These are crucial terms because theyвЂ™re used interchangeably on state tests. This is also a great time to point out that the article IвЂ™m showing them can be referred to as an article, a passage, the reading, a selection, an excerpt, and the text. We discussed that text refers to any written words that have meaning. And no, itвЂ™s not referring to a text message on a cell phone. Text? What is text? This is the perfect opportunity to make sure students grasp the idea of what text means. Then, as we read the passage together, I emphasize the importance of reading the entire passage before making any marks on the text. I typically start the lesson by projecting a passage on the whiteboard in the front of the room. However, thatвЂ™s a more advanced lesson that can be tackled once students understand this concept better. If the proof isnвЂ™t stated directly in the article, students will experience frustration. Students need to look back in the reading selection and locate, identify, and underline the text evidence they need to answer specific questions. Inferential questions are wonderful вЂ“ but not when youвЂ™re introducing the skill of identifying text evidence (especially to beginners!) The chosen passage should have text-dependent questions вЂ“ meaning that the information is directly stated in the reading. Look for reading passages with text-dependent questions.

In addition, we want our studentsвЂ™ primary focus on identifying and labeling answers in the passage rather than comprehension of a complex text. Students need to experience success and confidence with this new skill, which is another reason to keep the reading short and straightforward. And they wonвЂ™t build these essential skills.ДЇor this particular introductory lesson, I chose a nonfiction article about Mandrills.Д¬lick on the picture to learn more! 2. If the passage is too difficult and beyond their frustration level, students wonвЂ™t read it. When I first introduce the concept of finding text evidence to my class, I begin with a short nonfiction passage thatвЂ™s slightly too easy for my students. Keep these three important considerations in mind when choosing a passage to teach this important skill: 1. I love how these interactive passages help students with fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, and written response practice. HereвЂ™s the step-by-step approach I use when teaching students to refer back to the reading.

To provide high-quality written responses to questions, students need to refer to the text to identify and cite evidence from the reading. HereвЂ™s a step-by-step guide for teaching students to identify textual evidence and support answers to text-based questions with text evidence from passages.Дo you have as much trouble as I have with convincing students to look back in the reading and find answers from the text?

Citing textual evidence