Claim, Evidence and Reasoning

What is a claim? Claims are statements that …. assert a main point of an argument answer a question are usually one sentence in length Never use “I think” or “ I believe” Can be supported by evidence

What is Evidence? All the data that supports your claim Must be related to your claim Comes from the text but can come from other sources Statistics, quotes, facts, graphs, tables

What is reasoning? The explanation that connects your claim to the supporting evidence Shows why the “data” you chose counts as evidence Shows detailed understanding of what the text is telling the reader Usually a few sentences in length

Example One Claim: If the Focus Question is, “Who is the best NFL quarterback? Claim: Drew Brees is the best quarterback in the NFL.

Example One Evidence: Evidence: According to Sports Illustrated, his completion percentage is 59.4 and he has 36 touchdowns in his career from 2012-2013.

Example One Reasoning: Drew Brees has scored more touchdowns than any other football player in the 2012-2013 year, therefore he can be considered one of the best players in the NFL. BRAINSTORM What else can I add to this? Is this enough?

CER Activity: The following few slides are multiple choice questions. After I read the question and possible answers, write down what you think the correct answer is. Lets see how well you were listening…

Question One: Which one of the following do you believe best represents the definition for a “claim”? A. A statement that expresses the answer or conclusion to a question or problem. B. A question that somebody might ask. C. A response to a question. D. A statement that does NOT answer a question.

The correct answer is A!!!!

Question Two: Which one of the following do you believe best represents the definition for “evidence”? A. Information that does not appropriately support the claim. B. A statement that answers a question. C. Scientific data that supports the claim. D. A question that supports the claim.

The correct answer is C!!

Question Three: Which one of the following do you believe best represents the definition for “reasoning”? A. A graph and a data table B. A collection of scientific principles, textual information, and prior knowledge that supports the claim. C. A statement that answers a question. D. The explanation for how the evidence supports the claim.

The correct answer is D!!!

Why should we use CER? This is how you make an argument or explanation convincing. This is what scientists and effective writers do. This is the language of the Common Core State Standards.

Lets practice! Choose your claim! On a blank sheet of paper choose whichever one of these claims that you agree with. Keep in mind you may change your claim after looking over evidence. Write it down. 1.A taco IS a sandwich 2. A taco IS NOT a sandwich

Evidence Use any background knowledge you have about sandwiches or tacos to provide evidence.

Remember….. Your evidence should always be facts and statistics but for the purpose of this practice activity, I will let you use your own ideas and knowledge.

Add your reasoning… Now, it’s time to explain why or how your two pieces of evidence prove your claim to be true. Good reasoning should be at least three sentences. When you are finished, put your pencil down and look up so we know you are done.

Share out! Now, go around with all your table members and share out your claim, evidence and reasoning. Things to think about.. Did you change anyone's mind with your argument? Who had the most convincing argument?