Language Arts: Argumentative Writing
Building clear claims, reasons, and evidence
Language Arts: Argumentative Writing
Building clear claims, reasons, and evidence
Language Arts - Grade 6-8
- 1
Read this claim: 'School uniforms should be required in all middle schools.' Write one reason that supports this claim.
A reason tells why someone should agree with the claim.
One reason that supports this claim is that school uniforms can reduce distractions about clothing and help students focus more on learning. - 2
Read this sentence: 'Students should have longer lunch periods because they need enough time to eat and relax.' What is the claim in this sentence?
The claim is that students should have longer lunch periods. - 3
A student writes: 'Our town should build a new skate park because it would give teens a safe place to exercise.' Identify the reason in this sentence.
The reason explains why the claim should be accepted.
The reason is that a new skate park would give teens a safe place to exercise. - 4
Which sentence is the best evidence for the claim 'Reading every day improves vocabulary'? A. 'Books are fun to read.' B. 'A 2023 school survey found that students who read at least 20 minutes a day scored higher on vocabulary quizzes.' C. 'Many students like graphic novels.' Explain your choice.
The best evidence is B because it gives specific information from a survey and directly connects daily reading to higher vocabulary quiz scores. - 5
Write a counterclaim to this claim: 'Homework should be banned in middle school.'
A counterclaim expresses the opposite or a different side of the argument.
A counterclaim is that homework should not be banned because it can help students review skills and prepare for tests. - 6
Read the statement: 'Cell phones should be allowed in class because students can use them for research.' Is this evidence, a claim, or a reason? Explain.
This statement is a claim with a reason because it states a position, that cell phones should be allowed in class, and gives a reason, that students can use them for research. - 7
Choose the stronger claim. A. 'Recess is nice.' B. 'Middle school students should have a daily recess period to improve focus and reduce stress.' Explain why it is stronger.
A strong claim is clear, specific, and arguable.
Claim B is stronger because it clearly states a position and includes specific reasons about focus and stress. - 8
Read this evidence: 'According to the school nurse, students who drink water during the day report fewer headaches.' Which claim does this evidence best support? A. 'Schools should sell more candy.' B. 'Students should be encouraged to drink water at school.' C. 'Homework should be shorter.'
This evidence best supports claim B, that students should be encouraged to drink water at school, because it shows a health benefit linked to drinking water. - 9
Write one sentence that could serve as a conclusion for an argument about why schools should start later in the morning.
A conclusion restates the main idea and leaves the reader with the final point.
In conclusion, schools should start later in the morning because students are more likely to be rested, alert, and ready to learn. - 10
A writer says, 'School gardens are important because they teach students about science.' Add one more reason to strengthen the argument.
Another reason is that school gardens can also teach responsibility and teamwork as students care for plants together. - 11
Which source would be the most reliable for an argumentative essay about teen sleep? A. A random online comment B. A medical association website C. A classmate's guess. Explain your choice.
Reliable sources are written by experts or trusted organizations.
The most reliable source is B, a medical association website, because it is more likely to provide researched and trustworthy information from experts. - 12
Read this sentence: 'Some people believe students should choose all their own classes, but required classes make sure everyone learns important skills.' Which part of an argument does the first part of the sentence show?
The first part of the sentence shows a counterclaim because it presents a different viewpoint before the writer responds to it. - 13
Write a clear claim for the topic 'school recycling programs.'
State a position that someone could support or disagree with.
A clear claim is that every school should have a recycling program to reduce waste and teach students environmental responsibility. - 14
A student writes, 'Pets in classrooms are good.' Rewrite this as a stronger argumentative claim.
A stronger argumentative claim is that classrooms should have small pets because they can teach students responsibility and create a calmer learning environment. - 15
Plan a short argument on this topic: 'Should students have assigned seats at lunch?' Write one claim, one reason, and one piece of evidence.
Include all three parts: claim, reason, and evidence.
One possible response is: Claim: Students should not have assigned seats at lunch. Reason: Free seating helps students build friendships and social skills. Evidence: A student survey showed that many students feel more comfortable and included when they can sit with different classmates.