To identify evidence in informational text, find the C.O.D.E.S.!
Connections
Author uses comparisons or makes connections between ideas.
Observations and Anecdotes
Author (or cited author) provides an observation or anecdote that explains the main idea.
Descriptions and Definitions
Author defines a term or clarifies a concept to help reader clarify main idea.
Experts/Examples
Author includes information or quotations from expert source, OR provides a specific example to explain main idea.
Statistics
Author provides information which may be represented numerically, on tables, graphs, or through illustrations using words and phrases.