How to Create a Claim, Evidence, Reason Paragraph
Writing is more than just a way to show what we know—it’s a tool for thinking, processing, and discovering. One of the most effective and versatile strategies for strengthening student voice and supporting content-area learning is the Claim, Evidence, Reason (CER) paragraph. This structure helps students organize their thoughts and communicate their ideas, whether they’re in an English, science, or social studies classroom. The CER paragraph is a strong place to start if your team or school wants to build consistency in writing expectations. In this post, you’ll find ideas for teaching CER using the mentor text The One Thing You’d Save by Linda Sue Park and Robert Sae-Heng, along with practical tips for helping students develop strong, thoughtful responses.
Click Here >> Grab the Student Handout
Want an example project for Claim-Evidence-Reason Paragraph writing?
DIGITAL DOWNLOAD
Teaching evidence-based writing doesn’t have to be complicated! In this short and practical video, I guide you through how to teach Claim-Evidence-Reason (CER) writing in a way that feels approachable, engaging, and student-friendly. You'll learn how to break down paragraph writing into easy-to-follow steps that help students understand how to build strong, supported arguments—one sentence at a time.
Using relatable examples and classroom-tested methods, I model how to:
1️⃣ Teach students to make clear claims
2️⃣ Support those claims with relevant evidence
3️⃣ Explain their reasoning in thoughtful, logical ways
Whether you're teaching upper elementary, middle school, or supporting older students who need a writing refresher, this resource will help you simplify the process and empower students to write with purpose and confidence.
CLICK HERE » Session Handout
CLICK HERE >> Watch a FREE Video Preview
NOTE: Your Digital Download includes a short tutorial video (20 minutes) and a CER planning page/paragraph template for student use.
Step 1: Prewriting & Planning
Before students jump into writing, give them time and tools to plan. Prewriting sets the tone for clarity and purpose.
✅ Try this:
Read The One Thing You’d Save by Linda Sue Park to model reflection and decision-making
Use brainstorming prompts, mind maps, or lists
Incorporate graphic organizers like T-charts or claim organizers (If short on time, I just used the back of the handout)
Discuss the writing prompt aloud in small groups
Introduce sentence starters and word banks to support all learners
Step 2: Draft the Paragraph Using the CER Format
1. Claim – What do you believe or want to prove?
A claim is a clear statement that answers the prompt. It sets the direction of the paragraph.
Sentence Starter: If the house were on fire, then I would save… because…
2. Evidence – What supports your claim?
Students offer a strong example, data point, or detail that backs up their idea.
Sentence Starter: I chose this item because… This is important because…
3. Counterclaim – What might someone else say?
Acknowledging another point of view strengthens the argument.
Sentence Starter: Some people might say I should save… but…
4. Warrant – Why does this matter?
The writer explains how their evidence supports the claim and why it’s meaningful.
Sentence Starter: Ultimately, I know I made the right decision because…
Step 3: Revise and Reflect
Revision is where real growth happens. Encourage students to:
Use checklists to self-assess their writing
Swap drafts with peers for feedback
Read their writing aloud to catch clarity issues
Reflect on whether their paragraph communicates their thinking clearly
Step 4: Publish and Celebrate
Writing deserves an audience. Celebrate CER paragraphs through:
Classroom showcases
StoryWalks
Google Slides galleries
Peer reading circles
Posting to a class blog or digital journal
Why CER Works Across the Curriculum
The CER paragraph supports writing-to-learn by encouraging students to:
Clarify their ideas
Use reasoning to support claims
See writing as a process, not just a product
Engage deeply with course content
Make evidence-based arguments across different subject areas
Develop confidence in explaining their thinking
Strengthen academic vocabulary and precision in writing
This structure can easily transfer to science labs, social studies debates, math reflections, and more. It gives students a consistent framework for thinking critically and communicating clearly, regardless of the content area. When used school-wide, CER becomes a shared language for writing that helps students connect skills across disciplines and feel more confident expressing their understanding in every class.
Want an example project for Claim-Evidence-Reason Paragraph writing?
DIGITAL DOWNLOAD
Teaching evidence-based writing doesn’t have to be complicated! In this short and practical video, I guide you through how to teach Claim-Evidence-Reason (CER) writing in a way that feels approachable, engaging, and student-friendly. You'll learn how to break down paragraph writing into easy-to-follow steps that help students understand how to build strong, supported arguments—one sentence at a time.
Using relatable examples and classroom-tested methods, I model how to:
1️⃣ Teach students to make clear claims
2️⃣ Support those claims with relevant evidence
3️⃣ Explain their reasoning in thoughtful, logical ways
Whether you're teaching upper elementary, middle school, or supporting older students who need a writing refresher, this resource will help you simplify the process and empower students to write with purpose and confidence.
CLICK HERE » Session Handout
CLICK HERE >> Watch a FREE Video Preview
NOTE: Your Digital Download includes a short tutorial video (20 minutes) and a CER planning page/paragraph template for student use.
Final Thought
A well-crafted Claim, Evidence, Reason paragraph isn’t just an ELA tool—it’s a powerful writing structure that helps students across disciplines reflect, justify, and engage. With a solid prewriting process, sentence scaffolds, and space to revise, students build writing skills that support their learning far beyond the classroom.
