Remember that when you teach writing, you are teaching the writer, not the text. This can be a challenge, especially in a writing conference. While I want the report or the story to be as good as possible, more importantly, I want the writers to become more confident and have more choices as they create text. How can I get the reader's attention? Which type of evidence works best in this article? At all times I am focusing on the writer: What does this student need right now to grow as a writer? Of course I will need evidence in order to make that decision. When you listen to them, and read their work, the students will show you what they need.