Writing from Evidence
Aligned to W.6.9 — Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts.
What this lesson teaches
When you write about what you read, pull specific evidence from the text to support your analysis or reflection. Quote or reference the passage, then explain how it proves your point.
Worked examples
Example 1
Analyzing a character: 'The author shows Maria is brave when she "stepped in front of her little brother" during the fight. Blocking danger for someone else is an act of courage.' The quote grounds the claim; the sentence explains it.
Example 2
Claim, quote, explain — in that order, every time: 'The narrator distrusts him. She “answered without turning around.” Refusing to face someone is a refusal to engage.'
Example 3
A quote left to speak for itself usually says something slightly different to every reader. The explanation is not padding.
Practice questions
- Make a point about a text and quote a line that supports it.
- Write one sentence explaining how the quote proves your point.
- Add a second piece of evidence from a different part of the text.
Watch the lesson
Every lesson comes with a video taught in English and Spanish — the same video the QR code in the printed workbook opens.
▶ Watch this lessonEn español
Escribir a Partir de la Evidencia
Cuando escribes sobre lo que lees, saca evidencia específica del texto para respaldar tu análisis o reflexión. Cita o menciona el pasaje y luego explica cómo prueba tu punto.
Ejemplo 1: Al analizar a un personaje: 'El autor muestra que María es valiente cuando "se puso frente a su hermanito" durante la pelea. Proteger a alguien del peligro es un acto de valentía.' La cita sostiene la afirmación; la oración la explica.
Ejemplo 2: Afirmación, cita, explicación — en ese orden, siempre: 'La narradora desconfía de él. Ella “respondió sin voltearse.” Negarse a mirar a alguien es negarse a tratar con él.'
Ejemplo 3: Una cita que se deja hablar sola suele decirle algo distinto a cada lector. La explicación no es relleno.
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