The Common Core State Standards for literacy call for classroom experiences for students that are "text dependent"—that is, activities that call for close scrutiny of classroom texts. Here are 9 stems to help teachers frame discussions and lessons that promote text dependency and close reading. Brought to you by the CoreStand team. www.corestand.com

1. 9 Stems for Creating
Text-Dependent
Questions
Aligning Instruction to the Common Core

2. Text dependent questions ask students to
consult the text to decipher the
deeper meaning of an author’s words.

3. Often, these questions also probe the
writing (rhetorical) strategies of
the author, and how these strategies serve
the author’s purpose.

4. Text dependent questions also grapple with
the effect of language on a micro
and macro scale.
What is the effect of
certain words or
sentences...?
How does the
structure affect our
understanding of...?

5. Here are some stems to help you get started
incorporating text-dependent
questions into your classroom.

6. Where does the author provide evidence
of...?
1
Provide a spot in the text where the author
contrasts...
2
An example of a cause and effect
relationship in the piece is...
3

7. The author addresses the opposing view
when he/she says...
4
The diction changes in _______________
section, which underscores...
5
A shift of tone occurs in the text when...6

8. Toward the end of the piece, the author
underscores...
7
How does the use of the word
____________ contribute to...?
8
The opening of the piece helps the reader
recognize...
9

9. Applicable Common Core Standards (Across
Grades)
Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the
text says
Determine the theme or central idea of a text
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as used in
the texts
Analyze how sentences, paragraphs, chapters, or
stanzas fit into the overall structure
Determine an author’s point of view or purpose
RI.1RL.1
RI.2RL.2
RI.4RL.4
RI.5RL.5
RI.6RL.6
Analyze how a plot, event, or idea unfoldsRI.3RL.3
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10. To learn more best practice strategies aligned to
the Common Core Standards, please visit
www.corestand.com