1. Scientists argue, but they argue about ideas.
Accountable Talk
Scientists argue, but they argue about ideas.

2. Accountable Talk
In accountable talk, we increase our understanding and strengthen our reasoning skills by discussing ideas and linking them to reliable sources of evidence
Accountable talk will help you be a better think and problem solver, and will help you understand complex ideas

3. Accountable Talk in our class:
We can see and hear each other
We listen to each other without interrupting the current speaker
We build on each other’s ideas, making sure our contributions are relevant to the topic
We speak respectfully to one another, challenging arguments, not the speaker

4. Accountable Talk with info & evidence:
We refer to reliable sources of evidence and information
We question and check evidence that is offered by others
We can challenge the quality of each other’s assumptions, evidence, reasoning, or conclusions
Connect with knowledge previously gained

5. Accountable Talk & Logical Thinking
We work to connect evidence and inferences to identify the most plausible explanation
We seek and use credible facts
We examine evidence critically
We test our own understandings of concepts

6. Accountable Talk Sentence Starters
To add your thoughts:
I agree with ______________ because…
I disagree with ___________ because…
That reminds me of…
I predict…
I figured out…
I also noticed…
I’d like to add that…
According to the evidence, I think…
That idea doesn’t make sense because…

7. Accountable Talk Sentence Starters
To ask general questions:
I wonder why…
I have a question about…
I don’t understand…
How does that work?

8. Accountable Talk Sentence Starters
To reply to a previous speaker:
Say more about what you mean.
I don’t understand what you mean.
Where is the information that makes you say that?
Can you show where that is in the… text/data/illustration?
What is your evidence?
Why do you think that?
How do you know that?

9. Accountable Talk Sentence Starters
To help keep everyone on track:
We’re getting too far way from the topic.
How does that relate to the topic?