Writing Worksheet · Grades 5–7
Using Text Evidence Worksheet
A 3-page worksheet for grades 5-7 on using text evidence in writing. Students label the three parts of a quote sandwich (lead-in, evidence, explanation), then build their own evidence sentences that introduce, quote or paraphrase, and explain a source. Includes a worked reference and a sample-answer key.
Subject
Writing
Grades
Grades 5–7
Skill Focus
Using Text Evidence, writing skills
Lesson Length
30 minutes
Lesson Overview
About this worksheet
Strong evidence-based writing does not just drop a quote and move on. It frames the quote with a lead-in, states the evidence, and explains how the evidence supports the point – the three-part ‘quote sandwich.’ This worksheet teaches students to recognize each part and then build the parts themselves.
Page 1 opens with a reference box that names the three parts – lead-in, evidence, explanation – and walks through a worked sandwich about how short breaks help focus. Section A then lists six sentences drawn from two worked paragraphs (one about sleep and memory, one about exercise and mood) and asks students to label each sentence as a lead-in, evidence, or explanation.
Page 2 is the building task. Section B gives students a fact about classroom plants and asks them to write a lead-in, then write the evidence as a short quote plus an explanation, and finally paraphrase a separate fact about reading aloud in their own words.
Page 3 is the answer key. Section A lists the part for each of the six sentences. Section B gives one sample response per task; student answers will vary, and any response with the correct sandwich part and clear wording is acceptable.
How to Use This Lesson
Read the reference box aloud and label the worked sandwich together – point to the lead-in, the quoted evidence, and the explanation.
Do Section A item 1 together (Lead-in) and let students label items 2-6 independently.
Stress that a lead-in introduces the source, evidence is the quote or paraphrase, and the explanation connects it to the point.
Allow 12-15 minutes for Section B; remind students that a paraphrase must use their own words, not the original wording.
Have partners check each other’s Section B paraphrase against the original to confirm it is reworded, not copied.
Optional extension: students find a fact in a class text and build a full three-part sandwich from it.
Printable Resource
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Full Member Resource · Printable PDF · 3 pages · Answer Key
Using Text Evidence Worksheet
A 3-page worksheet for grades 5-7 on using text evidence in writing. Students label the three parts of a quote sandwich (lead-in, evidence, explanation), then build their own evidence sentences that introduce, quote or paraphrase, and explain a source. Includes a worked reference and a sample-answer key.
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