Author's Claim and evidence

What is a claim?

• Something you claim to be your own

• An opinion or argument that the author of a text is trying to prove to the reader.

Which statement shows a claim?

• The sun is hot.

• Water can be a gas, liquid, or solid.

• Dogs are the best pet.

What are reasons?

• Details that the author uses to support his or her main points.

• Details that tell you why the sky is blue.

What is a reason for the claim "dogs are the best pets?"

• Dogs play with you.

• Dogs drink water.

• Dogs need to go outside.

What is evidence?

• Clues to a case

• Specific examples and facts the author uses to support the reasons.

Why is having the evidence the most important part?