Analysis Paragraphs (CER)
What does the “C” in CER stand for, and what is its purpose?
Claim — the main argument or point the writer is trying to make. It is a debatable statement that answers a question or prompt.
What central question does Nicola Yoon explore in “Super Human”?
Whether a superhero, after experiencing profound betrayal and racism, can still choose to save humanity
What question does Wallace explore in her article?
Whether acts of self-preservation in crises are selfish or natural.
Why did MLK write “Letter from Birmingham Jail”? Who was his audience?
To respond to white clergymen who criticized his nonviolent protests against racial segregation.
What is the central question “We Are All Bystanders” explores?
Why people fail to intervene when someone needs help.
In a strong paragraph, what does the “E” do?
Provides specific evidence (a quote or fact) that supports the claim.
What is the conflict?
X experiences racial injustice while out of his costume and is driven to destroy humanity, while Syrita is tasked with convincing him that humanity is worth saving.
What conclusion does Wallace reach about human survival instincts?
She argues that survival instincts are not necessarily selfish - they are situational and part of being human.
What is King’s main argument about justice and moral responsibility?
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere; people have a moral duty to act.
What is the “bystander effect”?
The tendency for individuals to be less likely to help when others are present. They assume someone else will do it, so they don't act.
What is the goal of the “R” (reasoning) in a CER paragraph?
To explain how or why the evidence supports the claim (your analysis).
How does Yoon challenge the idea of what it means to be a hero?
She shows that being a hero means making ethical choices, not just having powers.
How does Wallace support her argument? What evidence do you recall?
She uses real-life examples and psychological studies of disaster behavior.
How does King justify civil disobedience (refusal to obey certain laws)?
King argues that people have a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws that conflict with personal morals (our idea of right and wrong).
“An unjust law is no law at all.”
What reasoning do the authors give for why people freeze or fail to act?
They experience social pressure, diffusion of responsibility, or fear of doing the wrong thing.
What is a quote lead-in, and why is it important?
A phrase that introduces the quote and connects it smoothly to your writing.
Examples:
In the story, our main antagonist, X, "got shot" by police.
X said, "I got shot."
What is the author’s argument about human nature?
The story argues that while systemic issues like racism and injustice can lead individuals to despair and a desire to destroy, it is our capacity for compassion and the choice to embrace one's better nature that ultimately makes humanity worth saving.
What solution do the authors suggest to overcome bystander inaction?
Cultivating empathy and moral courage; recognizing personal responsibility to act.
What makes analysis different from summary in a CER paragraph?
Analysis explains why the evidence matters and connects it to the claim, while summary just restates what the evidence says.
How could you connect Yoon’s message to the idea of moral responsibility to others?
The story demonstrates how real-world issues of racism and hate can make even a person with immense power lose faith in humanity. Syrita has to convince X of all of the good in humanity as well as of his own. Their interactions suggest our moral responsibility is rooted in our ability to listen, understand, and empathize with others' experiences.
What moral dilemma does the article raise about altruism in life-or-death situations?
Whether we should be judged for actions made under extreme fear and instinct.
How does King’s reasoning connect to the idea of bystander responsibility?
Remaining silent or inactive in the face of injustice makes one complicit - moral people must act.
How could you connect this text’s ideas to MLK’s or Yoon’s messages?
All argue that moral responsibility requires taking action - failing to act enables harm or injustice.