Strong Evidence Graphic strategy

Strong Evidence Graphic. This strategy provides students a way to organize
their thinking as they identify the central idea and the evidence to support the
central idea. Evidence is considered strong when it both convinces the reader
and effectively expresses the central idea of the text.  Students can mark the
text as they read to guide their thinking.  Students may use text features such
as headings, bold words, and graphs.  Students may also note repeated
ideas/words or images.  Students must use only the strongest pieces of
evidence to uphold the central idea.  Teachers need to model this process
through think-alouds and guided practice.  Model for the students how to fill
out the graphic organizer.  Place the evidence on the "muscles" which should
support or "hold up" the central idea (barbell).  When students begin this
process, the teacher can provide a central idea and or pieces of evidence.  As
students become more proficient they can complete the entire organizer
independently.