Student can identify and use the structural vocabulary of an argument: claim, evidence, reason, and conclusion.
Explanation of the Claim -> Reason -> Evidence -> Explanation -> Conclusion chain.
When we hear the word argument, we often think of people shouting. But in academics, an argument is a logical structure. It is not just sharing an idea—it is building a case.
A strong argument relies on three key pillars: Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning (CER).
Visual of a claim supported by evidence blocks.
A strong claim needs sturdy evidence and a solid foundation of reasoning to stand.
Formalization of the CER structure.
These images show the different "building blocks" we use to share our ideas. They help us understand how to move from a single thought to a strong, finished point.
Claim: A claim is a statement you believe is true. The doodle shows a boy planting a flag on a speech bubble, marking his territory and stating his position.
Argument: An argument is a path of ideas used to prove a point. The man is walking across several speech bubbles to reach a flag, showing that one idea leads to another.
Evidence: Evidence is the proof that shows your idea is correct. A magnifying glass and a spotlight are used to look closely at a small object to find the facts.
Reason: A reason is the logic that explains why something is true. The boy opens a speech bubble to show the "gears" inside, explaining how the idea actually works.
Support: Support is what holds your idea up so it doesn't fall. A speech bubble is being propped up by a small red stool so it stays steady.
Example: An example is one specific thing that represents a group. Out of many plain white cups, one bright red cup with a face walks forward to show it is special.
Explanation: An explanation takes a messy idea and makes it clear. The character is pulling a tangled red string until it becomes a straight, simple line.
Conclusion: A conclusion is the final step that seals the deal. A hand uses a stamp to put a final red mark at the end of a dotted path, finishing the journey.
Arrange the parts of an argument in logical order.
Arrange these sentences into a logical argument chain from Claim to Conclusion.
Identify claim, evidence, and explanation from examples.
Terms
Definitions
Learner adds evidence to a provided claim.
Provide one piece of evidence and one explanation to support the claim that reading fiction improves empathy. Make sure your explanation connects the evidence directly to the claim.
Provide a factual statement or example to support the claim.
Explain WHY your evidence proves that fiction improves empathy.