One thing I love about teaching is “the hunt.” Searching high and low (Pinterest, Insta, Facebook groups… you name it!) for effective methods to enhance student engagement and skills is one of the fun things about being an English 11 teacher! One powerful tool that has gained traction over the past few years is the Claim, Evidence, Reasoning (CER) paragraph structure. In my classroom, I’ve found that this approach not only sharpens my students’ critical thinking but also reinforces the vital skill of textual citation!
The CER method provides a clear framework for students to construct well-reasoned arguments. By starting with a claim, students learn to articulate their position concisely & actually answer the question they are being asked. (New teachers: Yes, this is something kids will struggle with!) Following their claim with relevant evidence from the text teaches students the importance of supporting their ideas with concrete examples (and we can build in citation lessons here as well). Finally, the reasoning component challenges students to explain the connection between their evidence and claim, fostering deeper analytical thinking.
You may think 11th graders are too advanced for this, but trust me, they need scaffolded instruction in this skill just as much as our 8th-10th graders do. Implementing CER paragraphs in American Literature classes offers numerous benefits: you’ll help your students engage more deeply with complex texts, encourage them to look beyond surface-level understanding, prepare them for advanced courses and standardized writing tests, where analytical writing is crucial, and provide a scaffold for students who may struggle with organizing their thoughts.
To effectively implement this method, teachers need well-designed resources. I start early in the year with my unit on The Scarlet Letter, and I have a comprehensive lesson with direction, practice activities, examples, and a summative assessment all centered around the CER method! The bundle is particularly valuable for its ready-to-use materials, saving precious prep time for teachers. Its clear guidelines make grading and feedback straightforward, while the passage-based questions (both formative and summative) prepare students for higher-level assessments. Designed for upper-level high school and American Literature classes, it’s an excellent resource for AP® Lit prep as well!
Since incorporating CER paragraphs into my 11th-grade American Literature curriculum, I’ve3 seen my students become more confident; their analysis, writing, and textual understanding have all improved as well. With the right activities and scaffolding, teachers can make literary analysis both fun and effective, setting students up for success in their academic journey and beyond. If you want to make your own CER activities, just be sure to find interesting passages & ask unique, thought-provoking questions. You’ll be surprised how into it students can get when you’re asking questions that pique their interest!
🌟 Boost Analytical Skills with This Scarlet Letter CER Bundle! 🌟
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