I can…
I can explain how my evidence proves my claim in 2–3 sentences.
Teacher objective
Given a completed claim-and-evidence organizer, a reasoning sentence frame, and a teacher-modeled example, the student writes 2–3 complete sentences explaining how the evidence supports the claim, meeting at least 3 of 4 checklist criteria.
1What to do
- Read the model CER response.
- Find the connection between the claim and evidence.
- Write 2–3 reasoning sentences with the frame.
- Get partner feedback. Revise.
2Key words
Reasoning
Explaining HOW the evidence proves the claim.
Connect
Show how two ideas go together.
This shows
A phrase to start explaining evidence.
Therefore
A word that means “so”.
3Learn
C-E-R
Claim = what you believe. Evidence = proof. Reasoning = why the proof matters.
Don't just repeat
Reasoning does not copy the evidence. It explains what the evidence means.
Connect back
End by linking to the claim: “Therefore, ___.”
CER diagram: how Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning connect
Evidence holds up the claim. Reasoning is the bridge that explains how.
C: Schools should offer free breakfast.
E: Students who ate breakfast scored 17% higher in math.
R: This shows food helps students focus. Therefore, free breakfast supports learning.
4Modeled example: Model CER response
- CLAIM: Schools should start later in the morning.
- EVIDENCE: A study found students who started at 8:30 slept one hour more.
- REASONING: This shows that a later start gives teenagers more time to sleep. More sleep helps students pay attention and learn. Therefore, a later start would help students do better in school.
5Guided practice (with feedback)
Claim: “Schools should offer free breakfast.” Evidence: “Students who ate breakfast scored 17% higher on math tests.” Which is reasoning?
1.Students who ate breakfast scored 17% higher.
2.This shows that food gives students energy to think. If every student eats, more students can focus in math. Therefore, free breakfast helps learning.
3.Breakfast is my favorite meal.
Partner talk: Your reasoning connects to the claim when you say ___.
6Independent assessment
Success criteria
- Explains the evidence
- Connects the evidence to the claim
- Uses complete sentences
- Communicates a logical explanation
- Meet 3 of 4 criteria.
Claim: Schools should offer free breakfast to all students. Evidence: “A 2019 study found that students who ate breakfast scored 17% higher on math tests.” Write 2–3 complete sentences explaining how the evidence supports the claim.
Sentence frame: This evidence shows that ___. This matters because ___. Therefore, ___.
Sentences detected: 0 (goal: 2–3). Your work saves on this device.
Teacher scoring checklist
Scored by the teacher. Written responses are not automatically graded.
0 / 4 criteria met (mastery: 3 of 4)
Next: use all five skills in your final writing task, then complete the reaction survey.