Claim | Evidence | Reasoning
Notebook
CER Writing
Notes on CERs
Use with caution
Backpack
Claim = Answers the question The US government and economy both... Evidence = Gives proof or examples For example... Reasoning = Explains why it matters This shows...
Tiririri-ri!
CER Writing
CER helps us write strong answers that prove our thinking. Every part has a job
Backpack
CER Writing
Watch the video and answer the following questions
Backpack
Missions
Raft
FInd your focus - the CLAIM.
Shrubs
Plane
Shelter
Forest
Backpack
mission
Airplane
The Plane Crash
“To survive, you must prove your ideas clearly. Every claim needs proof—your life depends on it!”
Luggage
Backpack
Which sentence is the best claim?
The US goernment is good and fair.
The US government protects citizens by limiting the power of leaders.
mmm
People like democracy better than monarchy
The US has three branches of government.
Backpack
Which statement is not a claim?
Let's go!
The Bill of Rights protects personal freedoms.
Citizens have responsibilities like obeying laws
I like learning about government
The US Constitution is an important document.
Backpack
Here you go!
It will be added to your backpack. You will need it to be able to eat during the days you spend on the deserted island.
GOOD!
You have food and cooking utensils
Backpack
Missions
Raft
To find your way out, you will need strong evidence.
Shrubs
Plane
Shelter
Forest
Backpack
mission
Forest
The Forest
To find your way out, you’ll need strong evidence—facts that guide your claim through the trees.
Logs
Backpack
Which sentence is an example of strong evidence that supports a claim?
“The Constitution divides power among three branches to limit leaders.”
“I think the government is fair.”
Backpack
The claim says, “The U.S. government limits power to protect freedom.” Which evidence best supports this claim?
“Citizens vote for new leaders every four years.”
“Each branch of government can check the others’ powers.”
Backpack
Great!
Will be added to your backpack. You will need it for the days you spend on the desert island.
GREAT!
You have a rope, maybe it will be useful for you
Backpack
Missions
Raft
To break through, you must connect your ideas.
Shrubs
Plane
Shelter
Forest
Backpack
Shrub
Mission
The Shrubs
“You reach a thick patch of tangled shrubs. To break through, you must connect your ideas — your reasoning is the tool that clears the path. Without it, your evidence can’t reach your claim.”
Food
Backpack
“This shows that the Constitution limits leaders’ power to protect citizens’ rights.”
Let's go!
“The Constitution has three branches.”
Which sentence shows good reasoning?
Backpack
You're almost there!
“The Bill of Rights is a list of laws.”
The evidence says, “The Bill of Rights lists freedoms such as speech and religion.” Which reasoning best explains that evidence?
“This proves the government protects freedom by limiting its own power.”
Backpack
Keep it up!
It will be added to your backpack. You will need it for the days you spend on the deserted island.
GOOD!
You have a hatchet, it might be useful to you
Backpack
Missions
Raft
To survive, you must build a strong shelter
Shrub
Airplane
Shelter
Forest
Backpack
Mission
Shelter
The Shelter
To survive, you must build a strong shelter — just like a strong paragraph — using all the parts of CER.
Tent
Backpack
Which paragraph is a complete CER?
“The government has three branches. They make laws. It’s good for people.”
“The U.S. government protects freedom by limiting power. The Constitution divides power into three branches so no leader can take control. This shows that checks and balances keep citizens’ rights safe.”
Backpack
The paragraph says: “The Bill of Rights lists freedoms like speech and religion. These protect people from unfair laws.” What part is missing?
Claim – It never clearly states the main idea.
Evidence – It already has facts.
Backpack
Read this short response: “The U.S. Constitution created three branches of government.” What would make this a stronger CER?
Add another fact that repeats the same idea.
Add reasoning to explain how three branches protect freedom.
Backpack
There you go!
It will be added to your backpack. You will need it for the days you spend on the deserted island.
GOOD!
You have a flashlight, maybe it will be useful to you
Backpack
Missions
Raft
Build your raft, signal for rescue, and sail home!
Shrubs
Airplane
Shelter
Forest
Wait, look in your backpack
Check the items in your backpack and use the flashlight to find the code to access the final mission that will allow you to escape from the deserted island.
Keep searching
Keep searching
Keep searching
Code: 1234
Keep searching
Enter the code you have obtained to access the final mission
Enter the password
Where’s My Backpack?
You have explored the entire island, managed to build a raft, but now you can't remember where you left your backpack and you'll need it before you can leave. On the map, you can see the places where your backpack might be.
Forest
Mountains
Airplane
Shrubs
Shelter
Deserted Island Map
Drag the parts of the map to find where you left your backpack and be able to escape from the deserted island.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Wow, you got it!
Congratulations adventurer! You have shown great bravery and wit. You have successfully overcome each challenge and have managed to build the raft that will take you back to the civilized world. May your journey back be filled with new adventures and emotions!
Once again!
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Clue
Look for the sentence that uses words like “shows,” “proves,” or “because” — those connect ideas together.
Clue
Look for the sentence that only shows personal preference, not an idea that could be proven.
Mission
Consectetur adipiscing elit
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod.
- Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet.
- Consectetur adipiscing elit.
- Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut.
Clue
Look for what’s missing at the start — every strong response needs a statement that answers the question first.
Good Evidence = Connection
It must prove the claim—not just relate to the topic.
What is Evidence?
Evidence is the proof that supports your claim—facts or details that can be verified. It’s not about opinions; it’s about what you can show.
What is a claim?
A claim is your main idea—the answer to the question. It must be clear and provable, like a plan for survival. If your claim isn’t focused, your argument “crashes.”
Strong Writing = Connections
Don’t just stack facts—explain how they prove your claim.
Hint
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod.
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Clue
The best CER will have all three parts — claim, proof, and explanation.
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Clue
Choose the sentence that gives a fact—something that could come from a reliable source or document.
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Clue
✅ Answers the question directly ✅ Uses words from the question ✅ Can be proven with facts ❌ Avoid opinions like “I think …”
Clue
Pick the answer that explains how the evidence protects freedom — not just restates the fact.
Remember
A claim should explain something that can be supported by facts—not a personal opinion.
Clue
Look for the statement that shows how power is limited, not what citizens do.
Strong Reasoning
Explains why the evidence matters, not just what it says. It should answer the question, “So what?”
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
What is Reasoning?
Reasoning explains how your evidence proves your claim. It connects the dots between your fact and your idea.
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Clue
Which choice adds reasoning, not just more evidence?
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
A Complete CER includes:
🟥 Claim – Your main point 🟦 Evidence – Facts or examples 🟩 Reasoning – Explains how the facts prove your claim
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Missing a Part?
A strong paragraph must begin with a clear claim — it’s the foundation that holds everything up
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
CER Writing
Brittney Alim
Created on October 5, 2025
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Transcript
Claim | Evidence | Reasoning
Notebook
CER Writing
Notes on CERs
Use with caution
Backpack
Claim = Answers the question The US government and economy both... Evidence = Gives proof or examples For example... Reasoning = Explains why it matters This shows...
Tiririri-ri!
CER Writing
CER helps us write strong answers that prove our thinking. Every part has a job
Backpack
CER Writing
Watch the video and answer the following questions
Backpack
Missions
Raft
FInd your focus - the CLAIM.
Shrubs
Plane
Shelter
Forest
Backpack
mission
Airplane
The Plane Crash
“To survive, you must prove your ideas clearly. Every claim needs proof—your life depends on it!”
Luggage
Backpack
Which sentence is the best claim?
The US goernment is good and fair.
The US government protects citizens by limiting the power of leaders.
mmm
People like democracy better than monarchy
The US has three branches of government.
Backpack
Which statement is not a claim?
Let's go!
The Bill of Rights protects personal freedoms.
Citizens have responsibilities like obeying laws
I like learning about government
The US Constitution is an important document.
Backpack
Here you go!
It will be added to your backpack. You will need it to be able to eat during the days you spend on the deserted island.
GOOD!
You have food and cooking utensils
Backpack
Missions
Raft
To find your way out, you will need strong evidence.
Shrubs
Plane
Shelter
Forest
Backpack
mission
Forest
The Forest
To find your way out, you’ll need strong evidence—facts that guide your claim through the trees.
Logs
Backpack
Which sentence is an example of strong evidence that supports a claim?
“The Constitution divides power among three branches to limit leaders.”
“I think the government is fair.”
Backpack
The claim says, “The U.S. government limits power to protect freedom.” Which evidence best supports this claim?
“Citizens vote for new leaders every four years.”
“Each branch of government can check the others’ powers.”
Backpack
Great!
Will be added to your backpack. You will need it for the days you spend on the desert island.
GREAT!
You have a rope, maybe it will be useful for you
Backpack
Missions
Raft
To break through, you must connect your ideas.
Shrubs
Plane
Shelter
Forest
Backpack
Shrub
Mission
The Shrubs
“You reach a thick patch of tangled shrubs. To break through, you must connect your ideas — your reasoning is the tool that clears the path. Without it, your evidence can’t reach your claim.”
Food
Backpack
“This shows that the Constitution limits leaders’ power to protect citizens’ rights.”
Let's go!
“The Constitution has three branches.”
Which sentence shows good reasoning?
Backpack
You're almost there!
“The Bill of Rights is a list of laws.”
The evidence says, “The Bill of Rights lists freedoms such as speech and religion.” Which reasoning best explains that evidence?
“This proves the government protects freedom by limiting its own power.”
Backpack
Keep it up!
It will be added to your backpack. You will need it for the days you spend on the deserted island.
GOOD!
You have a hatchet, it might be useful to you
Backpack
Missions
Raft
To survive, you must build a strong shelter
Shrub
Airplane
Shelter
Forest
Backpack
Mission
Shelter
The Shelter
To survive, you must build a strong shelter — just like a strong paragraph — using all the parts of CER.
Tent
Backpack
Which paragraph is a complete CER?
“The government has three branches. They make laws. It’s good for people.”
“The U.S. government protects freedom by limiting power. The Constitution divides power into three branches so no leader can take control. This shows that checks and balances keep citizens’ rights safe.”
Backpack
The paragraph says: “The Bill of Rights lists freedoms like speech and religion. These protect people from unfair laws.” What part is missing?
Claim – It never clearly states the main idea.
Evidence – It already has facts.
Backpack
Read this short response: “The U.S. Constitution created three branches of government.” What would make this a stronger CER?
Add another fact that repeats the same idea.
Add reasoning to explain how three branches protect freedom.
Backpack
There you go!
It will be added to your backpack. You will need it for the days you spend on the deserted island.
GOOD!
You have a flashlight, maybe it will be useful to you
Backpack
Missions
Raft
Build your raft, signal for rescue, and sail home!
Shrubs
Airplane
Shelter
Forest
Wait, look in your backpack
Check the items in your backpack and use the flashlight to find the code to access the final mission that will allow you to escape from the deserted island.
Keep searching
Keep searching
Keep searching
Code: 1234
Keep searching
Enter the code you have obtained to access the final mission
Enter the password
Where’s My Backpack?
You have explored the entire island, managed to build a raft, but now you can't remember where you left your backpack and you'll need it before you can leave. On the map, you can see the places where your backpack might be.
Forest
Mountains
Airplane
Shrubs
Shelter
Deserted Island Map
Drag the parts of the map to find where you left your backpack and be able to escape from the deserted island.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Wow, you got it!
Congratulations adventurer! You have shown great bravery and wit. You have successfully overcome each challenge and have managed to build the raft that will take you back to the civilized world. May your journey back be filled with new adventures and emotions!
Once again!
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Clue
Look for the sentence that uses words like “shows,” “proves,” or “because” — those connect ideas together.
Clue
Look for the sentence that only shows personal preference, not an idea that could be proven.
Mission
Consectetur adipiscing elit
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod.
Clue
Look for what’s missing at the start — every strong response needs a statement that answers the question first.
Good Evidence = Connection
It must prove the claim—not just relate to the topic.
What is Evidence?
Evidence is the proof that supports your claim—facts or details that can be verified. It’s not about opinions; it’s about what you can show.
What is a claim?
A claim is your main idea—the answer to the question. It must be clear and provable, like a plan for survival. If your claim isn’t focused, your argument “crashes.”
Strong Writing = Connections
Don’t just stack facts—explain how they prove your claim.
Hint
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod.
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Clue
The best CER will have all three parts — claim, proof, and explanation.
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Clue
Choose the sentence that gives a fact—something that could come from a reliable source or document.
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Clue
✅ Answers the question directly ✅ Uses words from the question ✅ Can be proven with facts ❌ Avoid opinions like “I think …”
Clue
Pick the answer that explains how the evidence protects freedom — not just restates the fact.
Remember
A claim should explain something that can be supported by facts—not a personal opinion.
Clue
Look for the statement that shows how power is limited, not what citizens do.
Strong Reasoning
Explains why the evidence matters, not just what it says. It should answer the question, “So what?”
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
What is Reasoning?
Reasoning explains how your evidence proves your claim. It connects the dots between your fact and your idea.
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Clue
Which choice adds reasoning, not just more evidence?
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
A Complete CER includes:
🟥 Claim – Your main point 🟦 Evidence – Facts or examples 🟩 Reasoning – Explains how the facts prove your claim
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges
Missing a Part?
A strong paragraph must begin with a clear claim — it’s the foundation that holds everything up
Ouch!
Don't be discouraged, the adventure is not over yet! Take a moment to rest and try again. Remember every mistake is a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to victory. Cheer up, brave adventurer!
Don't give up!
even the greatest explorers faced unexpected challenges