Drawing Evidence from Texts
Aligned to W.8.9 — Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts.
What this lesson teaches
Good analysis rests on evidence pulled straight from what you read. When you reflect on or research a topic, support each point with a specific quotation or detail from a literary or informational text.
Worked examples
Example 1
Arguing that a character grows braver, you cite the moment she 'stepped forward first' at the end, using the text's own detail rather than your general impression.
Example 2
Cite the detail, then say what it proves. 'She stepped forward first' is not an argument until you explain why stepping forward is courage here.
Example 3
The strongest evidence is often the one that surprised you. If a quote confirmed what you already believed, check whether you chose it for that reason.
Practice questions
- Support one claim about a text with a specific detail.
- Choose the quotation that best backs your analysis.
- Explain how your evidence proves your point.
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
Extraer Evidencia de los Textos
El buen análisis se apoya en evidencia tomada directamente de lo que lees. Al reflexionar o investigar sobre un tema, respalda cada punto con una cita o detalle específico de un texto literario o informativo.
Ejemplo 1: Al sostener que un personaje se vuelve más valiente, citas el momento en que 'dio el primer paso al frente' al final, usando el detalle del propio texto y no tu impresión general.
Ejemplo 2: Cita el detalle y luego di qué prueba. 'Ella dio el primer paso' no es un argumento hasta que expliques por qué aquí dar el paso es valentía.
Ejemplo 3: La evidencia más fuerte suele ser la que te sorprendió. Si una cita confirmó lo que ya creías, revisa si la elegiste por esa razón.
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