CER: Spot the Error
Claim: Rome was better. What is wrong?
Too vague / does not restate prompt
What is Mr. Hart's favorite food?
Burritos
Prompt: Explain how geography affected Ancient China.
What's the task?
Explain the geography's affect
What was one key Roman innovation?
Roads / aqueducts
What type of government did Athens have?
Democracy
Evidence: Rome had aqueducts.
❓ What is wrong?
Not quoted / not cited
What is Mr. Hart's favorite sports team?
Boston Bruins
Prompt: Explain how geography affected Ancient China.
What is the Topic?
Geography affecting Ancient China
What did aqueducts do?
Transport Water
Who could particpate in Athenian democracy?
Reasoning: This shows Rome was better because it had aqueducts.
❓ What is wrong?
Just repeats evidence, doesn’t explain HOW it helps people
What was Mr. Hart's first job?
Sold car seats and baby strollers at Babies R Us
Prompt: Explain how geography affected Ancient China.
What kind of evidence do you need?
Examples of rivers, Mountains, climate
How did roads help Rome?
Trade, communication, military movement
What is one major contribution of Ancient Greece?
Olympics, philosophy, theater
Evidence: “Romans built roads and aqueducts”
❓ What is missing?
Citation or connection to claim
Which college did Mr. Hart graduate from?
Arizona State University
Prompt: Compare Athens and Sparta.
What must you do?
Compare (similarities and/or differences)
What type of government did Rome have?
Republic
How did geography impact Greece?
Mountains isolated city states
Full response:
Rome was better because they had roads. “Romans built roads.” This shows they had roads.
❓ What is the biggest issue?
Text is plopped / Reasoning is weak / no explanation of WHY roads matter
What is the most dangerous thing Mr. Hart has done?
Skydiving
Prompt: In a CER, explain which civilization was easier to live in.
What must your claim include?
A clear choice + reason (because/by…)
Why was Rome easier to live in (when thinking about infrastructure)?
Access to water, transportation, public services
Which philosopher focused on logic and reason?
Aristotle