This I Believe:

Identifying Assertion,
Evidence, & Commentary
 Overview

What are we doing today?

● Vocab Review
● Identifying Assertion, Evidence, and
Commentary
● Review Questions
 Learning I will be able to…
Objectives
● Identify the style and meaning of text
● Make inferences about the theme and
Alabama Course of Study English purpose of a text by analyzing its
Language Arts (2021)
meanings
11.C.L.3 ● Gather relevant and sufficient evidence
11.C.L.6
from accurate sources to support the
assertion.
11.C.L.11c
● Use valid reasoning to support the
assertion.
● Include a logical conclusion that
captures the larger meaning of the topic
or text.
Key Terms

Assertion: a speech act in which a proposition is presented as true or claimed to be true

Evidence: facts, claims, or sources that support a written argument
Commentary: texts that explain how the evidence supports the author’s assertion
Interpretation: trying to find the meaning and significance of the story
Analysis: a detailed examination of anything complex in order to understand its nature
Annotate: a note or comment added to a text to provide explanation and criticism about a
particular part of it
Introducing our
writer: Elvia Bautista
● Twenty-two years old, lives in Santa
Rosa California
● Caregiver for the elderly and
handicapped
● Baustista was the only one to stay
after her brother’s murder
● She now speaks to young people about
the dangers of gang violence

*Keep Bautista’s background in mind as we work through

the lesson today!*
 BIG IDEA:
What impact do my decisions/actions
have on myself and others?
 Big Idea Brainstorming
Directions: Jot down your immediate answers on the post it notes.
Drag the post it note to the middle of the slide. Then Double Click on
the post it to type your responses.

What impact do my decisions/actions have on myself and others?

 Assertion: Your Argument
A confident and forceful statement
of fact or belief
○ It’s the author’s point
○ Not necessarily factual, but the author states it as such
○ Keep it simple (shouldn’t be too wordy)

Example:
“School uniforms should not be required for
students.”
 Evidence: Your Proof
Proof that is essential to an author
creating a strong argument or
assertion
● Should include: examples, facts, reasons, or quotes to support
the author’s assertion
● Usually taken directly from the text

Example:
“Students use the way they dress to express
themselves and identify with certain social groups.”
 Commentary: Your Explanation
Explanation of why the author's use of this
evidence is significant and effective in conveying
the message of the piece.
● Should answer the “Why” question
● Should include an interpretation of the
evidence presented

Example:

“All students should be free to wear whatever clothes

make them feel most comfortable and ready to learn.”
 1. Read “Remembering All the Boys”
p.16-18
What You’re Going to 2. Identify the assertion by
Work On highlighting it blue
a. Remember: What is the writer trying to
accomplish? What is the point of this
essay?
Identifying the assertion, 3. Identify the supporting evidence
supporting evidence, and and commentary
commentary in the text.
a. Highlight evidence green
b. Highlight commentary yellow

Remember:
● Assertion= Your Argument
● Evidence= Your Proof
● Commentary= Your Explanation
 CLOSING QUESTIONS
1. How does Bautista’s evidence help support her assertion?
2. What is the main idea of her commentary?
3. How do Bautista’s decisions/actions affect others around her?