Grade: Grade 5 Subject: Social Studies Unit: Economics Introduction Lesson: 5 of 6 SAT: Information+Ideas ACT: Reading

Claim-Evidence Writing: Economics

Learn to write persuasive arguments about economic concepts using the CER framework: Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning.

Learn

Economists don't just study numbers - they also need to explain what the data means and make predictions. The CER framework helps you write clear arguments about economic concepts like supply and demand, scarcity, and economic systems.

Why Use CER for Economics?

Economists, business leaders, and politicians use evidence to support their arguments about the economy. Learning to write using CER helps you think critically about economic decisions - whether you're arguing for a higher allowance or analyzing why prices change!

The CER Framework

C - Claim

What do you think?

Your answer or position on an economic question or problem.

E - Evidence

What data supports it?

Specific numbers, examples, or facts about prices, quantities, or economic data.

R - Reasoning

Why does it matter?

Explains HOW your evidence supports your claim using economic principles like supply and demand.

Example: Supply and Demand

Question: Why did the price of face masks increase during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Claim

The price of face masks increased during the COVID-19 pandemic because demand suddenly increased while supply remained limited.

Evidence

Before the pandemic, a box of 50 surgical masks cost about $5. During early 2020, the same box cost $20-$50 in many stores. Stores reported selling out within hours of restocking, and manufacturers couldn't increase production fast enough to meet demand. The number of people wanting masks went from millions to billions worldwide almost overnight.

Reasoning

According to the law of supply and demand, when demand increases faster than supply can keep up, prices rise. This is called a shortage. Before the pandemic, mask demand was low (mostly hospitals and dentists). When everyone suddenly wanted masks for protection, demand skyrocketed while the number of masks available (supply) stayed the same. Sellers raised prices because so many people were competing to buy limited products. This is how markets naturally respond to sudden changes in demand.

Writing Tip: When writing about economics, include specific prices, percentages, or quantities when possible. "The price doubled" is good, but "The price increased from $5 to $10" is even stronger evidence!

Practice Writing Prompt

Question: Why do video games often cost less a year after they're released?

Write a CER response explaining why video game prices typically decrease over time.

Your Claim:

0 words

Your Evidence:

0 words

Your Reasoning:

0 words

Practice Quiz

Test your understanding of the CER framework and economic concepts.

1 Which part of a CER response includes specific data like prices or quantities?

A Claim

B Evidence

C Reasoning

D Summary

View Explanation

Evidence includes specific data like prices, quantities, percentages, or facts that support your claim.

2 According to the law of supply and demand, what happens to prices when demand increases but supply stays the same?

A Prices decrease

B Prices stay the same

C Prices increase

D Supply increases

View Explanation

When demand increases but supply stays the same, there aren't enough products for everyone who wants them. Sellers can raise prices because buyers compete for limited products.

3 Which is the BEST example of a claim about economics?

A A candy bar costs $1.50.

B Raising the minimum wage would help workers afford basic necessities.

C The store is open from 9 AM to 9 PM.

D Supply and demand affect prices.

View Explanation

A claim states a position that can be supported with evidence. "Raising the minimum wage would help workers" is a claim that requires evidence to prove.

4 What is scarcity?

A When prices are too high

B When there are unlimited resources for everyone

C When there are limited resources but unlimited wants

D When supply equals demand

View Explanation

Scarcity is the basic economic problem - we have unlimited wants and needs, but limited resources to satisfy them. This forces us to make choices.

5 The part of CER that explains WHY your evidence supports your claim is called:

A Claim

B Evidence

C Reasoning

D Conclusion

View Explanation

Reasoning explains WHY your evidence supports your claim by connecting it to economic principles like supply and demand.

6 In which economic system does the government make most economic decisions?

A Market economy

B Command economy

C Traditional economy

D Mixed economy

View Explanation

In a command economy, the government makes most economic decisions about what to produce, how to produce it, and who gets the products.

7 What is opportunity cost?

A The price of an item

B The value of what you give up when making a choice

C The cost of starting a business

D A special sale price

View Explanation

Opportunity cost is the value of the next best alternative you give up when making a choice. If you spend $10 on a book instead of a movie, the movie is your opportunity cost.

8 Why should you include specific numbers in your evidence?

A They make your writing longer

B They provide specific, verifiable support for your claim

C Teachers always require numbers

D Numbers are easier to write than words

View Explanation

Specific numbers like prices, quantities, and percentages make your evidence stronger because they can be verified and are more precise than vague terms like "a lot."

9 What happens in a market economy when there is a surplus (too much supply)?

A Prices typically increase

B Prices typically decrease

C Demand increases

D Nothing changes

View Explanation

When there's a surplus (more supply than demand), sellers lower prices to encourage more people to buy. This is why stores have sales on items that aren't selling well.

10 A complete CER response must include:

A Only a claim and evidence

B Only evidence and reasoning

C Claim, evidence, AND reasoning

D Only a claim

View Explanation

A complete CER response requires all three parts: a Claim (your answer), Evidence (supporting data), and Reasoning (explanation of why evidence supports the claim).

Check Your Understanding

C = Claim

Your position or answer about an economic question.

E = Evidence

Specific data like prices, quantities, or percentages.

R = Reasoning

Explains HOW evidence supports claim using economic principles.

Key Takeaways

CER helps organize persuasive arguments about economics
Use specific numbers and data as evidence
Connect evidence to economic concepts like supply and demand
This framework is used on standardized tests and in real economic analysis

Next Steps

Practice writing CER responses about prices you see in stores
Notice how supply and demand affect prices in your daily life
Complete the Unit Checkpoint to test your economics knowledge