What should your first sentence always include in a CERCA paragraph?
A clear claim
Name the two kinds of evidence required in BEST writing.
A direct quote and a paraphrase.
What is reasoning?
The explanation of your evidence and how it supports your claim.
What is the purpose of a conclusion paragraph?
To restate the claim and wrap up the point.
What’s the difference between sentence starter and parenthetical citation?
Sentence starter introduces the source; parenthetical comes at the end.
What does a strong claim do in argumentative writing?
It clearly states your position.
What must follow every piece of evidence?
A citation and reasoning.
Can you repeat your evidence as reasoning?
No, reasoning must build on it, not repeat it.
What does a strong introduction need?
A hook, background information, and a clear claim.
What is this? “(Smith 12)”
Parenthetical citation.
What can you score if your claim is vague or missing?
A two or below
What type of citation is this? “According to the article, students thrive with structure.”
Sentence starter citation.
Why does reasoning need to be original and connected?
It shows your thinking and strengthens your argument or explanation.
Name a good transition to connect two paragraphs.
(Accept any: "In addition," "However," "Another things to consider," etc.)
True or False: You can get full points without any citations.
False. No citations equals max 2 in Development.
Fix this weak claim: “School is good.”
School is good because... Etc.
What part of the rubric mentions evidence?
Development
What numerical score will weak or repeated reasoning get scored using the state rubrics?
A 2 or below.
What happens if your organization is unclear?
Your ideas are hard to follow and your score drops.
Rewrite this evidence with a proper citation: “Students need sleep to do well.”
Source: CDC
“According to the CDC, students need sleep to do well in school.” OR add (CDC).
Why must your claim be restated in your conclusion?
To remind the reader of the purpose of the essay.
Identify what's missing in this evidence: “Students who read more books are more likely to succeed in school.”
Specific source or citation.
Explain how this reasoning is strong: “This shows that setting goals helps students focus, which improves learning.”
It connects the evidence to the claim and explains the impact.
Explain what makes a paragraph "cohesive."
Strong transitions, clear structure, and logical flow.
What must you always include for evidence in a BEST writing essay to get a 4 in Development?
At least one paraphrase, one direct quote, and proper citations in every body paragraph.