This document focuses on enhancing students' skills in constructing strong written arguments by understanding the connection between claims, evidence, and reasoning. It introduces the ERC model—Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning—providing clear definitions and examples to illustrate how each component interrelates. It includes guided examples contrasting weak and strong reasoning, followed by activities that encourage annotation and independent practice. Students engage with structured prompts to articulate the significance of evidence, draft explanations, and self-evaluate their understanding of effective argumentative writing. The document also addresses potential counter-arguments, promoting critical thinking and depth in students' written expressions.