Lesson Plan
Evidence Quest Unit Plan
Students will learn to identify, extract, and cite text-based evidence to support claims in open-response answers, building vocabulary and sentence-structure skills through scaffolded practice over 12 sessions.
Strong evidence-based writing is critical for academic success. This unit helps eighth graders improve critical thinking, vocabulary usage, and organized writing by modeling and practicing citation skills in small groups.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Material and Classroom Preparation
40 minutes
Step 1
Session 1: Baseline Pre-Test & Introduction
30 minutes
Step 2
Session 2: Differentiating Claim vs Evidence
30 minutes
Step 3
Session 3: Quotation vs Paraphrase
30 minutes
Step 4
Session 4: Proper Citation Format
30 minutes
Step 5
Session 5: Vocabulary & Sentence Structure
30 minutes
Step 6
Session 6: Building Response—Claim & Evidence
30 minutes
Step 7
Session 7: Building Response—Analysis & Conclusion
30 minutes
Step 8
Session 8: Quiz 1—Evidence Skills Check
30 minutes
Step 9
Session 9: Applying Skills to a New Text
30 minutes
Step 10
Session 10: Independent Practice with Teacher Conferences
30 minutes
Step 11
Session 11: Review Game & Test Prep
30 minutes
Step 12
Session 12: Post-Test & Reflection
30 minutes
Slide Deck
Session 1: Baseline Pre-Test & Introduction
Session 2: Differentiating Claim vs Evidence
Session 3: Quotation vs Paraphrase
Session 4: Proper Citation Format
Session 5: Vocabulary & Sentence Structure
Session 6: Building Response—Claim & Evidence
Session 7: Building Response—Analysis & Conclusion
Session 8: Quiz 1—Evidence Skills Check
Session 9: Applying Skills to a New Text
Session 10: Independent Practice with Teacher Conferences
Session 11: Review Game & Test Prep
Session 12: Post-Test & Reflection
Reading
Worksheet
Activity
Quiz
Quizzes Packet
Quiz
Post-Test
