Finding Evidence
What does “evidence” mean in reading?
What does “evidence” mean in reading?
What is an explicit detail?
Something the text states directly.
What is a character trait?
A word that describes how a character acts or feels.
What does it mean to “cite evidence”?
To point to specific details from the text.
What do good readers do when they’re unsure about a detail?
Reread the text.
Find one detail that shows where the story takes place.
Any correct setting details from the provided text.
What is an inference?
A conclusion you make using clues + what you already know.
Which detail shows the character is kind?
Any detail showing helpful or caring behavior.
Which sentence from the text proves the character is excited?
The sentence showing excitement (ex: “She bounced on her toes.”)
Read a new sentence. Identify one explicit detail.
Student identifies a directly stated fact.
Which sentence best supports the idea that the character is nervous?
The sentence shows nervous behavior ( “Her hands shook as she opened the door.”)
The text says, “Marcus stared at the empty plate.” What can you infer?
He is hungry / disappointed / someone ate his food.
The text says, “He hid his report card behind his back.” What trait does this show?
Embarrassed, nervous, or secretive.
Two pieces of evidence support the same idea. Which is more convincing and why?
The one that is more specific and clearly connected.
Read a new short paragraph. What inference can you make?
Student inference + text clue
Two students chose different pieces of evidence for the same idea. Explain which one is stronger and why.
Stronger evidence directly supports the idea with clear, specific details.
Explain how you know your inference is correct.
Student cites the clue + connects it to background knowledge.
Choose the BEST evidence that shows the character is determined.
The detail shows persistence despite challenges.
Explain why this evidence does NOT support the claim.
It doesn’t relate to the idea or is too general.
Explain how two different details work together to support the same idea.
Student explains how both details connect.
You read a new paragraph about a kid entering a spelling bee. Choose one detail that shows how the kid feels and explain your reasoning.
Student identifies a feeling + explains using text clues.
Read a new sentence: “Lila’s voice trembled as she stepped forward.” Make an inference and justify it with evidence.
She is nervous/scared + evidence = “voice trembled.”
You read a new paragraph about a girl practicing soccer every morning before school. What trait does this show? Explain using evidence.
Hard‑working/determined + evidence = daily practice.
Read a new short paragraph. Make a claim about the character and choose two pieces of evidence to support it.
Student provides a claim + two text‑based details.
You read a new text about a kid preparing for a big move. Use evidence to explain how the kid feels AND why.
Student identifies emotion + supports with text clues