CLAIM EVIDENCE AND REASONING (CER)

Identifying Claims, Evidence, and Reasoning

Intro to Argumentative Writing

Multiple Choice

Evidence (CD) and reasoning (CM) do not belong in the essay or paragraph unless they directly support the topic sentence.

• This statement is true.

• This statement is false.

• This statement needs to say CD and CM’s belong in an essay even if they don’t support the topic sentence.

• This statement needs to say that the topic sentence does not belong in the essay or paragraph unless it supports the CD and

  CMs

Multiple Choice

True or False: An argument always needs evidence .

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

____ includes specific facts, statistics and examples.

• Reason

• Evidence

• Tacos

• Claims

Multiple Choice

Air is matter. We found that the weight of the ball increases by .5lbs each time we pumped more air into it. This shows that air has weight, one of the characteristics of matter.
Which sentence is the claim?

• Air is matter.
• We found that the weight of the ball increases by .5lbs each time we pumped more air into it.
• This shows that air has weight, one of the characteristics of matter.

Multiple Choice

Air is matter. We found that the weight of the ball increases by .5lbs each time we pumped more air into it. This shows that air has weight, one of the characteristics of matter.
Which sentence is the evidence?

• Air is matter.
• We found that the weight of the ball increases by .5lbs each time we pumped more air into it.
• This shows that air has weight, one of the characteristics of matter.

Multiple Choice

Evidence is ___________________

• a statement or conclusion that answers a question

• information that tends to prove or disprove a claim

• a justification that connects the claim to the evidence

• Not vital when using an argument

Multiple Choice

Reasoning is __________________.

• A statement of conclusion that answers the original question/problem.

• Scientific data that supports the claim

• Explains why and how the evidence actually connects and supports the claim.

• Empirical Evidence

Multiple Choice

Read the sentence below and tell whether it is a claim, evidence or reason.

According to the article, the coach said, "15 out 20 students participated in sports during the Fall season year 2016-2017." 

• Claim
• Evidence
• Reason

Parts of an argument

Effective arguments have three parts: claim, evidence, and reasoning

Part one: claim

The claim sums up the argument that the writer is defending. It is typically at the start of the paragraph or passage. To find the claim, ask yourself, "What sentence most conscisely conveys the point the author is trying to defend?"

Claims don't just state a fact. They share the writer's viewpoint or position.

Multiple Choice

What is the claim of this passage?

American high schools should offer classes on stress management in order to better prepare students for the workforce. According to CNBC, 80% of American workers report feeling stressed at work. By teaching students healthy habits for managing stress, high schools would help create a generation of workers that is more relaxed and confident.

• Red - first sentence

• Green - second sentence

• Blue - third sentence

Part two: evidence

A piece of evidence is a fact that supports the claim. Think: "What sentence or sentences give facts to support the author's point or claim?

Strong evidence must:

• be a fact

• come from a credible source

• be relevant to the claim (not just random)

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is the evidence in this paragraph?

American high schools should offer classes on stress management in order to better prepare students for the workforce. According to CNBC, 80% of American workers report feeling stressed at work. By teaching students healthy habits for managing stress, high schools would help create a generation of workers that is more relaxed and confident.

• Red - first sentence

• Green - second sentence

• Blue - third sentence

Multiple Select

Which sentence(s) are the evidence in this paragraph? Check all.

1. Katniss consistently underestimates her competitors in the Hunger Games. 2. For example, upon first noting Rue in the training center, Katniss characterizes the younger girl as a "small yellow flower" (Collins 99). 3. Furthermore, Katniss maintains that twelve-year-old Rue reminds her of a bird (Collins 99). 4. During the games, however, Rue is not delicate like a flower or helpless as a bird; the young girl makes smart decisions that ultimately save Katniss' life.

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

Part three: reasoning

Strong reasoning connects the evidence to the claim. It gives a reason for the evidence and tells what it means or why it matters to support the claim. To find it, ask yourself, "What sentence or sentences connect the evidence to the claim?"

The reasoning must be strong

• Draws a conclusion from the evidence AND

• Supports the claim

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is the reasoning in this paragraph?

American high schools should offer classes on stress management in order to better prepare students for the workforce. According to CNBC, 80% of American workers report feeling stressed at work. By teaching students healthy habits for managing stress, high schools would help create a generation of workers that is more relaxed and confident.

• Red - first sentence

• Green - second sentence

• Blue - third sentence

Multiple Choice

What is the evidence in this passage?

Hermione benefits immensely from her friendship with Harry and Ron. After Harry, Ron, and Hermione band together to defeat the mountain troll, the narrator notes that Hermione becomes "more relaxed (Rowling 181). Because she feels a sense of belonging, Hermione is able to release some of her tension and is better able to connect with those around her.

• Red - first sentence

• Green - second sentence

• Blue - third sentence

Multiple Choice

What is the reasoning in this passage?

Hermione benefits immensely from her friendship with Harry and Ron. After Harry, Ron, and Hermione band together to defeat the mountain troll, the narrator notes that Hermione becomes "more relaxed (Rowling 181). Because she feels a sense of belonging, Hermione is able to release some of her tension and is better able to connect with those around her.

• Red - first sentence

• Green - second sentence

• Blue - third sentence

Multiple Choice

What is the claim in this passage?

Hermione benefits immensely from her friendship with Harry and Ron. After Harry, Ron, and Hermione band together to defeat the mountain troll, the narrator notes that Hermione becomes "more relaxed (Rowling 181). Because she feels a sense of belonging, Hermione is able to release some of her tension and is better able to connect with those around her.

• Red - first sentence

• Green - second sentence

• Blue - third sentence