6th Grade ELA Question of the Day

1. Reason: Students will like school more. Evidence: Many kids say mornings are hard.
2. Reason: Later starts improve teen sleep. Evidence: The American Academy of Pediatrics reports teens need 8–10 hours of sleep. (correct answer)
3. Reason: Buses will run faster. Evidence: A bus company website says later routes are "more efficient."
4. Reason: Teachers can plan better. Evidence: One teacher said planning feels easier after 8:00 a.m.

Explanation: This question tests CCSS.W.6.1.b (supporting claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence, using credible sources and demonstrating understanding of topic or text). Supporting claims requires CLEAR REASONS (specific points why claim is valid) backed by RELEVANT EVIDENCE (facts/statistics/expert opinions/examples that prove reasons true) from CREDIBLE SOURCES (experts with qualifications, reputable organizations, verifiable data, unbiased, current information). The claim is that school should start at 8:30 a.m. instead of 7:45 a.m. Option B provides the reason that later starts improve teen sleep, with evidence from the American Academy of Pediatrics that teens need 8-10 hours of sleep. The evidence is credible because the AAP is a reputable medical organization with expertise in adolescent health, and is relevant because sleep needs directly connect to the reason about improving teen sleep through later start times. The correct answer B evaluates support quality accurately by recognizing that the AAP is a credible medical authority and their recommendation about teen sleep hours directly supports the reason about later starts improving sleep. Option A fails because "Many kids say mornings are hard" is vague anecdotal evidence without a credible source or specific data. Option C's bus company website saying routes are "more efficient" lacks specifics and comes from a potentially biased commercial source. Option D relies on one teacher's personal opinion rather than credible research or data. Teaching strategy: Teach claim-reason-evidence structure: CLAIM (position) is supported by REASONS (why claim is valid), which are supported by EVIDENCE (proof reasons are true). Evaluate evidence using checklist: SPECIFIC? (Names study, gives numbers, not vague "research shows"), CREDIBLE SOURCE? (Expert credentials, reputable organization, verifiable, unbiased, current), RELEVANT? (Connects to stated reason, not random fact about topic), SUFFICIENT? (Enough to convince - not just one weak example for broad claim), DEMONSTRATES UNDERSTANDING? (Information accurate, details specific, connections correct). Practice with examples: STRONG: "Dr. Martinez, sleep researcher at Johns Hopkins, found teens at schools starting 8:30am slept 45 minutes more and grades improved 4.5%" (expert credentials, institution, specific data, relevant to claim about later start times). WEAK: "Studies show students are tired" (vague, no source, no specifics).