Claim Evidence Reasoning Graphic Organizer

Mastering the Art of Argumentation: A Deep Dive into Claim, Evidence, Reasoning Graphic Organizers

Are you struggling to construct well-supported arguments? Do you find yourself losing your audience because your reasoning is unclear? A powerful tool to master the art of persuasion and critical thinking is the claim, evidence, reasoning (CER) graphic organizer. This guide will take you on a comprehensive journey through the CER model, explaining its components, showcasing various graphic organizer templates, and providing practical examples to help you confidently build compelling arguments across various disciplines. Understanding CER is key to improving your analytical and communication skills.

Understanding the CER Framework: Claim, Evidence, Reasoning

The CER framework provides a structured approach to constructing and evaluating arguments. It’s a powerful tool for strengthening your analytical skills and presenting your arguments in a clear, concise, and persuasive way. Let’s break down each component:

1. The Claim: Your Central Argument

The claim is your central argument – the point you're trying to prove. It's a statement that needs supporting evidence. Think of it as your thesis statement, the core idea you’ll defend throughout your argument. A strong claim is:

• Specific: Avoid vague or broad statements. Be precise about what you're arguing.
• Arguable: It should be a point that can be debated or challenged. A factual statement isn't a claim.
• Clear: Easy to understand and free of jargon.

Examples of Claims:

• Weak: "Pollution is bad." (Too vague)
• Strong: "Increased carbon emissions from automobiles directly contribute to rising global temperatures in urban areas." (Specific, arguable, clear)
• Weak: "Shakespeare was a great writer." (Subjective and needs further definition of "great")
• Strong: "Shakespeare's use of iambic pentameter significantly enhanced the dramatic impact of his tragedies, contributing to his lasting literary influence." (Specific, arguable, and clearly defines "great")

2. The Evidence: Supporting Your Claim

The evidence is the factual information you use to support your claim. This can include:

• Data: Numerical information (statistics, graphs, charts).
• Facts: Verifiable statements supported by credible sources.
• Examples: Specific instances that illustrate your claim.
• Expert opinions: Statements from recognized authorities in the field.
• Anecdotes: Personal stories (use sparingly and only when relevant and impactful).

Important Note: Evidence must be relevant to the claim and come from credible sources. Always cite your sources. Unreliable or biased evidence weakens your argument significantly.

3. The Reasoning: Connecting Evidence to Claim

The reasoning is the crucial link between your evidence and your claim. It explains why your evidence supports your claim. It's the logical explanation that connects the dots. Strong reasoning:

• Explains the significance: Shows how the evidence directly relates to and supports the claim.
• Addresses counterarguments: Acknowledges opposing viewpoints and explains why your claim is stronger.
• Uses logical connections: Employ logical inferences and avoids fallacies.

Examples of Reasoning:

• Weak: "The earth is getting warmer because of pollution." (No explanation of the connection)
• Strong: "The increase in greenhouse gas concentrations, primarily carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels (evidence), is causing a rise in global temperatures (claim). This is because these gases trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to a warming effect (reasoning)."

Different Types of CER Graphic Organizers

Numerous graphic organizers can effectively represent the CER framework. The choice depends on your learning style and the complexity of your argument. Here are a few examples:

1. The Simple Three-Column Chart

This is the most straightforward approach. Create three columns labeled "Claim," "Evidence," and "Reasoning." Simply list your claim, supporting evidence, and the reasoning connecting them in each respective column.

2. The Flowchart Organizer

A flowchart visually represents the logical flow of your argument. This is particularly helpful for complex arguments with multiple pieces of evidence. Use arrows to show the connection between the claim, evidence, and reasoning.

[Imagine a flowchart here: Claim -> Evidence 1 -> Reasoning 1 -> Evidence 2 -> Reasoning 2 -> Conclusion]

3. The Mind Map Organizer

A mind map allows for a more visual and branching structure. Start with your claim in the center and branch out to different pieces of evidence and their corresponding reasoning. This helps brainstorm and organize multiple supporting points.

[Imagine a mind map here with Claim in the center, branching to Evidence A, Evidence B, etc., each with its own Reasoning sub-branch]

4. The Argumentative Essay Outline

This is a more advanced approach, suitable for longer arguments. It structures your entire essay using the CER framework. Each paragraph focuses on a specific piece of evidence and its reasoning, culminating in a conclusion that restates the claim.

Practical Application: Building a Strong CER Argument

Let's construct a CER argument using a real-world example:

Claim: The widespread use of plastic straws contributes significantly to environmental pollution.

Evidence:

• Evidence 1: Millions of plastic straws are used daily and end up in landfills or oceans. (Source: [Cite a reputable environmental organization])
• Evidence 2: Plastic straws are not easily biodegradable, persisting in the environment for hundreds of years. (Source: [Cite a scientific study])
• Evidence 3: Plastic pollution harms marine wildlife through ingestion and entanglement. (Source: [Cite a conservation organization])

Reasoning:

• Reasoning 1: The massive number of plastic straws disposed of daily, coupled with their non-biodegradable nature, overwhelms waste management systems and leads to significant environmental accumulation.
• Reasoning 2: The long-lasting nature of plastic straws ensures their persistent presence in landfills and the environment, representing a continuous source of pollution.
• Reasoning 3: The documented harm to marine animals due to plastic ingestion and entanglement directly demonstrates the negative environmental impact of plastic straw usage.

Using a CER graphic organizer, you can effectively structure this argument, ensuring clarity and persuasiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What if I don't have enough evidence to support my claim?

A: If you lack sufficient evidence, reconsider your claim. It might be too broad or ambitious. Conduct more research to find additional supporting data, facts, or examples.

Q: How many pieces of evidence should I use?

A: The number of evidence pieces depends on the complexity of your claim and the length of your argument. Aim for a sufficient number to convincingly support your claim, avoiding overwhelming the audience with excessive information.

Q: What if someone challenges my reasoning?

A: Be prepared to defend your reasoning by providing additional explanations or addressing counterarguments. This demonstrates critical thinking and strengthens your argument.

Q: Can I use CER for personal reflection?

A: Absolutely! The CER framework can be used to analyze your own thoughts, beliefs, and experiences. By clearly articulating your claims, providing supporting evidence from your own observations or memories, and explaining your reasoning, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself.

Conclusion: Mastering Argumentation with CER

The claim, evidence, reasoning (CER) graphic organizer is a powerful tool for constructing and evaluating arguments. By systematically organizing your claims, evidence, and reasoning, you can create clear, concise, and persuasive arguments across various contexts. Mastering the CER framework empowers you not only to communicate your ideas effectively but also to think critically and analytically. Regular practice with different CER graphic organizers will strengthen your argumentation skills and enhance your ability to build compelling and well-supported arguments. Remember that strong arguments are built on a foundation of clear claims, robust evidence, and logical reasoning. Embrace the CER framework and elevate your communication to the next level.