PURPOSE OF UNIT:
During this unit we will have the opportunity to practice finding the central idea and evidence to support an author’s argument by reading non-fiction articles about education around the world. As we do research you will keep in mind all of the information you have learned to put together a proposal about ways to improve education in San Bernardino.

What’s the difference between Fiction and non-fiction?

What do I mean when I say Central idea and an author’s claim?

A central idea is what the author states about a specific subject or topic.

A CLAIM is an argument an author will make on a topic. Typically the claim is something that can be debated. An author will tell you what what he/she wants you to do or be, then tell you why with rationale and evidence.

An author will support their claim with evidence

types of evidence

• Facts: something everyone knows to be true 
• Anecdote: a brief story that the author may use.
• Statistics: collection of data that helps prove a point.
• Quotations and Expert opinions: evidence from a person who has done research

We also need to check whether evidence is…

RELIABLE
Evidence is reliable if you can trust it. Is the author omitting information to prove their point? Are they getting it from a source that is trustworthy?

CREDIBLE:
Evidence is credible if it is convincing. Is the author using evidence that is professional and relates to the topic? Is the evidence current?

Focus Questions for Seminar

• First you will answer the questions in your notes with your partner. 
• These are the questions we will continue to refer back to throughout the unit.
• After a few minutes we will come together as a class to discuss.
• Answer them using the language frames, so you can contribute.