Key Terms
What is a claim?
Main argument; point you're trying to prove; assertion
The arid desert, dry and dusty, stretched for miles.
Very dry
What’s the difference between a topic and a main idea?
Topic = general subject; Main idea = what the author wants to say about it.
What does CER stand for?
Claim, Evidence, Reasoning
What is full of holes but still holds water?
Sponge
What is evidence in writing?
Facts, data, examples, or quotes that support your claim.
The teacher was known for her lenient grading -- it was hard to fail the class if you were putting effort in.
Easygoing, not harsh
What clues show an author’s claim?
Repeated ideas, opinion statements supported by facts, or thesis sentences.
What question does reasoning answer?
Why or how does the evidence support the claim?
Fall
Define reasoning in your own words.
The explanation of why the evidence supports your claim.
The epidemic caused panic in the city; people were stocking up on essentials at the stores and everyone wore masks.
Widespread outbreak of disease; contagious illness spreading
Why do authors use data or examples?
To support their claims with evidence and make arguments stronger.
Example: Claim — Students can make a difference. Evidence — A hallway cleanup reduced tardies.
What reasoning connects them?
Their action improved behavior, proving students can influence change.
What five-letter word becomes shorter when you add two letters to it?
Short
What is a changemaker?
A person who takes action to create positive change in their community.
She dawdled to class, dragging her feet and stopping to speak to all her friends.
Moved slowly or wasted time
How can you tell if evidence is relevant?
It directly supports or proves the claim.
Why is reasoning important in writing?
It connects the evidence to the claim and shows critical thinking.
Name one of the images from the Harris Burdick mystery photos book.
"Archie Smith, Boy Wonder," "A Strange Day in July," "Another Place, Another Time," "Uninvited Guests," "The Harp," "Mr. Linden's Library," "The Seven Chairs," "Just Desert," "The Third-Floor Bedroom," "Oscar and Alons," "The House on Maple Street," "Captain Tory," "Under the Rug," and "Missing in Venice"
What is a tipping point?
The moment when small actions cause a big shift or movement.
The ominous clouds gathered, warning of an approaching storm.
Threatening; scary; foreboding
How can you identify bias in an informational text?
Look for emotional language, one-sided arguments, or missing perspectives.
What is one element that makes a piece of evidence strong?
Specific, relevant
When is your Unit 1 test?
Friday