Learning to Cite Textual Evidence

Let's Learn Together!

We're going to practice citing evidence from "All Summer in a Day." We'll do this step-by-step, and you'll get more practice with each exercise.

Exercise 1: Fully Guided Practice

"It had been raining for seven years; thousands upon thousands of days compounded and filled from one end to the other with rain."

Step 1: Introduce the quote

First, let's introduce what this quote is about. It's describing the setting of the story.

Hint: Think about how long it's been raining and how the author describes it.

Step 2: Add the quote

Now, let's put your introduction together with the quote.

Hint: Don't forget to use quotation marks and add (Bradbury) at the end.

Step 3: Explain the quote

Finally, let's explain why this quote is important.

Hint: Think about how the constant rain might affect the characters.

Example Answer:

The author describes the setting of Venus as a place of endless rain. He writes, "It had been raining for seven years; thousands upon thousands of days compounded and filled from one end to the other with rain" (Bradbury). This quote shows how oppressive and constant the rain is, helping us understand why the sun is so important to the characters.

Exercise 2: Partial Guidance

"All day yesterday they had read in class about the sun. About how like a lemon it was, and how hot."

Step 1: Introduce the quote

Hint: What are the children learning about?

Step 2: Add the quote

Hint: Remember to use quotation marks and cite (Bradbury).

Step 3: Explain the quote

Hint: How do the children learn about the sun? Why might this be significant?

Exercise 3: Independent Practice

"They surged about her, caught her up and bore her, protesting, and then pleading, and then crying, back into a tunnel, a room, a closet, where they slammed and locked the door."

Now it's your turn! Use the steps we've practiced to cite and explain this quote.

Hint: Remember to introduce the quote, use it correctly with citation, and explain its importance to the story.

Great Job!

You've practiced citing evidence three times now. Each time, you did a little more on your own. Keep practicing, and soon you'll be an expert at using evidence in your writing!