Citing Evidence

Citing Evidence to prove a claim in a persuasive essay

Watch a video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tq_BoPJsv-4

What is a claim?

A claim is the opinion/answer you put forth.

What is a reason?

A reason is a statement that supports your claim.

What is evidence?

Evidence are facts. There are not things that you already know (background knowledge) but rather facts that:

*come from a reputable (trustworthy & smart) source

*you can say where you learned them from

*prove your reasons

Multiple Choice

The statements supporting the claim telling why

• Claims

• Evidence

• Reasons

Multiple Choice

The statement that the writer is trying to prove

• Claims

• Evidence

• Reasons

Multiple Choice

Is the example below a claim, reason, or evidence?

Ex. Dr. Shelnutt, a veterinarian, said that, "Dogs have a protective instinct. They can sense danger, and they will do what they can to protect you."

• Claim

• Reason

• Evidence

Multiple Choice

Is the example below a claim, reason, or evidence?

Ex. Dogs can protect you from home intruders.

• Claim

• Reason

• Evidence

Reasons + Evidence

Your evidence must prove your reason. They have to fit together like puzzle pieces.

Claim: The theme of The Hatchet is self reliance.

Reason: Throughout the story Brain changes from a kid who blames everyone else to a young man who can survive anything through hard work.

Evidence: On page 77 it says, "He put his head down.. and cried until he was cried out." However on page 150 instead of crying when a disaster strikes, Brain thinks, "He had a lot to do, rebuild his shelter, get a new fire going, find some food or get ready to find some food..."

Multiple Choice

Claim: I believe aliens exist.

Statically there has to be aliens out there somewhere. The author states, "I like steak."

Is that a good reason & evidence pair?

• Yes

• No

Multiple Choice

Which evidence matches the reason "Vaping is dangerous to your health."

• Researchers have discovered that mild to moderate exercise increases blood flow to the brain and increases learning.

• According to Kids Health, scientists have proven that vaping can lead to lung damage and death.

• A 4th grader said "I think vaping is gross."

• Cats are better than dogs because they don't need to be walked and brought outside to use the bathroom.

Multiple Choice

Which evidence matches the reason "Healthy snacks will keep your body lean and strong!"

• Scientists have proven eating healthy foods is key to having a strong body and mind."

• Running around during gym class is really fun, especially with Mr. McKamie.

• Dr. Suess once said that eating green eggs and ham is okay.

• If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball.

Multiple Choice

Which evidence matches the reason "Kittens are easier to care for than puppies!"

• I like puppies more.

• Pizza is great for breakfast.

• My kittens don't chew things like puppies do.

• Doctors say "Pets are great for reducing stress".

Multiple Choice

Chocolate milk has an extra 8 grams of sugar per 8 oz compared to plain milk.

• reason

• evidence

Multiple Choice

Chocolate milk may contribute to our nation's obesity epidemic.

• reason

• evidence

Multiple Choice

Milk (chocolate or not) is the number one food source of calcium, vitamin D, and potassium.

• reason

• evidence

Multiple Choice

Chocolate milk is healthy.

• reason

• evidence

Multiple Choice

Which is the weakest claim and reasoning?

• Students should be able to use cell phones in class because it will help them develop 21st century skills.

• Teachers should get paid for every hour they work because they will be more likely to work harder.

• Small dogs are safer pets for families than big dogs because they won't be able to knock old people down and kill them.

• I think people should not eat meat products because they make me happy.