Standard: 5.RI.8 – Explain how an author uses reasons and evidence to support particular points in a text, identifying which reasons and evidence support which point(s).
Grade level: Grade 5
Subject: English Language Arts
Domain: Reading: Informational Text
Teacher Overview
This standard focuses on helping students understand how authors use reasons and evidence to support their points in informational texts. This skill is crucial as it enables students to critically evaluate the validity and strength of the arguments presented, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills. Students should be able to identify main ideas and supporting details in a text, as well as distinguish between facts and opinions.
Students will develop the ability to critically evaluate texts, which will be essential for advanced argumentative writing and critical reading in subsequent grades.
Common Misconception 1
A common misconception is that all details in a text are equally important. This is incorrect because not all details directly support the main points; some may provide additional context or minor information.
Intervention 1
Use guided reading sessions where students highlight main points in one color and supporting details in another. Discuss why certain details are more critical than others.
Common Misconception 2
Another misconception is that opinions and reasons are the same. This is incorrect because reasons are evidence-based and can be supported by facts, while opinions are personal beliefs and cannot be proven.
Intervention 2
Provide students with examples of reasons and opinions. Have them practice categorizing statements from texts into ‘reasons’ and ‘opinions’ and discuss the differences.
Prerequisite Knowledge
Students should be familiar with basic reading comprehension skills, such as identifying main ideas and supporting details in a text. They should also have experience with distinguishing between facts and opinions.
Subsequent Knowledge
After mastering this standard, students will be able to critically evaluate texts by assessing the strength and relevance of the evidence provided. This skill will be foundational for more advanced argumentative writing and critical reading in higher grades.
Instructional Activities
- Create a chart listing main points and corresponding evidence from a given text.
- Group activity: Analyze a short article and present the main points and supporting evidence.
- Independent practice: Read a passage and highlight the reasons and evidence supporting each point.
