It in a nutshell: Evidence-based writing asks students to use outside sources to support their own ideas… Students are asked to identify a purpose, to read a selection, organize information, write , and get feedback. This should improve students’ analytical abilities. Citing evidence gives credibility to an argument.

Citing evidence:

• According to the text…
• The text explains…
• The author states…
• On page _____, it says _____

Explain your answer:

• This shows…
• This proves…
• Now I understand…
• I believe…
• Now I know…

Good writing is essential to student’s success in school and beyond.

Post words and sentence-starters on the wall or give students lists to use as they write. Strategies, hints, tips are not secrets. We need to provide as many tools as it takes to teach, really teach, our students to write evidence-based selections.