Claim-Evidence Writing: US Regions
Example
Question: Why is the Midwest important to America?
Claim: The Midwest is important to America because it produces most of the country's food.
Evidence: Iowa and Illinois grow more corn than any other states. Kansas is called the "Wheat State" because it grows so much wheat. Wisconsin produces more cheese than any other state. The Midwest is called "America's Breadbasket."
Explain: This shows that the Midwest's flat, fertile land and four-season climate make it perfect for farming. Without the Midwest, Americans would have much less food to eat.
Practice Questions
1. Which is the best CLAIM about the West region?
A) The West has states
B) The West is large and has diverse landscapes including mountains, deserts, and coastlines
C) People live in the West
D) California is there
Answer
B) - This makes a specific claim about the West's geography.
2. Which is good EVIDENCE for "The Southeast is great for tourism"?
A) It has states
B) People live there
C) Disney World attracts millions of visitors, and Florida's beaches are popular vacation spots
D) The region exists
Answer
C) - This gives specific examples of tourism attractions.
3. "The Great Lakes contain 20% of the world's fresh surface water" is:
A) A claim
B) Evidence
C) An explanation
D) A question
Answer
B) Evidence - This is a specific fact that supports a claim.
4. What should your explanation show?
A) New facts
B) How your evidence proves your claim
C) Your favorite region
D) All 50 states
Answer
B) - The explanation connects evidence to your claim.
5. "This demonstrates that..." is a good way to start:
A) A claim
B) Evidence
C) An explanation
D) A title
Answer
C) An explanation - It shows how evidence supports your claim.
6. Which evidence supports "The Northeast has rich history"?
A) It's on the East Coast
B) Plymouth Rock, Independence Hall, and the Statue of Liberty are located there
C) It has cities
D) People live there
Answer
B) - This gives specific historical landmarks as evidence.
7. A good claim about regions should be:
A) Just a fact everyone knows
B) Something that can be supported with evidence
C) Very short
D) A question
Answer
B) - Good claims can be backed up with specific evidence.
8. "For example, California grows more fruits and vegetables than any other state" introduces:
A) A claim
B) A specific example (evidence)
C) A conclusion
D) A question
Answer
B) - "For example" introduces a specific example.
9. Why use geographic facts as evidence?
A) They can be verified with maps and data
B) They are opinions
C) Teachers require it
D) They are not useful
Answer
A) - Geographic facts are reliable evidence because they can be checked.
10. A complete geography paragraph needs:
A) Just a claim
B) Just evidence
C) Claim, evidence, and explanation
D) Only questions
Answer
C) - All three parts make a complete argument.
Your Turn!
Write about this question:
"Why does the climate differ across US regions?"
- Claim: Climate differs across US regions because...
- Evidence: Give 2-3 specific examples
- Explain: Show how your evidence supports your claim
Next Steps
- Practice writing about different regions
- Find evidence in maps and articles
- Continue to the Unit Checkpoint