Evidence Tracker

What it looks like

People who use this approach want to see the reason behind a claim. When they read, they find the line in the source that backs up the point. Then they ask what that support does not show. A chart about one city does not prove a fact about every city. This habit helps in science labs, history essays and any argument that starts with "trust me."

One habit to try

Next time you take notes on a reading, make three short columns: the claim, the support, and what the support does not show. Fill in one row for each main point. The third column is the hardest and the most useful. It is where you catch claims that go further than the facts. Use the grid to plan an essay or to review before a test.

Where it can trip you up

Piling up support can feel like proving a point. More quotes do not always make a stronger argument. If five pieces of support all show the same narrow thing, the claim may still go too far. Before you call it done, write one sentence that says what your support does not show.

If this is not your top approach

Next time you read a claim, in class or online, point to the one line that backs it up. Then name one thing that line does not show. Two questions, a few seconds each. Over time you start asking them without thinking about it.

How it works with others

• Evidence Tracker and Explanation Builder: Line up the support, then explain how it leads to the claim.
• Evidence Tracker and Experiment Pilot: Predict what the data will show, then check what it does show.
• Evidence Tracker and Team Synthesizer: Weigh the support as a group, then write your own claim.

Also pairs with Pattern Scout, Model Maker, Route Planner, Transfer Navigator.