1. Writing Expectations: Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning

2. Exit Slip Question:
After reading the article above, looking through the pictures, and reading “When I was Young in the Mountains,” think about what you have learned about life in Appalachia. In the space below, explain what life was like in Appalachia during the 1960s. Use TEXT EVIDENCE from ALL 3 texts to support your answer.

3. How can we accomplish this?
Create and introduce a viable claim
Find the best supporting evidence
Provide reasoning to connect meaning
Make sense of it all with a conclusion

4. What is a claim? Your opinion What you believe to be true
Allows your reader to see your point of view
Example:
Without a doubt, scientific discoveries spawn from mistakes, often mistakes that change the world for the better.

5. Read through your Exit Question response…
Do you have a well-written claim?
Does your claim make sense, showing your point of view on the subject?
I will give you 3 minutes to rewrite your claim.

6. Claim Evidence #1 Evidence #2 Evidence #3 “When I Was Young…” (BOX 1)
Counterclaim:
Some statements, opinions, and evidence will NOT support your claim but should still be addressed (such as in the case of “When I Was Young…”).
“When I Was Young…” (BOX 1)
“Valley of Poverty” (BOX 2)
“Appalachia’s War” (BOX 3)
Evidence:
Reasoning:
Evidence: (if needed)
Reasoning: (if needed)
Evidence #1
Evidence #2
Evidence #3

7. Evidence For every claim, you need supporting evidence.
But not any piece of evidence will do!
Example:
According to scientist John Denker, “Percy Spencer accidentally discovered the magnetron’s property for heating food.”

8. Let’s look at “When I Was Young in the Mountains
Let’s look at “When I Was Young in the Mountains.” Find TWO pieces of evidence to support your claim and write it in BOX #1.
Think about how your evidence supports your claim, offering a sentence or so of reasoning.
(Does this piece actually support your claim?)

9. Now, even though there are no written words, we can quote specific details from the “Valley of Poverty” images that will serve as evidence.

10. Write down evidence that supports your claim in BOX #2
Write down evidence that supports your claim in BOX #2. Use specific details from the photo.
Think about how your evidence supports your claim, offering a sentence or so of reasoning.

11. Now look at “Appalachia’s War
Now look at “Appalachia’s War.” From the article you can find an abundance of supporting evidence. Write TWO things down that support your claim in BOX #3.
Think about how your evidence supports your claim, offering a sentence or so of reasoning.

12. Conclusion Your writing must have a sense of completeness.
Wrap it up with a summarizing sentence, rewording your claim in a fresh, memorable way.
DO NOT state the obvious!
Example:
Each mistake has a consequence. It just so happens that some of these scientific mishaps turn into something far greater, benefitting the world in ways never imagined.

13. Mr. Frankenstein’s Example
Introduction:
(Claim established)
Without a doubt, life in Appalachia during the 1960s proved to be a burden, where poverty consumed the general populace, casting a shadow upon the livelihood of the struggling occupants. For some, life in Appalachia was viewed in a positive light, especially for Cynthia Rylant who claimed, “I never wanted to go anywhere else in the world, for I was in the mountains. And that was always enough.” However, this perspective contradicts the reality, showing the innocent naivety of a child who was able to overlook the true devastation of the region during this distressed time period.
Body:
(Article #1 – counterclaim, evidence, reasoning)
Body:
(Article #2 – supporting evidence, reasoning)
Body:
(Article #3 – supporting evidence, reasoning)
Conclusion:
(Wrap it up, connecting evidence, reiterating claim)

14. Your turn!
Revise your initial EXIT QUESTION, using your graphic organizer as a guide.
Use and reference ALL three texts, pulling evidence to support your claim.
“When I Was Young in the Mountains” by Cynthia Rylant
“Valley of Poverty” (photo images)
“Appalachia’s War” by Diane Nelson
Connect your supporting evidence to your claim using valid reasoning.
Make sure to include an INTRODUCTION and a CONCLUSION.