Which of the following is NOT a component of a CER rule?

The correct answer indicates that 'Functions' is not a component of a CER (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning) rule. In the context of CER, the primary components are indeed context, properties, and evaluation criteria.

Context establishes the scenario in which the claim is made, detailing the background needed to understand the situation. Properties refer to the characteristics or specific attributes that lend credibility to the claim. Evaluation criteria are the standards against which the claim is assessed, providing a framework to determine if the evidence supports the claim logically.

Functions, while relevant in some discussions regarding methodology and analysis, do not specifically belong to the CER structure. The structural integrity of a CER relies on defining a clear claim supported by evidence and reasoning, making the absence of 'Functions' in this framework significant. Understanding this helps clarify the roles that context, properties, and evaluation criteria play in articulating and supporting scientific claims.