Responding to Open Response Questions Using the CER Method Form

What is the CER Method?

The CER method stands for Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning. It is a structured approach used primarily in educational settings to help students articulate their responses to open-ended questions. This method encourages critical thinking and allows students to present their arguments clearly and logically. The 'Claim' is the statement or conclusion that answers the question, 'Evidence' includes the data or facts that support the claim, and 'Reasoning' explains how the evidence connects to the claim, providing a rationale for why the evidence is relevant.

How to Use the CER Method

Utilizing the CER method involves three straightforward steps:

• Claim: Start by stating your main argument or answer to the question. Ensure it is clear and concise.
• Evidence: Provide specific data, facts, or examples that support your claim. This could include statistics, quotes from texts, or real-world examples.
• Reasoning: Explain how your evidence supports your claim. This is where you connect the dots for your audience, ensuring they understand the relevance of your evidence.

By following these steps, you can create a well-structured response that is easy to follow and persuasive.

Key Elements of the CER Method

Understanding the key elements of the CER method is crucial for effective communication:

• Clarity: Each component should be clearly defined and articulated to avoid confusion.
• Relevance: The evidence provided must be directly related to the claim being made.
• Logical Flow: The reasoning should logically connect the claim and evidence, making it easy for the reader to follow your thought process.

These elements work together to enhance the strength of your argument and ensure that your response is compelling.

Examples of Using the CER Method

Here are examples illustrating the CER method in action:

• Claim: Regular exercise improves mental health.
• Evidence: Studies have shown that individuals who engage in physical activity report lower levels of anxiety and depression.
• Reasoning: This suggests that exercise may serve as a natural remedy, promoting the release of endorphins, which are known to enhance mood.

This example demonstrates how to effectively structure a response using the CER method, making your argument clear and persuasive.

Legal Use of the CER Method

The CER method is not only applicable in educational contexts but can also be utilized in legal settings. In legal arguments, the claim represents the legal position taken, the evidence consists of statutes, case law, or witness testimony, and the reasoning explains how the evidence supports the legal claim. This structured approach can enhance clarity and persuasiveness in legal documents and arguments.

Steps to Complete the CER Method

To effectively complete the CER method, follow these steps:

1. Identify the question or prompt you need to respond to.
2. Formulate a clear claim that directly addresses the question.
3. Gather relevant evidence that supports your claim.
4. Develop reasoning that connects your evidence to your claim.
5. Review your response for clarity and logical flow.

By adhering to these steps, you can ensure a comprehensive and coherent response.