  • 9

    Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. WHST.11-12.9

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.WHST.11-12.10

Frequently asked questions

What grade levels do these standards cover?
Grade 11 and Grade 12

Keep exploring

Sibling grade bands, other subjects in this jurisdiction, and the same subject across other states.

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English Language Arts and Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects