CER Graphic Organizers & Claim-Evidence-Reasoning Resources

Make evidence-based writing easier to teach

A strong CER routine gives students a repeatable structure: state a clear claim, select relevant evidence, and explain how that evidence supports the claim. Use these supports during science investigations, reading responses, social studies, constructed response practice, and small-group instruction.

What to look for in a CER graphic organizer

Choose a format that separates the claim, evidence, and reasoning without reducing the task to filling boxes. Students should have enough space to cite or describe evidence and explain the connection between evidence and claim.

Use CER across the curriculum

CER is especially useful when students must explain thinking. Pair it with science investigations, informational text, primary sources, math reasoning, and project-based learning.

A simple CER lesson sequence

1. Model the difference. Show that a claim answers the question, evidence comes from the text, data, or investigation, and reasoning explains the connection.
2. Build one together. Ask students to compare two possible pieces of evidence and justify which is more relevant.
3. Release the writing. Let students complete a new response, then underline the claim, box the evidence, and circle the reasoning.
4. Revise for the missing link. If the response summarizes evidence but does not explain it, prompt with “How does this evidence support your claim?”

Quick teacher review checklist

• Can the claim be defended with the available evidence?
• Is the evidence accurate, relevant, and specific?
• Does the reasoning explain why the evidence matters?
• Could a reader follow the explanation without hearing the class discussion?

For younger or developing writers, begin with one strong piece of evidence. Add multiple sources only after students can explain the connection clearly. Save one completed response as a baseline and compare it with a later attempt.

Need practice tasks as well as an organizer?

Use the free organizer with a task you already teach. For ready-made practice across science, ELA, and social studies, compare the paid Claim Evidence Reasoning CER Toolkit for Grades 3–5. It includes 18 practice tasks, sample responses, and a 12-point rubric. Review the TPT preview, current price, and license before choosing.

Preview the CER Toolkit on TPT

Need CER resources for a specific lesson? Search the teaching resource finder by grade, subject, or “claim evidence reasoning.” Compare the matching listings, then check the preview, materials, and license on TpT before choosing a resource.