Say What the Evidence Shows
A 50-minute Grade 4 lesson on writing a claim that answers the compelling question directly and survives an objection.
Say What the Evidence Shows is a free 50-minute Grade 3 to Grade 5 social studies lesson plan for Common Core standard D3.4.3-5 — use evidence to build a claim that answers the big question. It is timed across 5 sections, gives the exact wording to use where the wording carries the mathematics, names 3 misconceptions with the teaching move that addresses each, and ends with an exit ticket and a printable worksheet with its answer key.
- Grade:
- Grade 3 to Grade 5
- Length:
- 50 minutes
- Standard:
- D3.4.3-5
Grade 3 to Grade 5 · Evaluating Sources and Using Evidence
D3.4.3-5
Use evidence to develop claims in response to compelling questions.
Objective
Students will be able to write a claim that answers the question directly and meets an objection.
Students are successful when they can
- Answers the question in the first sentence.
- Supports the answer with gathered evidence.
- Names an opposing view and replies to it.
What you need
- The evidence boards from the previous lesson
- A claim frame with four lines
- The printable practice sheet linked at the end of this plan
The lesson
Warm-up — an answer that answers nothing
5 min- Read a response describing the region without answering what made it grow.
- Ask what is missing.
Teach — direct, supported, tested, qualified
17 min- Write a claim answering directly: the mills grew the region and the uplands paid for it.
- Add the evidence beneath, each with its source.
- Ask what somebody would say against it: the harbour's dues built the schools.
- Add that view and answer it in one line.
- Show the fourth move: qualify. 'For most of the region' survives what a sweeping claim cannot.
- Say the three tests: does it answer, is it supported, has it met an objection?
- Reread the compelling question aloud and check the first sentence against it.
“Read the question again. Does your first sentence answer it?”
Guided practice — write, swap, revise
15 min- Pairs write a claim using their evidence board.
- They swap and mark it against the three tests.
- Pairs revise one line in response.
Independent practice
10 min- Students complete the 'Say What the Evidence Shows' page.
- Check the first sentence answers the question asked.
Close
3 min- Read the claim that best met its objection.
What goes wrong, and why
Each of these is a reasoning error rather than carelessness. The fix addresses the reasoning.
Describes instead of answering.
Why: Description is safer than commitment.
Fix: Reread the question. If the first sentence is not an answer, rewrite it.
Thinks a qualified claim is weak.
Why: Confidence sounds stronger.
Fix: 'For most of the region' survives an objection a sweeping claim does not.
Names an objection and ignores it.
Why: Mentioning it feels like answering it.
Fix: Add one line saying why you still hold the claim.
If they are not there yet
- The frame with the first line given.
- Choose between two claims: which answers the question?
If they finish early
- Write a claim you personally disagree with, supported honestly.
- Say what evidence would make you change it.
- Qualify a sweeping claim without weakening it.
Exit ticket
Answer in one sentence: what made the region grow? Then name one view against you.
What to look for: A direct answer plus a named opposing view. A description of the region means the answering test needs another run.
Printable practice for D3.4.3-5
Free to print and copy, answer key included. Each sheet can generate a fresh set of problems for a retake.
- Say What the Evidence ShowsWrite your answer. Use the checklist.
Questions about Say What the Evidence Shows
How long does the Say What the Evidence Shows lesson take?
50 minutes, split across 5 timed sections: warm-up 5 min, teach 17 min, guided practice 15 min, independent practice 10 min, close 3 min. The minutes are stated per section and add up to the stated length, so the plan can be cut or extended at a section boundary rather than abandoned halfway.
Which standard does Say What the Evidence Shows teach?
D3.4.3-5 — D3.4.3-5, Evaluating Sources and Using Evidence for Grade 3 to Grade 5: “Use evidence to develop claims in response to compelling questions.” In plain terms, use evidence to build a claim that answers the big question.
What do I need to teach this lesson?
The evidence boards from the previous lesson, a claim frame with four lines and the printable practice sheet linked at the end of this plan. Everything listed is either ordinary classroom equipment or a free printable from this site — there is nothing to buy and nothing to prepare beyond photocopying.
What mistakes should I expect in this lesson?
Three, each a reasoning error rather than carelessness: describes instead of answering; thinks a qualified claim is weak and names an objection and ignores it. The plan gives the thinking behind each one and the teaching move that addresses the thinking rather than the symptom.
How do I know whether the lesson worked?
The exit ticket asks: “Answer in one sentence: what made the region grow? Then name one view against you.” A direct answer plus a named opposing view. A description of the region means the answering test needs another run. That tells you whether the class needs a reteach or a thirty-second conversation before you plan tomorrow.
Is there a worksheet to go with Say What the Evidence Shows?
Yes — 1 printable D3.4.3-5 worksheet, linked at the end of the plan and free like the rest of the site. Each one comes with an answer key and 25 versions, so the practice after the lesson can be a different paper on every desk.
Is Say What the Evidence Shows free to use?
Yes. The plan, its printables and their answer keys are free to read, print and photocopy for your own class, with no account and no email capture. It was last reviewed on 7 September 2026. Please do not resell it or republish it as your own.
Last reviewed 2026-09-07. Aligned to D3.4.3-5 of the C3 Framework for Social Studies State Standards.