Name _____________________
Learning Objective
Today, we will cite1 evidence that supports an assertion in a text.
1
identify information that supports, proves, or explains an idea
CFU
What are we going to do today?
What are we going to cite?
What does cite mean?
Activate (or provide) Prior Knowledge
Jose wrote three sentences about dogs.
Which sentence tells why dogs make good pets?
1. Dogs have four legs and fur.
2. Dogs are fun to play with.
3. Most dogs have tails.
CFU
Which sentence tells why dogs make good pets? Students, you can already identify sentences that support a statement. Sentences that
support statements are called supporting evidence. Authors sometimes use evidence to support their ideas, called an assertion. Today, we
will cite evidence that supports an assertion in a text.
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6th Grade Reading Comprehension 2.7 (2Q)
Make reasonable assertions about a text through accurate, supporting citations.
Lesson to be used by EDI-trained teachers only.
Concept Development
An assertion is a strong statement that an author believes to be true.
• Assertions sometimes use words such as great, most, worst, always, and never.
• Writers of informational and persuasive2 texts provide evidence3 to support assertions they make.
Accurate, supporting citations refer to evidence from a reliable source4 that supports an assertion or
statement.
2
writing meant to convince
3
facts or reasons that help you prove something
4
provider of information (i.e., encyclopedia, text, organization, website)
Example:
Rock Music
1. Rock music is the most popular music in the world. 2. Rock and roll music started in the 1950s.
3. From the start, rock music was considered party music, dance music, and music that appealed5 the most to young people, a World
Book article stated. 4. Studies from the University of Virginia state that by the 1960s, rock and roll had earned wide respect throughout
the world. 5. It also had become known simply as rock. 6. Due to the popularity of rock, many forms of music branched off from rock
such as alternative6, pop, and rap. 7. Today, rock music is no longer only the music of young Americans; it is music of the world.
6 something that is different than something else
attracted
Adapted from an article at http://www.worldbook.com/wb/Students?content_spotlight/aamusic/rocknroll
5
110 words
Topic
Assertion
Supporting evidence
(reasons)
Rock Music
Sentence 1, Rock music is the most popular music in the world.
Sentence 6: Many forms of music branched off from rock.
Sentence 7: Music of the world.
Evidence with Citations
(sources)
Sentence 3: Appealed to young people (World Book).
Sentence 4: Earned wide respect (University of Virginia study).
Additional sentences
describing rock music
Sentence 2: Started in 1950s.
Sentence 5: Rock and roll renamed rock.
CFU
Which statement is an assertion? Explain your answer.
1. Watching too much television is bad for your health.
2. I watch television for an hour everyday.
In your own words, explain what an assertion is. An assertion is _________________________________________________.
In your own words, explain what supporting citations are. Supporting citations are _____________________________________.
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6th Grade Reading Comprehension 2.7 (2Q)
Make reasonable assertions about a text through accurate, supporting citations.
Lesson to be used by EDI-trained teachers only.
Importance
An assertion is a strong statement that an author believes to be true.
Accurate, supporting citations refer to evidence from a source that supports an assertion
or statement.
It is important to cite evidence that supports an assertion in a text because:
1. it will help you think critically when reading.
The Mighty Ostrich
The ostrich may be unable to fly, but, among birds, the ostrich is a great
record-breaker. According to National Geographic, the ostrich is the tallest bird
with an average height of 8 feet. The ostrich is also, the heaviest bird weighing
as much as 350 pounds! Despite its incredible size the ostrich is also the fastest
two-legged animal, running over 45 mph!
Adapted from
http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/animals/creaturefeature/ostrich/
Assertion: Among birds, the ostrich is a great record-breaker.
Supporting evidence with citations:
The ostrich is the tallest bird with an average height of 8 feet. ( National
Geographic)
The ostrich is also the heaviest of all birds, weighing as much as
350 pounds! (National Geographic)
2. it will help you do well on tests.
CFU
Does anyone else have another reason why it is important to cite evidence that supports an assertion in a text ? (pair-share) Why is it
important to cite evidence that supports an assertion in a text? You may give me one of my reasons or one of your own. Which reason is
more important to you? Why?
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6th Grade Reading Comprehension 2.7 (2Q)
Make reasonable assertions about a text through accurate, supporting citations.
Lesson to be used by EDI-trained teachers only.
Skill Development/Guided Practice
An assertion is a strong statement that an author believes to be true.
Accurate, supporting citations refer to evidence from a source that supports an assertion or statement.
Cite evidence that supports an assertion in a text.
Step #1: Read the text looking for evidence that supports the assertion.
a. Write “supporting evidence” above these sentences.
b. Identify the citation in supporting sentences. (Underline)
Step #2: Cite the sentence numbers in the table.
The Rainforest
supporting evidence
1. The rainforest is very important to the ecology1 of the Earth. 2. The rainforest provides a home to millions of mammals,
supporting evidence
insects, amphibians2, reptiles, and birds. 3. According to the Rainforest Alliance, the plants and trees of the rainforest make more than
20% of the Earth’s oxygen. 4. It is almost always raining in a rainforest. 5. According to the Rainforest Action Network, rainforests get
supporting evidence
over 80 inches of rain every year, providing water to many nearby villages. 6. Many of the medicines we use today are derived3 from
supporting evidence
tropical rainforests; chemicals from plants are used to treat or cure hundreds of diseases. 7. Rainforests
can be found in Central America, South America, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Australia.
way in which plants, animals, and people are connected in an environment
2 animals that can live in the water or on land
3 be developed from something else
113 words
1
adapted from: http://www.rainforest-alliance.org/kids/facts/daily-lives
Sentence Numbers:
1. Cite the sentences that support the underlined assertion.
2, 3, 5,
2. Cite the sentences that use citations to support the
underlined assertion.
3, 5
3. Cite the sentences that describe the rainforest.
4,
6,
7
CFU
How did I know which sentences to label supporting evidence? How did I know which sentences to underline? How did I know which
sentence numbers to write in the table? How did you know which sentences to label supporting evidence? How did you know which
sentences to underline? How did you know which sentence numbers to write in the table?
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©2011 All rights reserved.
Comments? feedback@dataworks-ed.com
6th Grade Reading Comprehension 2.7 (2Q)
Make reasonable assertions about a text through accurate, supporting citations.
Lesson to be used by EDI-trained teachers only.
Skill Development/Guided Practice
An assertion is a strong statement that an author believes to be true.
Accurate, supporting citations refer to evidence from a source that supports an assertion or statement.
Cite evidence that supports an assertion in a text.
Step #1: Read the text looking for evidence that supports the assertion.
a. Write “supporting evidence” above these sentences.
b. Identify the citation in supporting sentences. (Underline)
Step #2: Cite the sentence numbers in the table.
Tsunamis
1. Tsunamis (sue-nahm-ees) are the deadliest natural disaster known to man. 2. Tsunamis are caused by strong,
underwater earthquakes that cause the water to make giant waves. 3. These waves can travel as fast as 500 miles per
supporting evidence
hour, crossing the entire Pacific Ocean in less than 24 hours, as stated in an ABC News article. 4. When they reach land,
supporting evidence
supporting evidence
the waves can be as tall as 100 feet in the air. 5. These waves have been known to wipe out1 an entire village of people at
supporting evidence
one time. 6. In 2004, a tsunami struck in the Indian Ocean and killed more than 150,000 people. 7. According to National
supporting evidence
Geographic magazine, the Indian Ocean tsunami released the same amount of energy as 23,000
atomic bombs.
1
118 words
(wipe out) destroy
Sentence Numbers:
1. Cite the sentences that support the underlined assertion.
3, 4,
2. Cite the sentences that use citations to support the
underlined assertion.
3, 7
3. Cite the sentences that describe tsunamis.
2
5, 6, 7
CFU
How did I know which sentences to label supporting evidence? How did I know which sentences to underline? How did I know which
sentence numbers to write in the table? How did you know which sentences to label supporting evidence? How did you know which
sentences to underline? How did you know which sentence numbers to write in the table?
DataWORKS Educational Research
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©2011 All rights reserved.
Comments? feedback@dataworks-ed.com
6th Grade Reading Comprehension 2.7 (2Q)
Make reasonable assertions about a text through accurate, supporting citations.
Lesson to be used by EDI-trained teachers only.
Closure
1. In your own words, what is an assertion?
2. Cite evidence that supports assertions in a text below.
3. What did you learn today about citing evidence that support assertions in a text? Why is that important to you? (pair-share)
Step #1: Read the text looking for evidence that supports the assertion.
a. Write “supporting evidence” above these sentences.
b. Identify the citation in supporting sentences. (Underline)
Step #2: Cite the sentence numbers in the table.
Pompeii
supporting evidence
1. Volcanoes are like sleeping giants. 2. After hundreds of years of not being active,
they awaken. 3. Some volcanoes cause
massive1
supporting evidence
destruction when they become active.
supporting evidence
4. According to Kids Discover Magazine (May 2005), one such volcano erupted in 79 B.C.E. in
the Roman city of Pompeii. 5. Scientists discovered a 20-foot layer of hardened ash, under
supporting evidence
which lay houses and bodies of people that were caught in the eruption2. 6. Pompeii
was one of a number of towns located at the base of the erupting volcano called
Mount Vesuvius (vuh-soo-vee-us).
86 words
huge
2 explosion of a volcano that sends rock, fire and smoke into the sky.
1
Sentence Numbers:
1. Cite the sentences that support the underlined assertion.
2, 3,
2. Cite the sentences that use citations to support the
underlined assertion.
4
3. Cite the sentences that describe volcanos.
6
4, 5,
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6th Grade Reading Comprehension 2.7 (2Q)
Make reasonable assertions about a text through accurate, supporting citations.
Lesson to be used by EDI-trained teachers only.
Independent Practice
An assertion is a strong statement that an author believes to be true.
Accurate, supporting citations refer to evidence from a source that supports an assertion or statement.
Cite evidence that supports an assertion in a text.
Step #1: Read the text looking for evidence that supports the assertion.
a. Write “supporting evidence” above these sentences.
b. Identify the citation in supporting sentences. (Underline)
Step #2: Cite the sentence numbers in the table.
Soldiers of the Spartan1 Army
1. To be a superior soldier was one of the sole2 duties of the Spartan citizen. 2. At birth, a boy was
supporting evidence
examined. 3. If he appeared too weak to be a future soldier, he was abandoned in the mountains or
supporting evidence
taken away to become a slave. 4. If he was fit, he was taken from his mother at the age of seven to
supporting evidence
begin rigorous3 military training. 5. Soldiers were taught to be brave and suffer pain without complaining.
supporting evidence
6. According to historywiz.org, it was one’s goal to become a soldier at the age of 20 and remain a
supporting evidence
soldier until the age of 60. 7. Therefore, a Spartan soldier spent his entire life under rigorous discipline4.
8. Between the 6th and 4th centuries B.C.E., it was commonly accepted that one Spartan was
worth several soldiers from any other army.
133 words
1
2 only
relating to people of Sparta; an ancient city in Greece
3 severe and strict
4 controling your behavior and obeying rules
adapted from:http://education.yahoo.com/reference/encyclopedia/entry/Sparta
adapted from: http://www.historywiz.org/didyouknow/spartanfamily.htm
Sentence Numbers:
1. Cite the sentences that support the underlined assertion.
2. Cite the sentences that use citations to support the
underlined assertion.
3. Cite the sentences that describe the Spartan soldiers.
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3, 4,
5, 6, 7
6
8
6th Grade Reading Comprehension 2.7 (2Q)
Make reasonable assertions about a text through accurate, supporting citations.
Lesson to be used by EDI-trained teachers only.
Periodic Review 1
Name __________________________
An assertion is a strong statement that an author believes to be true.
Accurate, supporting citations refer to evidence from a source that supports an assertion or statement.
Cite evidence that supports an assertion in a text.
Step #1: Read the text looking for evidence that supports the assertion.
a. Write “supporting evidence” above these sentences.
b. Identify the citation in supporting sentences. (Underline)
Step #2: Cite the sentence numbers in the table.
The Red Panda
1. The Red Panda is an often forgotten creature. 2. According to the Red Panda Network, most people outside of its
supporting evidence
natural habitat have never even heard of or seen a Red Panda. 3. They are indigenous1 to China and are closely related to
the Giant Panda. 4. The Red Panda is about the size of a raccoon, has reddish-brown fur, and a striped tail. 5. Unlike the
supporting evidence
Giant Panda, the Red Panda is not often seen in zoos. 6. This could possibly be because they are endangered2 due to habitat
destruction and their low birth rate. 7. As stated by the Smithsonian National Zoological Park organization, there are fewer
supporting evidence
than 2,500 adult red pandas existing today. 8. Red Pandas are protected in all of the places that they live, but
poaching3 still happens for their fur and the illegal pet trade. 9. Because the Red Panda is rare and unknown
supporting evidence
to most, it appears there is not much awareness 4 for this forgotten creature.
154 words
1(indigenous
to) originally from
gone
3 illegal hunting
4 knowledge of a subject or situation
2 almost
Adapted from: http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/AsiaTrail/RedPanda/factsheet.cfm
Sentence Numbers:
1. Cite the sentences that support the underlined assertion.
2, 5,
2. Cite the sentences that use citations to support the
underlined assertion.
2,
3. Cite the sentences that describe the Red Panda.
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©2011 All rights reserved.
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7, 9
7
3, 4, 6,
8,
6th Grade Reading Comprehension 2.7 (2Q)
Make reasonable assertions about a text through accurate, supporting citations.
Lesson to be used by EDI-trained teachers only.
Periodic Review 2
Name __________________________
An assertion is a strong statement that an author believes to be true.
Accurate, supporting citations refer to evidence from a source that supports an assertion or statement.
Cite evidence that supports an assertion in a text.
Step #1: Read the text looking for evidence that supports the assertion.
a. Write “supporting evidence” above these sentences.
b. Identify the citation in supporting sentences. (Underline)
Step #2: Cite the sentence numbers in the table.
1. The treatment of the Cherokee
Nation1
Trail of Tears
by the American people was unfair. 2. Up until the early 1800s,
the Cherokee Nation lived in parts of Georgia. 3. In 1830, Congress passed the Indian Removal Act2 because
people wanted the Cherokee land for its gold. 4. Overall, perhaps 60,000 Choctaws, Chickasaws, Cherokees,
supporting evidence
Creeks, and Seminoles found themselves uprooted from their homes (International Encyclopedia of the Social
supporting evidence
Sciences, 2008). 5. About 17,000 Cherokee were forced to walk 1,000 miles to the reservation3 that the
supporting evidence
government had organized for them in Oklahoma. 6. During their long journey, they faced very cold weather and
supporting evidence
many of them grew sick. 7. They were given no food, so they had to forage4 in the wild for something to eat.
supporting evidence
8. As a result of their long, hard journey, 4,000 people died before they reached Oklahoma. 9. The route they
walked, as well as the journey itself, became known as the “Trail of Tears.”
148 words
1 (Cherokee
Nation) group of American Indians who lived in the eastern and Southeastern U.S.
(Indian Removal Act) law that made American Indians move west
3 land set aside for a group of people to live on
4 search for food
2
Sentence Numbers:
1. Cite the sentences that support the underlined assertion.
4, 5,
2. Cite the sentences that use citations to support the
underlined assertion.
4
3. Cite the sentences that describe what happened on the Trail of Tears.
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6, 7, 8
2, 3, 9
6th Grade Reading Comprehension 2.7 (2Q)
Make reasonable assertions about a text through accurate, supporting citations.
Lesson to be used by EDI-trained teachers only.
Periodic Review 3
Name __________________________
An assertion is a strong statement that an author believes to be true.
Accurate, supporting citations refer to evidence from a source that supports an assertion or statement.
Cite evidence that supports an assertion in a text.
Step #1: Read the text looking for evidence that supports the assertion.
a. Write “supporting evidence” above these sentences.
b. Identify the citation in supporting sentences. (Underline)
Step #2: Cite the sentence numbers in the table.
The Northern Lights
1. The northern lights are one of the most spectacular1 light shows seen on earth! 2. Also known as the aurora
borealis, the northern lights are usually seen in the northern sky; however, have also been spotted in areas closer to the
Equator. 3. When the sun produces a cloud of gas that collides 2 with Earth’s magnetic field, charged particles3 are
supporting evidence
produced. 4. When these particles mix with gases inside the Earth’s atmosphere, a dazzling light is created. 5. The northern
supporting evidence
lights often appear in many impressive colors such as a greenish glow, a soft red, and a blue/violet. 6. The northern lights
can be seen most days of the year, but can only be seen with the naked eye after dark. 7. As stated in an article from the
supporting evidence
Library of Congress, some northern light displays that are particularly spectacular have been highlighted in news stories;
for example: March 13, 1989, “the whole sky turned a vivid 4 red and the aurora was seen in Europe
and North America as far south as Cuba”.
1 amazing
3
166 words
2
comes into contact
4 very bright
tiny pieces of matter
Adapted from: http://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/mysteries/northernlights.html
Sentence Numbers:
1. Cite the sentences that support the underlined assertion.
4, 5, 7
2. Cite the sentences that use citations to support the
underlined assertion.
7
3. Cite the sentences that describe the Northern Lights.
DataWORKS Educational Research
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©2011 All rights reserved.
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2, 3, 6
6th Grade Reading Comprehension 2.7 (2Q)
Make reasonable assertions about a text through accurate, supporting citations.
Lesson to be used by EDI-trained teachers only.