10 Effective Claim Evidence Reasoning Journal Prompts for Engaging Critical Thinking

Have you ever found yourself staring blankly at a journal, unsure of where to start or what to write about? It’s a common struggle that often leaves people feeling discouraged and uninspired. That’s where claim evidence reasoning journal prompts come in – they offer a structured approach to journaling that’s both engaging and thought-provoking.

So, what exactly are claim evidence reasoning journal prompts? Simply put, they’re writing prompts that guide you through the process of making a claim, providing evidence to support it, and offering reasoning to explain why your claim is true. The prompts are designed to help you think critically, analyze information, and develop your writing skills in a fun and interactive way.

Whether you’re looking to improve your ability to express yourself in writing or simply seeking a new challenge, claim evidence reasoning journal prompts are the perfect solution. From personal reflection to academic research, these prompts offer endless opportunities for exploration and growth. So why not give them a try? You never know where they might lead you.

High school journal prompts for Persuasive Writing

Journal prompts are a great way to help high school students become better writers and prepare them for the challenges of persuasive writing. By teaching claim-evidence-reasoning (CER) skills, students can learn to make well-supported arguments using evidence from credible sources. Here are 15 high school journal prompts for persuasive writing:

  • Should high school students be required to wear uniforms?
  • Should schools be allowed to monitor students’ online activity?
  • Should there be a limit on how much homework teachers can assign?
  • Should high school classes start later in the day?
  • Should high school students be allowed to use cell phones in class?
  • Should sports be required in high school?
  • Should high schools offer vocational training programs?
  • Should high schools require community service hours?
  • Should schools eliminate standardized testing?
  • Should high school students be required to take a personal finance class?
  • Should high schools teach sex education?
  • Should high school athletes be drug tested?
  • Should high school students be allowed to choose their own classes?
  • Should high school students be required to learn a second language?
  • Should high schools offer courses in computer programming?

These prompts are designed to spur conversation and debate among students. By prompting students to develop an argument and support it with evidence and reasoning, teachers can help them learn to craft persuasive essays that are well-reasoned and supported.

Some key things to keep in mind when working with high school students on persuasive writing include:

  • Show them how to research credible sources
  • Encourage them to use concrete evidence to support their claims
  • Teach them how to identify and address opposing arguments
  • Remind them to use clear, concise language and avoid unsupported claims

With these tools, high school students can become confident and effective writers of persuasive essays.

Middle school journal prompts for Claim Evidence Reasoning: Subsection 2

These journal prompts will challenge and engage middle school students in building their skills in constructing claims, providing evidence, and reasoning. Journal prompts can be used as warm-up activities, exit tickets, or as part of class discussions.

  • Make a claim about the importance of eating breakfast based on evidence from your own experience or research.
  • Provide evidence to support the claim that music can affect a person’s mood.
  • Make a claim about the benefits of physical activity and provide evidence to support it.
  • Provide evidence to support the claim that climate change is caused by human activity.
  • Make a claim about the impact of social media on communication and provide evidence to support it.
  • Provide evidence to support the claim that teamwork is essential in achieving success.
  • Make a claim about the importance of sleep and provide evidence to support it.
  • Provide evidence to support the claim that a healthy diet can reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
  • Make a claim about the impact of technology on society and provide evidence to support it.
  • Provide evidence to support the claim that reading improves cognitive function.
  • Make a claim about the benefits of travel and provide evidence to support it.
  • Provide evidence to support the claim that learning a second language has cognitive benefits.
  • Make a claim about the impact of peer pressure on decision-making and provide evidence to support it.
  • Provide evidence to support the claim that animals have emotions.
  • Make a claim about the effects of screen time on mental health and provide evidence to support it.

These journal prompts can help students develop their skills in constructing arguments, using evidence, and reasoning. By regularly practicing these skills, students can become stronger critical thinkers and better able to evaluate arguments and debates in various contexts.

Encourage students to use their own experiences, current events, and research to support their claims. By providing a platform for students to express their arguments and ideas, students can learn from each other and expand their own perspectives.

Journal Prompts for Critical Thinking

Developing critical thinking skills is important for students to learn. Critical thinkers are able to solve problems, analyze information, and make informed decisions. One way to encourage critical thinking is through journal prompts. Journal prompts are open-ended questions or statements that encourage reflection and analysis. Below are 15 journal prompts that can promote critical thinking skills:

  • Describe a time when you had to think critically to solve a problem. What steps did you take?
  • What does it mean to be a critical thinker?
  • Explain a situation where you had to evaluate evidence to make a decision. How did you do it?
  • What is one current event or issue that you have strong opinions about? What evidence supports your opinions?
  • Think of a problem or controversy you have recently encountered. List the pros and cons of each side.
  • How do your personal beliefs and biases affect your ability to think critically?
  • Think of an advertisement that you have seen lately. Analyze the persuasive techniques used in the ad and evaluate their effectiveness.
  • Identify some common logical fallacies you have seen or experienced. Explain which one you think is the most dangerous to critical thinking and why.
  • Describe a time when someone presented you with evidence that challenged your beliefs. How did you respond?
  • Why is it important to consider multiple perspectives when making a decision?
  • Think of a research project you have done. How did you evaluate the credibility of your sources?
  • What is the most important element of a good argument? Why?
  • Think of a time when you had to make a decision with incomplete information. What steps did you take to evaluate the available evidence?
  • What is the difference between deductive and inductive reasoning? Give an example of each.
  • What are some common cognitive biases that can interfere with critical thinking? How can you mitigate these biases?

By consistently reflecting and analyzing using journal prompts, students can develop their critical thinking skills. Through questions that prompt self-evaluation, students learn to identify their own biases and evaluate evidence more effectively, making them better thinkers and decision-makers in the long run.

In conclusion, developing critical thinking skills is important for students to become successful in the future. Journal prompts can provide an excellent way for students to reflect on and practice these important skills. By using these prompts as a starting point, students can develop their critical thinking skills and become better equipped to face challenges and make informed decisions.

Science-based journal prompts for Claim Evidence Reasoning

If you are a student of science, then using claim evidence reasoning (CER) journal prompts can be an excellent way to sharpen your critical thinking, observation, and reasoning skills. With the help of CER journal prompts, you can learn how to form a strong scientific argument that is made up of a claim, evidence, and reasoning. In this article, we will discuss several science-based journal prompts that can help you practice CER writing.

  • What evidence do you have to support the hypothesis that the Earth’s core is made up of iron and nickel?
  • What evidence can you provide to support the claim that global warming is caused by human activity?
  • Explain how Newton’s third law of motion is demonstrated in the action of a rocket launched into space.
  • How does a pH indicator work, and what pieces of evidence support this claim?
  • What factors contribute to the process of cellular respiration, and what evidence supports this claim?
  • Explain how the process of photosynthesis works and what pieces of evidence support this claim.
  • What evidence supports the claim that vaccines are safe and effective in preventing disease?
  • How does natural selection work, and what evidence supports this claim?
  • Explain the role of enzymes in chemical reactions and what evidence supports this claim.
  • What evidence supports the claim that the universe is expanding?
  • Explain the liquid state of water based on its atomic structure and the evidence supporting this claim.
  • What evidence supports the claim that human DNA is responsible for inherited traits?
  • Explain the process of protein synthesis, and what evidence supports this claim?
  • What evidence supports the claim that the theory of plate tectonics explains the movement of the Earth’s crust?
  • What evidence supports the claim that the human brain is responsible for conscious thought and behavior?
  • Explain how the process of digestion works in the human body, and what evidence supports this claim.

By practicing with these science-based CER journal prompts, you can learn how to form compelling arguments based on solid evidence and reasoning. This will help you improve your scientific writing skills and make you a better communicator of scientific ideas.

Remember to always ask questions, think critically, and look for evidence to support your claims. Science is all about curiosity, exploration, and discovery, and CER journal prompts can be an excellent tool to help you in that journey.

Creative writing prompts for Claim Evidence Reasoning

Writing prompts can be a great way to get students thinking critically and creatively about various topics. When it comes to the Claim Evidence Reasoning (CER) model, it can be especially helpful to have prompts that encourage students to practice using all three elements in their writing. Here are 15 creative writing prompts for Claim Evidence Reasoning:

  • Write a news article about a scientific discovery in your field of interest. Include a claim about the discovery, evidence to support that claim, and a reasoned explanation of why the discovery is exciting and important.
  • Write a creative short story about a person who discovers they have a hidden talent. Make a claim about what the talent is, provide evidence of the talent, and then reason why the talent is special for the person.
  • Write a persuasive essay about a controversial topic such as climate change, vaccines, or GMOs. Start with a clear claim about where you stand on the issue, provide evidence to support your claim, and then explain why the evidence is convincing.
  • Write a personal essay about a time when you had to make a tough decision. Make a claim about what the decision was, provide evidence of the factors you considered, and then reason why you made the decision you did.
  • Write a blog post about a recent trend or event that is happening in your community or country. Make a claim about what you think is causing the trend or event, provide evidence to support your claim, and then reason why the trend or event is important to your community or country.
  • Write a letter to your local representative about an issue that is important to you. Make a claim about what you think needs to change, provide evidence to support your claim, and then reason why the change is necessary.
  • Write a poem about a person who inspires you. Make a claim about why this person is inspiring, provide evidence of their positive traits and actions, and then reason why they matter to you.
  • Write a product review of something you recently purchased. Start with a clear claim about the product, provide evidence of its features and benefits, and then reason why you would recommend it to others.
  • Write a descriptive paragraph about a place you recently visited. Make a claim about what you thought of the place, provide evidence of its characteristics, and then reason why you enjoyed or did not enjoy your visit.
  • Write a social media post about a book you recently read. Make a claim about whether you recommend the book or not, provide evidence of what you liked or didn’t like about the book, and then reason why others should or should not read it.
  • Write a reflective essay about a lesson you recently learned. Make a claim about what you learned, provide evidence of how you learned it, and then reason why the lesson was valuable to you.
  • Write a movie review of a film you recently saw. Make a claim about whether you recommend the movie or not, provide evidence of what you liked or didn’t like about the film, and then reason why others should or should not watch it.
  • Write a recipe with step-by-step instructions for a dish you recently made. Make a claim about how delicious the dish is, provide evidence of the ingredients and preparation steps, and then reason why others should try to make it too.
  • Write a profile of a person you admire. Make a claim about why you admire this person, provide evidence of their achievements and character traits, and then reason why they are an inspiration to you.
  • Write a letter of recommendation for someone you know. Make a claim about their skills or qualities, provide evidence of how they have demonstrated those skills or qualities, and then reason why you believe they would be a good fit for the opportunity they are pursuing.

These creative writing prompts for Claim Evidence Reasoning should challenge your students to develop their critical thinking skills while having fun with writing. By using the CER model, they will learn how to effectively communicate their ideas and support them with evidence. These skills will be valuable not only in writing, but also in their future academic and professional lives.

Happy writing!

Claim Evidence Reasoning Prompts for Social Studies

In Social Studies, students are asked to understand the world around them from a historical, geographical, and cultural perspective. To do this, students need to be able to make claims based on evidence and then develop sound reasoning based on their claims. Claim Evidence Reasoning prompts for Social Studies can help students build these skills and become more analytical and critical thinkers. Here are 15 examples of these types of prompts for Social Studies:

  • Claim: The American Revolution was a turning point in world history.
    Evidence: The 13 colonies fought for independence from Great Britain and established a democratic government.
    Reasoning: This set a precedent for other countries to establish democracies and fight for their own independence.
  • Claim: The Civil War was fought over slavery.
    Evidence: The Confederate states seceded from the Union to preserve their right to own slaves.
    Reasoning: This caused the Union to fight to abolish slavery, ultimately leading to the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.
  • Claim: The industrial revolution had a positive impact on society.
    Evidence: It led to increased production, mechanization, and mass production.
    Reasoning: This created more jobs, higher standards of living, and increased technological advancements that have shaped modern society.
  • Claim: The Great Depression had a lasting impact on the American economy.
    Evidence: The stock market crash, bank failures, and high unemployment rates.
    Reasoning: This led to government intervention in the economy and the creation of programs such as Social Security and unemployment benefits to help prevent future economic collapses.
  • Claim: The Cold War was a defining moment of the 20th century.
    Evidence: The tensions and nuclear arms race between the United States and Soviet Union.
    Reasoning: This shaped global relations, international policy, and had a lasting impact on world events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis and the fall of the Soviet Union.
  • Claim: The colonization of the Americas had a negative impact on Indigenous peoples.
    Evidence: Forced labor, cultural assimilation, and the spread of disease.
    Reasoning: This led to the displacement and loss of Indigenous cultures and contributed to generational trauma that is still present today.
  • Claim: The development of agriculture led to civilization.
    Evidence: The domestication of plants and animals.
    Reasoning: This created a stable food supply and allowed for permanent settlements, leading to the development of complex societies and urbanization.
  • Claim: The Silk Road was an important trade route in world history.
    Evidence: It connected the East and West for centuries.
    Reasoning: This facilitated cultural exchange, the spread of religion, and the exchange of goods and ideas between Europe, Asia, and Africa.
  • Claim: The Renaissance was a time of great cultural and artistic achievements.
    Evidence: Artistic and literary works, such as Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.
    Reasoning: This period saw a renewed interest in humanism, classical learning, and scientific exploration that shaped Western culture and society.
  • Claim: Imperialism had a negative impact on colonized nations.
    Evidence: Exploitation of resources, forced labor, and cultural assimilation.
    Reasoning: This contributed to economic and political instability, the loss of cultural identity, and the perpetuation of oppressive power dynamics that still exist today.
  • Claim: The Civil Rights Movement was a pivotal moment in American history.
    Evidence: The Montgomery Bus Boycott, Brown v. Board of Education, and the March on Washington.
    Reasoning: This led to significant changes in legislation, social attitudes, and civil rights for African Americans that continue to shape American society.
  • Claim: Globalization has had a positive impact on the world economy.
    Evidence: The increase in international trade and investment, and the rise of multinational corporations.
    Reasoning: This has led to economic growth, increased cultural exchange, and the spread of technology and ideas around the world.
  • Claim: The rise of nationalism has led to conflicts and tensions around the world.
    Evidence: Brexit in Europe, the rise of far-right parties in Europe and the United States.
    Reasoning: This has contributed to political polarization, increased xenophobia, and a rise in populism that threatens global stability and cooperation.
  • Claim: The United Nations has played an important role in maintaining world peace and security.
    Evidence: The UN’s peacekeeping missions, International Court of Justice, and Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
    Reasoning: This has promoted international cooperation, diplomacy, and the protection of human dignity and rights.
  • Claim: Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing the world today.
    Evidence: Rising global temperatures, increased frequency of natural disasters, and the loss of biodiversity.
    Reasoning: This has significant economic, social, and environmental consequences that require international cooperation and individual action to address.

Using Claim Evidence Reasoning prompts can help students develop critical thinking skills and become more aware of historical, cultural, and political issues affecting the world around them.

By making claims based on evidence and developing sound reasoning to support those claims, students can become more effective communicators and analytical thinkers, which are essential skills for success in Social Studies and beyond.

Claim Evidence Reasoning prompts for Language Arts: Subsection 7

Subsection 7 focuses on using CLAIM, EVIDENCE, and REASONING prompts to encourage critical thinking and writing in Language Arts. These prompts are designed to help students develop their arguments in a logical and well-supported manner.

  • Explain the main theme of the story using evidence from the text.
  • Make a claim about the effectiveness of the author’s use of literary devices and provide evidence to support it.
  • Choose a character from the text and make a claim about their motivations, providing evidence from the text to support your claim.
  • Make a claim about the relevance of the historical context of the text and provide evidence to support your claim.
  • Compare the themes of two different texts and make a claim about their similarities or differences, providing evidence to support your claim.
  • Make a claim about the symbolism in a text and provide evidence to support your claim.
  • Choose a scene from the text and make a claim about its significance, providing evidence to support your claim.
  • Make a claim about the author’s use of figurative language and provide evidence to support your claim.
  • Make a claim about the effectiveness of the text’s structure and provide evidence to support your claim.
  • Choose a controversial issue addressed in the text and make a claim about the author’s stance on the issue, providing evidence to support your claim.
  • Make a claim about the effectiveness of the author’s use of character development and provide evidence to support your claim.
  • Choose a symbol from the text and make a claim about its importance, providing evidence to support your claim.
  • Make a claim about the author’s use of tone and provide evidence to support your claim.
  • Choose a literary device used in the text and make a claim about its effectiveness, providing evidence to support your claim.
  • Make a claim about the effectiveness of the author’s use of dialogue and provide evidence to support your claim.

These prompts encourage students to use their critical thinking skills to analyze and interpret texts. By making a claim and providing evidence to support it, students develop their argumentative writing skills and learn how to effectively support their ideas. These skills are fundamental to success in higher education and in the workforce.

By using these prompts, students not only practice their writing skills, but also develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of literature and the power of language.

FAQs About Claim Evidence Reasoning Journal Prompts

1. What is a claim evidence reasoning journal prompt?

A claim evidence reasoning journal prompt is a writing prompt that asks students to make a claim about a topic, support their claim with evidence, and explain their reasoning.

2. Why are claim evidence reasoning journal prompts important?

Claim evidence reasoning journal prompts help students practice critical thinking and build their argumentation skills. They also help students learn how to support their opinions with evidence and logical reasoning.

3. How do I create a claim evidence reasoning journal prompt?

To create a claim evidence reasoning journal prompt, choose a topic that is relevant to your subject area or curriculum, ask a question or make a statement about the topic, and provide directions for students to support their claims with evidence and reasoning.

4. Can claim evidence reasoning journal prompts be used in any subject area?

Yes, claim evidence reasoning journal prompts can be used in any subject area to help students practice argumentation skills and critical thinking. They are especially effective in language arts, science, and social studies classes.

5. Are there any resources available for teachers to find claim evidence reasoning journal prompts?

Yes, there are many resources available for teachers to find claim evidence reasoning journal prompts. Educational websites such as Edutopia and Teaching Channel offer a variety of prompts for different grade levels and subject areas.

6. How can students use claim evidence reasoning journal prompts to improve their writing skills?

Students can use claim evidence reasoning journal prompts to improve their writing skills by practicing organizing their thoughts and ideas, using evidence to support their claims, and explaining their reasoning in a clear and logical way.

7. Are claim evidence reasoning journal prompts appropriate for all grade levels?

Yes, claim evidence reasoning journal prompts can be modified to be appropriate for all grade levels. Younger students may need more guidance and simpler prompts, while older students can handle more complex prompts.

Closing Thoughts

Thanks for reading about claim evidence reasoning journal prompts! We hope this article has helped you understand the importance of these prompts and how they can be used to improve critical thinking and argumentation skills. Make sure to check back later for more articles on education and teaching strategies.