1. Assigned From Yesterday
Please get out the following materials:
The text you annotated.
The prompt you analyzed.
Make sure you have something written on each, as other students will be providing feedback on them.

2. Learning Targets
I can develop and support a thesis with accurately cited supporting evidence.
I can construct a viable written argument that includes, evidence, opposing views, and final conclusion.
I can use reading strategies to access, interpret, and record information.

3. Opener: Chalk Talk
Goal: To share your work and get feedback on your annotations and analysis of a prompt.
Set up: Put both documents on your desk. Get a writing utensil.
Expectations: You will be writing comments on other student’s assignments. Make sure the comments or questions are appropriate and helpful.

4. Opener: Chalk Talk Process:
Rotate to your neighbor’s desk. Write one comment or question on their annotation sheet.
Rotate again. Write one comment or question on the next student’s analysis of the prompt.
Return to your desk. Read the comments and questions. Make sure you consider them when completing the task today.

5. Opener: Writing a Thesis Statement
Use the information that you gained from your chalk talk to help you craft a thesis in response to the prompt.

6. Claim – Evidence – Commentary/Reasoning
With a partner, discuss:
1. What does “Claim-Evidence-
Commentary/Reasoning” mean based upon
experiences in other classes?
2. What are you expected to do when you see
“Claim-Evidence-Commentary/Reasoning”?

7. Claim – Evidence – Commentary/Reasoning
The definitions of each are provided for you on your handout:
Word
Definition
Claim
This is what you (the student) intend to prove in your paragraph stated in a very direct and concise way. (This is usually one of three forecasts in your thesis statement).
Evidence
This is how you will prove your claim. Use examples, facts, reasons or quotes to prove the point you have stated you will prove.
Commentary/ Reasoning
The commentary is the interpretation or analysis of the evidence.

8. Which is it?
Your job is to distinguish whether the statement is evidence, claim, or commentary.
Read the statement provided and have move to the corner corresponding to the answer.
Be prepared to share out why you moved where you did.

9. Which is it?
Statement #1

10. Which is it?
Statement #2

11. Which is it?
Statement #3

12. Which is it?
Statement #4

13. Which is it?
Statement #5

14. Organizing your Thinking - Answer the Prompt
Consider the prompt you analyzed, the text you annotated and the thesis you wrote.
What claim supports your thesis and answers the prompt?
What evidence can you use from the text to support your claim?
What is your own thinking about the evidence?
Select one of the two graphic organizers provided to organize your thinking.

15. Extension
Complete the other graphic organizer with the same claim, but include new evidence and new commentary.
Remember, you are strengthening the support and evidence for your claim. It should be an expansion of the same idea with additional support.

16. Answer the prompt – Writing a Sentence
Write a sentence in response to the prompt that assembles claim, evidence, and commentary/reasoning into one clearly communicated and well organized sentence.