COMMENTARY NOTES

Commentary An explanation or discussion about a subject or idea. It helps the reader understand the information so they aren’t confused.

In argument writing, commentary does two main things:

It CONNECTS Commentary can connect the evidence to the claim. “This proves the claim is true because…”

It EXPLAINS Commentary can explain what the evidence means or says. “This means…”

Example CLAIM: Year-round school is the right choice for students because it reduces burnout. EVIDENCE: Year-round school has a fifteen day break after 45 days of school. [Connects]: “This proves the claim because giving students extended time off will make them feel less overwhelmed by schoolwork and experience less burnout.” [Explains]: “This evidence means that after each marking period, students get three weeks off to relax and refresh.”

You try! Claim: Year-round school is the right choice for students because it reduces burnout. Evidence: Nine out of ten students said that they were “very excited” for spring break. What would you use to connect the evidence to the claim? What would you use to explain the evidence to the reader?