Writing a CER - Notes

1. State the claim (1 sentence)

2. Give some background information

related to the claim

3. Make a concluding statement by

tying the background information
back to the claim

Example

Make a

claim about

WHICH

OCCASION
the people

are

celebrating

.

Simple CLAIM

.

The people are celebrating

Valentine’s Day

Background Information

Valentine’s Day is a day where Americans celebrate love and friendship by exchanging gifts such as cards, flowers, and candy. Hearts and the color red often symbolize love and therefore are very popular sights seen on Valentine's Day.

Tie Evidence Back to Claim

In the picture both people are wearing a lot
amount of red. The balloons are also red, in
the shape of a heart, or have hearts on them.
In addition, the people are holding candy and
flowers. Because hearts, the color red, candy, and flowers are all found in the picture, the
people must be celebrating Valentine’s Day.

BUT… A different
claim could be made
using the SAME evidence

.

Simple CLAIM

.

The people are
celebrating their annivesary.

Background Information

.

Some romantically involved couples like to dress

in coordinating outfits when doing something

special. Hearts and the color red are often

associated with love. Balloons are often given or

used when celebrating a special occasion.

Couples also like to celebrate how long they have

been together by doing something special like
giving each other gifts or going out together.

Tie Evidence Back to Claim

Since the picture has two people that are wearing coordinating outfits, the color red is everywhere, there are heart shapes, and they are giving each other gifts and balloons, these people must be celebrating their anniversary.