Read U3 Author's Claim, Evidence, Reasoning Task Cards 2025

Toothpaste is important in helping to keep our teeth white and cavity-free, but it can have lots of other uses. Many households keep their favorite tube on hand to get pesky stains out of rugs and carpet with little effort. Just rub a small amount of toothpaste into the stain with a sponge and then clean with a damp cloth. It can also be used on other furniture, such as couches or mattresses. Try to get that crayon mark off your bedroom wall or even the black scuffs off your white tennis shoes. It works like magic!

What is the author’s claim?

• Toothpaste is magic.

• Many households have toothpaste.

• Do not put toothpaste on your walls.

• Toothpaste has many uses.

Horse owners must be responsible caregivers 365 days a year. A horse depends on its owner for food which consists of hay and grain. They need supplies of clean water and a dry, safe shelter such as a barn. That shelter also needs to be cleaned every single day to keep the horse healthy. Hoof maintenance and veterinary care are required as well. Owners must also provide regular exercise through riding and allowing horses to stroll around a fenced-in pasture.

Which evidence does the author supply to support the claim that horse owners must be responsible caregivers?

• The author describes different horse breeds.

• The author provides reasons for owning a horse.

• The author compares horse owners to other pet owners.

• The author states things that need to be done to care for horses.

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.1

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

Mars is our neighboring planet and has some interesting similarities to Earth. Mars, also known as the Red Planet, is a rocky planet with an active atmosphere. Mars has seasons, ice caps, and landforms, such as volcanoes and canyons. Scientists have proven that Mars has experienced ancient flooding. One day on Mars lasts 24.6 hours, which is very similar to Earth. With all these similarities to our home planet, scientists often wonder if life will exist on Mars in the future.

How does the author develop the claim that Mars is like Earth?

• by showing examples of how they are related

• by showing how Mars is a better planet

• by showing that we know more about Earth

• by showing examples of how they are different

Northeastern United States is the best place to live in the country. The states located here experience all four seasons. Each season has something wonderful to offer. In spring, the area is alive with budding flowers and trees, and the temperatures are suitable for outdoor activities. Summer brings more fun outside, particularly to those states that border the Atlantic Ocean and have miles of beaches to enjoy. Colorful fall foliage is not to be missed in the Northeast during autumn. Winter might be cold, but snow sports such as skiing and skating provide entertainment.

Which sentence best states the author’s claim about Northeastern United States?

• Northeastern United States has miles of beaches to enjoy.

• Colorful fall foliage is not to be missed.

• Snow sports such as skiing and skating provide entertainment.

• Northeastern United States is the best place to live in the country.

Vinyl siding is a smart choice for home owners. It comes in a variety of colors, textures, and styles. Many decorative accent options are also available. Vinyl siding is durable with fade-resistant finishes and the ability to stand up to various climates. It’s a good investment because vinyl siding is designed to last. It never needs painting like wood does. Choosing vinyl siding means being more energy efficient and eco-friendly in your home construction to

How does the author support the claim that vinyl siding is a smart choice for homeowners?

• The author describes how vinyl siding is made.

• The author describes the cost of vinyl siding.

• The author describes all the advantages of vinyl siding.

• The author describes how vinyl siding is eco-friendly.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.6

CCSS.RI.6.9

CCSS.RL.4.6

CCSS.RL.5.6

CCSS.RL.6.6

Dancing has many health benefits. Whether you dance for fun or take a class to learn a specific style, you will have the chance to be active and stay fit. Your heart, lungs, muscles, bones, and brain are all improved through the regular exercise dancing provides. Dancers enjoy better coordination, balance, and flexibility as they practice the moves. Dancing has positive effects on self-esteem by building confidence. It develops social skills as well by connecting people around a common interest. Memory is also sharpened through memorizing dance routines.

What is the author's claim?

• Dancing is good for memory.

• Dancing builds confidence.

• Dancing improves brain health.

• Dancing has many health benefits.

The United States Military is one of the largest armies in the world. There are well over a million active members. They are divided into five branches: Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Each of the branches does different work. The president is the Commander in Chief of the military. He makes decisions to keep the country's borders and best interests safe. What evidence supports the claim that the military is large?

• There are over a million members.

• The president is in charge of the military.

• The Coast Guard is one of the branches of military.

• Each branch does different work.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RI.5.8

CCSS.RI.6.8

CCSS.RL.4.5

CCSS.RI.6.1

The Pueblo Indian tribe settled in the areas that are now New Mexico and Arizona. Pueblos are well-known for the amazing homes and roads they built. Using adobe clay and stones, they created durable structures that have lasted for hundreds of years. Adobe material was made using the earth, water, and straw. These homes were built right into cliffs several stories high. The Pueblos also constructed many roads between their towns. The Great Road is a famous Pueblo road that ran for over 30 miles. What main reason supports the claim that Pueblos had amazing homes?

• They built the Great Road.

• The durable structures lasted hundreds of years.

• They settled in New Mexico and Arizona.

• Adobe was made using earth, water, and straw.

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.1

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RL.4.1

Birds are related to dinosaurs. They share several similarities to dinosaurs of the past. Scientists have discovered that tissues used to make scales in reptiles are similar to those that make feathers in birds. Birds also have scales on their feet, and dinosaur remains found in China had what looked like feathers. Bird eggs and dinosaur eggs share a common hard outer shell. They are made of the same basic elements such as carbon and calcium. Talons found on both birds and dinosaurs are also similar in design

What evidence does the author provide to support the claim that birds are related to dinosaurs?

• The author lists qualities of birds.

• The author lists qualities of dinosaurs.

• The author states how dinosaur remains have been found.

• The author compares birds and dinosaurs.

Have you heard of Niagara Falls? Nestled between the United States and Canada, these waterfalls are a must-see! They were created by a glacier about 10,000 years ago and provide a huge source of hydroelectric power. Niagara consists of three separate waterfalls: American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls. Together they generate the highest water drop of any on Earth.

What two reasons support the claim that Niagara Fall is a must-see?

• It is located between the United States and Canada.

• It is a source of power.

• It has the highest water drop of any on Earth.

• Niagara Falls consists of three separate waterfalls.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RI.5.8

CCSS.RI.6.8

CCSS.RL.4.5

CCSS.RI.4.8