Finding Text Evidence

Finding Text Evidence

​Ms. Rego's Literacy Class

Poll

Have you heard the term "text evidence" before?

• Yes, and I can define what it means.

• Yes, but I can't remember what it means.

• No, never heard it before.

• Maybe, but I can't remember.

Lesson Goals

1. Define the term "text evidence"

2. Understand why text evidence is important

3. Practice finding text evidence

What is text evidence?

• Information from the text readers use to prove ideas, answers or opinions

• Anything from the text that can support a reader's thinking

Why is text evidence important?

• It proves, or backs up, what we say and think about our reading

• It shows that our ideas come directly from the text

• It makes our answers and opinions about the text more believable and trustworthy

Multiple Choice

True or false?: You should always go back into the text to help you find text evidence.

• True

• False

Steps to Finding Text Evidence

1. Read the question carefully and make sure you understand what it is asking

2. Go back to the text, passage, or article to find information

   1. Look for words in the text that match the question. These can help you find the right evidence

3. Highlight or underline any words or phrases that will help you answer the question

4. When you use evidence in your writing about reading, either change the author's words to your own (paraphrase) or use quotation marks around the exact words from the text

   1. Don't forget to introduce with an evidence-based term!

Evidence-Based Terms:

• The text states,

• According to the text,

• The author states,

• (Author's last name) states,

• In the text, it states,

• On page ___, it states,

• For instance,/For example,

​Note: Evidence-based terms do NOT reflect the reader's opinion. You would never use terms such as "I think...", "In my opinion," or "I feel that"

Let's practice!

Draw

Highlight the best piece of text evidence that helps answer the following question: What characteristics of wallabies help them navigate through thick plants and rocky areas?

Two possible answers you could have highlighted

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Draw

Highlight the best piece of textual evidence that shows a possible consequence of not taking care of your teeth.

Possible answers

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Sometimes on reading tests, you will see multiple-choice questions that require you to prove your answer with text evidence.

Multiple Choice

How do wallabies use their tails?

• To swim faster

• To dig holes

• To keep their balance while jumping

• To make sounds

Multiple Choice

Which piece of textual evidence best supports the answer to the previous question?

• "Wallabies are smaller than kangaroos, which helps them move easily through thick plants and rocky areas."

• "Their strong back legs allow them to move quickly and jump high when they need to escape from danger or find food."

• "They are part of a group called marsupials, which means they carry their babies in pouches."

• "They have long tails that help them keep their balance, especially when they jump on uneven ground."

Common Text Evidence Mistakes

1. Stay on Topic: Make sure your text evidence answers the question. It should relate to the question, not just be random information.

2. Use Text Only: Text evidence comes from the text itself. Do not include your thoughts or feelings about what you read.

3. Understand the Meaning: Sometimes, you won’t find the exact words from the question in the text. You may need to figure out the meaning of new words or come up with new ideas based on what the text says.

Let's review!

Multiple Select

What is text evidence? (Note: there are TWO correct answers)

• Information we use to support or prove our ideas, answers, or opinions

• The reader's opinions about the text

• Anything from the text that can support your thinking

• Plot, character, setting, conflict, and theme

Categorize

Options (6)

According to the text,

I think...

The text states,

In my opinion,

The author states

I feel that...

Sort the following words and phrases by whether or not they are an evidence-based term

Evidence-Based Terms

Not an Evidence-Based Term

Multiple Choice

Why is text evidence important?

• It helps make our opinions about a story correct.

• It helps us prove, or back up, what we say or think about our reading.

• It proves to the teacher that we are reading at home.

• It gives more information about a text.

Multiple Choice

How does poor sleep affect children's performance at school?

• They learn faster

• They want to eat snacks at school more often

• Their learning and memory abilities are negatively affected

• They encounter important brain activities and body functions.

Draw

Highlight the best piece of textual evidence that supports the answer to the previous question ("How does poor sleep affect children's performance at school?")

Possible answers

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following examples shows that the narrator is hard working?

• The narrator would lie down watching planes flying in the sky.

• The narrator always dreamed of becoming a pilot.

• The narrator got good grades.

• The narrator wants to inspire other little girls to become a pilot like her.

Draw

Highlight the best piece of textual evidence that supports the answer to the previous question ("Which of the following examples shows that the narrator is hard working?")

Possible answers

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Poll

Exit poll: After this lesson, how would you rate your understanding of finding text evidence?

• I completely understand and don't need any help

• I mostly understand, but I have some questions.

• I understand a little, but need more practice.

• I am totally lost. Help!