Does the Author Prove the Point?

Decide whether an author's reasons and evidence really support their claim.

By grade 5, you can do more than identify an author's point; you can evaluate whether it's well supported. To do this, list the author's main point, the reasons, and the evidence for each. Then ask three questions. Is the evidence accurate and from a trustworthy source? Is there enough of it? Does it actually connect to the point? Read: 'Our city should plant more trees along streets.

Trees provide shade that cools sidewalks on hot days. City records show that streets with trees stay several degrees cooler in summer. Trees also make people happier. ' The cooling reason is supported by city records, which is strong. The happiness reason has no evidence at all, so it's weak as written. Overall, the author partly proves the point.

An honest evaluation names both strengths and gaps.

• 1List the point, reasons, and evidence.
• 2Check evidence for accuracy, amount, and connection.
• 3Name both strengths and gaps.