This instructional approach in English Language Arts (ELA) employs a structured four-step process designed to enhance comprehension and critical thinking skills. Each stage involves a specific activity: Cite relevant textual evidence; Summarize the main ideas; Explain connections and inferences; and Evaluate the effectiveness of the text or author’s argument. For example, a student analyzing a persuasive essay might cite specific passages supporting the author’s claims, then summarize those claims, explain how the evidence supports them, and finally evaluate the overall persuasiveness of the essay considering the quality of the evidence and the strength of the argumentation.
The method’s systematic nature fosters deep engagement with texts, encouraging students to move beyond passive reading to active analysis and interpretation. This structured approach promotes higher-order thinking skills, improves writing quality through evidence-based reasoning, and develops critical evaluation abilities applicable across various academic disciplines. The sequential progression through citation, summarization, explanation, and evaluation strengthens analytical skills gradually, building a foundation for more sophisticated literary and rhetorical analysis.
Further exploration will delve into specific applications of this approach, considering its effectiveness across various grade levels and text types, and exploring potential adaptations for diverse learning styles. The following sections will examine practical applications and pedagogical considerations related to this framework.
