Claims, Evidence & Reasoning
📋 What it is
A claim is what someone says is true; evidence is the proof; reasoning explains how the evidence supports the claim.
🗣️ Coach says
Every strong statement has three parts: the claim (“recess should be longer”), the evidence (“students focus better after moving”), and the reasoning that links them. Missing any one and the argument wobbles.
🧠 Memory hook
Claim = what you say. Evidence = your proof. Reasoning = the link between them.
😂 Giggle
Why was the argument always tired?
It had no support to stand on!
😲 Whoa!
Scientists, judges, and journalists all use the same claim-evidence-reasoning frame — it’s the backbone of every trustworthy argument in the world.
⚖️ The claim on trial:
“Our town should plant more trees on Main Street.”
You're the judge. Deliver a verdict, pick the evidence that really matters, then reveal.
✓ Well-supported — Well-supported — the cooling study and the pollution data are relevant, reliable evidence that links to the claim; the two opinions aren’t evidence.
A claim stands on relevant, reliable evidence tied to it by reasoning — not on opinions or vibes.
🧪 Try it! (2 minutes)
Make a claim about your favourite food, then add ONE piece of real evidence and explain the link.