Today is rung 4 of 13 on this topic
Writing with evidence from a text
Can do: Makes a claim and supports it with a quotation or specific detail, then explains the link.
Why it matters
Claim, evidence, explanation is the shape of nearly all school writing from here to graduation. Grade 4 is when it starts being marked.
What it looks like when it's wobbly
Quotes something and stops, assuming the quote makes the point by itself.
⏱️ Two-minute check
"Was the character brave? Say yes or no, quote the book, then explain why the quote proves it."
Solid looks like: All three parts present, especially the explanation.
The full activity for this topic · 20 minutes
Because, For Example, This Shows
- 1Write the claim in one sentence.
- 2Find the quote. Copy it exactly, in quotation marks.
- 3Use the sentence stem: "This shows that…" and finish it.
- 4Check the explanation says something the quote doesn't literally say.
- 5Do a second paragraph with a different piece of evidence for the same claim.
If it's too hard
You provide the quote, they write the explanation.
If it's too easy
Two pieces of evidence, one of which slightly complicates the claim.
Say this
"The quote doesn't explain itself. Why does that line prove your point?"