5th Grade ELA Flashcards: Explain Authors Reasons And Evidence

What this deck covers

This deck focuses on Explain Authors Reasons And Evidence, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for 5th Grade ELA.

How to use these flashcards

Work through these flashcards in short sessions. Try to answer each prompt before flipping the card, then revisit any cards you miss until the explanation feels automatic.

Flashcard 1: What is the most reliable type of evidence for a factual claim in informational text?

Answer: Verifiable facts and data from credible sources. Objective information that can be checked and confirmed.

Flashcard 2: What is a point (claim) in an informational text?

Answer: A main idea the author wants the reader to believe or accept. It's the central argument the author builds support for.

Flashcard 3: What should you do first to explain how reasons and evidence support points in a text?

Answer: Identify the author's point (claim) before matching support. Understanding the claim helps identify its support.

Flashcard 4: Which sentence is evidence for the point "Recycling saves resources"?

Answer: "Recycling aluminum uses less energy than making new aluminum.". This fact directly proves recycling conserves resources.

Flashcard 5: What is the best clue that a detail is evidence rather than a reason?

Answer: It includes specific facts, numbers, examples, or expert quotes. Evidence is concrete and specific, not general statements.

Flashcard 6: Which sentence is a reason for the point "Libraries are important"?

Answer: They provide free access to books and information. This explains why libraries matter to communities.

Flashcard 7: Which sentence is a reason, not evidence: A) It reduces stress. B) A survey of 500 students reported less stress.

Answer: A) It reduces stress. A explains why (reason); B provides data (evidence).

Flashcard 8: Identify the point: "School cafeterias should offer more fresh fruit each day."

Answer: Cafeterias should offer more fresh fruit each day. This is the author's main claim about school food.

Flashcard 9: What is the difference between a reason and evidence?

Answer: Reason = why; evidence = proof that supports the reason. Reasons explain logic; evidence provides concrete proof.

Flashcard 10: Identify the evidence: "A study found teens got 45 more minutes of sleep with later starts."

Answer: It is evidence (a study result/statistic). Study results provide factual support.

Flashcard 11: Identify the evidence (not a reason): "A 2023 survey showed 70% of students want more fruit."

Answer: Evidence (a statistic from a survey). Concrete data that proves student preference.

Flashcard 12: Which signal words most often introduce reasons in informational writing?

Answer: Because, since, due to, for this reason. These words signal cause-and-effect relationships.

Flashcard 13: Which option is the best definition of relevant evidence?

Answer: Evidence that directly relates to and supports the point. Relevant means connected and supportive of the claim.

Flashcard 14: Identify the reason (not evidence): "Recess improves focus because it gives brains a break."

Answer: It gives brains a break. This explains why recess helps (the logic).

Flashcard 15: Identify the point: "Our school should start later to help students learn."

Answer: School should start later to help students learn. This states what the author wants to happen and why.

Flashcard 16: Identify the evidence in this sentence: "For example, bees pollinate many food crops."

Answer: Bees pollinate many food crops. "For example" introduces specific evidence.

Flashcard 17: Identify the best meaning of "supports" in the skill "reasons and evidence support points."

Answer: It helps prove or strengthen the point. Like pillars holding up a building - they make the argument solid.

Flashcard 18: What is a credible source, in the context of evaluating evidence in a text?

Answer: A trustworthy source with expertise and accurate information. Has knowledge and reliability to back up claims.

Flashcard 19: Which option best describes the relationship among point, reasons, and evidence?

Answer: Point is supported by reasons; reasons are supported by evidence. This shows the hierarchical structure of arguments.

Flashcard 20: Identify the point: "Students should have daily recess to improve focus."

Answer: Students should have daily recess. The point is the main claim being argued.

Flashcard 21: Which option best defines sufficient evidence?

Answer: Enough strong proof to make the point convincing. Sufficient means having enough quality and quantity.

Flashcard 22: Which sentence is evidence for the point "Recycling reduces waste"?

Answer: "Recycling keeps tons of paper and plastic out of landfills each year.". Provides specific facts about recycling's impact.

Flashcard 23: Identify the reason (not evidence): "Later start times reduce student sleepiness."

Answer: It is a reason. This explains why later starts would help students.

Flashcard 24: What is a reason in an informational text argument?

Answer: A statement that explains why the point (claim) is true. Reasons provide logical support for the author's claim.

Flashcard 25: Which reason best supports the point "Plastic pollution harms oceans"?

Answer: Animals can ingest plastic and become sick or die. This explains how plastic specifically harms ocean life.

Flashcard 26: Identify what the evidence supports: "The city planted 500 trees last year, lowering summer heat."

Answer: It supports the point that planting trees can reduce heat. The data proves trees actually cool cities.

Flashcard 27: What should you do first when asked to explain how reasons and evidence support points?

Answer: Identify the author's point (claim) before matching reasons and evidence. Can't match support without knowing what's being supported.

Flashcard 28: What is a relevant reason in an argument?

Answer: A reason that directly connects to and supports the author's point. Relevant means directly related to the main point.

Flashcard 29: Identify the weak evidence: Which is least convincing for "Helmets improve safety"?

Answer: "Helmets are cool.". Opinion-based and lacks factual support for safety claims.

Flashcard 30: What is the purpose of linking words such as "because" and "therefore" in an argument?

Answer: They show the relationship between point, reasons, and evidence. These words connect ideas to show logical flow.

Flashcard 31: Which signal words most often introduce evidence or examples that support a reason?

Answer: For example, for instance, such as, according to. These phrases introduce specific proof or illustrations.

Flashcard 32: Identify which point the evidence supports: "Helmet use lowers head injuries." Point 1: wear helmets. Point 2: eat vegetables.

Answer: Point 1: wear helmets. Injury reduction directly supports helmet use.

Flashcard 33: Identify which point the evidence supports: Evidence: "Libraries offer free internet." Point 1: fund libraries. Point 2: ban phones.

Answer: Point 1: fund libraries. Free internet supports funding libraries, not banning phones.

Flashcard 34: What is the best definition of "relevant evidence" when matching evidence to a point?

Answer: Evidence that directly connects to and supports the point. Must clearly relate to the specific claim being made.

Flashcard 35: Which option best matches the structure: Point → Reason → Evidence?

Answer: Claim, then why it is true, then proof like facts or examples. Standard argumentative structure in informational texts.

Flashcard 36: Identify the reason (not evidence): "Fresh fruit helps students stay healthy and focused."

Answer: It explains why: fruit helps students stay healthy and focused. Gives the logical basis for offering more fruit.

Flashcard 37: What is the best way to state the connection when explaining support (point, reason, evidence)?

Answer: Name the point, then the reason, then cite the evidence that proves it. Clear structure helps readers follow the logical flow.

Flashcard 38: What is a reason in an informational text, and how does it relate to a point?

Answer: A why statement that supports the author's point. Explains the logic behind the author's claim.

Flashcard 39: Identify the missing part: Point: "Plant trees in cities." Reason: "They cool streets." Missing part is most likely what?

Answer: Evidence (a fact/example/data) proving that trees cool streets. The pattern needs proof for the cooling reason.

Flashcard 40: Which option is the strongest evidence for a science claim: A) opinion B) personal story C) experiment results

Answer: C) experiment results. Experiments provide objective, measurable proof.

Flashcard 41: What is a summary statement that correctly explains author support in one sentence?

Answer: The author supports the point with reasons backed by evidence. This shows the complete argument structure.

Flashcard 42: Which sentence is a reason for the point "Students should get more recess"?

Answer: "Recess improves focus and behavior during class.". Explains why more recess would benefit students.

Flashcard 43: Identify the irrelevant evidence for the point "School lunches should be healthier": A) more vegetables B) new gym floor

Answer: B) new gym floor. Gym floors don't relate to lunch nutrition.

Flashcard 44: Which option best describes the difference between a reason and evidence?

Answer: Reason = why; evidence = proof such as facts, examples, or data. Reasons explain logic; evidence provides concrete proof.

Flashcard 45: Identify the evidence: "A 2022 study found attention improved after a 15-minute break."

Answer: A 2022 study found attention improved after a 15-minute break. This is specific data that proves the reason.

Flashcard 46: Which text feature most often provides evidence by quoting sources directly?

Answer: A quotation (or quoted expert/source). Direct quotes from experts provide credible evidence.

Flashcard 47: Identify the irrelevant detail for the point "Exercise improves health": "My shoes are blue."

Answer: My shoes are blue. Shoe color has no connection to exercise benefits.

Flashcard 48: What is evidence in an informational text?

Answer: Facts, examples, data, or quotes that prove a reason. Evidence provides concrete support to back up reasons.

Flashcard 49: What is a point in an informational text that an author is trying to prove or explain?

Answer: A main claim or idea the author wants the reader to accept. The central argument or thesis the author develops throughout the text.

Flashcard 50: Which evidence best supports the point "Handwashing prevents illness"?

Answer: Data showing fewer sick days after regular handwashing. Health data provides measurable proof of benefits.

Flashcard 51: What is evidence in an informational text, and what is its job in an argument?

Answer: Facts or details used to prove a reason or point. Concrete support that validates the author's reasoning.

Flashcard 52: Which sentence is evidence, not a reason: A) Exercise is important. B) Doctors recommend 60 minutes daily.

Answer: B) Doctors recommend 60 minutes daily. B provides specific expert recommendation (evidence).