Citing Text Evidence Worksheet

Lesson Overview

About this worksheet

Citing text evidence is the foundational comprehension skill behind every state reading assessment from grade 3 onward. CCSS R.1 asks students to refer explicitly to the text when answering questions, and this worksheet builds that habit through a focused, single-passage workout. Students learn to distinguish a direct quote (using the author’s exact words inside quotation marks) from a paraphrase (restating the author’s idea in their own words), and they practice both forms.

The reference box at the top of page 1 names the two evidence forms and gives a generic framing example (the storm grew louder) so the passage’s specific quotes stay independent of the practice items. Section A presents five identification prompts that ask students to pull a specific phrase, sentence, or detail from the short fiction passage about Sasha finding a lost dog. The questions probe different evidence shapes: a phrase that proves a fact, a sentence that shows decision-making, a descriptive detail, and the action that resolves the scene.

Section B on page 2 deepens the skill into application. Students support a character-trait claim with two pieces of text evidence, paraphrase a specific sentence without reusing key nouns, and take a yes-or-no position with one piece of evidence. Each Section B item gets a generous response box so students have room to quote, paraphrase, and explain in full sentences.

Page 3 is a complete answer key with sample acceptable answers for every item. Because text-evidence questions often have multiple correct quotes, the key shows the most direct evidence first and lists alternates in parentheses where they would also be acceptable. The key includes guidance for the open-ended yes/no question in Section B (both positions are defensible with the right evidence).

How to Use This Lesson

Read the reference box aloud and clarify the difference between a direct quote and a paraphrase before students read the passage.

Have students read the passage about Sasha and the lost dog independently, then circle or underline phrases they think might be useful as evidence.

Work Section A as a whole-class warm-up; for each item, ask which exact phrase students selected and why.

Assign Section B as independent or paired practice; remind students that direct quotes need quotation marks and paraphrases must not copy the original wording.

Use Section B item 3 (did Sasha follow the rule?) for a structured discussion – both yes and no are acceptable as long as students cite text evidence.

Use the answer key on page 3 for student self-check, partner review, or aide spot-check.

Printable Resource

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