Learning Objective
We will evaluate1 the claims in an author’s argument.
CFU
What are we going to do?
What does evaluate mean?
Evaluate means __________.
Activate Prior Knowledge
What does the author want the readers to believe?
How does the author support this belief?
Immanuel Kant Middle School should continue to allow
junk food to be sold on campus. First, the cafeteria makes a
profit from the sale of junk food. Also, banning the sale of
junk food would not reduce the amount of junk food brought
on campus by students.
Make Connection
Students, you already know
that authors sometimes try to
make the reader believe
something. Now, we will
evaluate the claims in an
author’s argument.
Vocabulary
1
READY TO TEACHSM EDI® Lessons
©2013 All rights reserved.
judge the value of
CCSS 6th Grade Reading Informational Text 8.0
Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, distinguishing
claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not.
Lesson to be used by EDI-trained teachers only.
Concept Development
In an argument, an author tries to convince2 others of his or her opinion.
• The argument is made up of claims3 that support the author’s opinion.
• An author uses reasons and evidence to support the claims.
o Reasons are statements that explain the claim.
o Evidence are facts4 that prove the claim.
CFU
Why is “Our school should allow
Author’s Argument
students to use cell phones in
responsible ways on campus”
Opinion:
an example of an argument?
Immanuel Kant Middle School should continue to allow junk food to be sold on campus.
Claim 1:
Claim 2:
Banning the sale of junk food would not reduce
the amount of junk food on campus.
The school can make a profit from selling junk
food on campus.
Reason:
• If the school stops selling junk food, students
will just bring it from home.
Evidence:
• Our class conducted a school-wide survey, and
80% of students said they would pack junk food
in their lunch, if it was not sold at school.
©2013 All rights reserved.
Unsupported Claim:
NO reasons and evidence are
provided to support the claim.
Which of the following supports
the claim “It is good for the
school to sell junk food on
campus?”
A Junk food is often considered
the best tasting among
students.
B When surveyed, many
students reported they’d be
less likely to buy food on
campus if junk food was
banned.
What is the difference between
supported claims and
unsupported claims?
Vocabulary
2 make
someone agree
statements of belief
4 things that can be proven
3
CCSS 6th Grade Reading Informational Text 8.0
Evaluate the claims in an author’s argument.
Lesson to be used by EDI-trained teachers only.
Skill Development/Guided Practice
Reasons
Statements that explain the claim.
Evidence
Facts that prove the claim.
In an argument, an author tries to convince others of his or her opinion.
• The argument is made up of claims that support the author’s opinion.
Evaluate the claims in an author’s argument.
1 Read the argument.
2 Determine5 if the author’s claims are supported. (underline reasons/evidence)
Hint: Supported claims will provide reasons and evidence.
3 Evaluate the argument and claims. (answer the questions)
CFU
2 How did I/you determine if
3
the author’s claims were
supported?
How did I/you evaluate the
argument and claims?
School Uniforms
1. The school’s decision to change the dress code to uniforms will hurt students more than help them.
2. I disagree with school officials. 3. Students should not be required to wear uniforms. 3.Uniforms will not
help students focus more on their studies. 4. When surveyed, only six out of 100 students thought
wearing a uniform would help them make better grades. 5. The six students that thought uniforms would help
their grades were 8th graders. 6. Also, our school already receives above-average ranking on statewide tests.
7. Another reason uniforms hurt students is that uniforms do not allow diversity. 8. Diversity allows
students to be different.
99 words
Claim 1:
“Uniforms will not help students focus more on their studies.”
Claim 2:
“Uniforms do not allow diversity.”
Which sentences provide reasons and evidence to support this claim?
Sentences 4 & 6
________________________________________________________
Which sentences provide reasons and evidence to support this claim?
none
________________________________________________________
Which sentence can be added as support of the claim?
A Studies have shown there is no correlation between uniforms and
grades.
Which sentence can be added as support of the claim?
A Uniforms are not creative.
B Uniforms should only be worn at private schools.
B Students express their differences when deciding what clothes
they will wear.
Vocabulary
5
©2013 All rights reserved.
figure out
CCSS 6th Grade Reading Informational Text 8.0
Evaluate the claims in an author’s argument.
Lesson to be used by EDI-trained teachers only.
Skill Development/Guided Practice (continued)
Reasons
Statements that explain the claim.
Evidence
Facts that prove the claim.
In an argument, an author tries to convince others of his or her opinion.
• The argument is made up of claims that support the author’s opinion.
Evaluate the claims in an author’s argument.
1 Read the argument.
2 Determine if the author’s claims are supported. (underline reasons/evidence)
Hint: Supported claims will provide reasons and evidence.
CFU
2 How did I/you determine if
3
3 Evaluate the argument and claims. (answer the questions)
the author’s claims were
supported?
How did I/you evaluate the
argument and claims?
School Uniforms (continued)
9. Additionally, uniforms are just plain uncomfortable. 10. The girls have to wear skirts all year
long and the boys have to wear ties. 11. When asked, 75% of the students said wearing such stiff clothes
actually distracts them from learning because they are uncomfortable.12. Lastly, uniforms cost a lot of
money. 13. Only some clothing stores sell school uniforms.
14. Let us work together to fight against uniforms! 15. The students of William James Middle School
should decide what they wear!
76 words
Claim 3:
“Uniforms are just plain uncomfortable.”
Claim 4:
“Uniforms cost a lot of money.”
Which sentences provide reasons and evidence to support this claim?
Sentence 11
________________________________________________________
Which sentence can be added as support of the claim?
A Wearing skirts in the winter will not keep the girls warm.
B Most girls do not like wearing skirts.
Which sentences provide reasons and evidence to support this claim?
none
________________________________________________________
Which sentence can be added as support of the claim?
A Students will have to look hard for certain items.
B Parents will have to buy twice as many clothes, some only for
school, and others for out of school.
Application
©2013 All rights reserved.
Trace the author’s argument. (summarize how many claims and how much evidence):
The
author provides 2 claims. The first claim has two supporting reasons
__________________________________________________________
and
evidence.
The second claim does not have reasons and evidence.
__________________________________________________________
CCSS 6th Grade Reading Informational Text 8.0
Evaluate the claims in an author’s argument.
Lesson to be used by EDI-trained teachers only.
Skill Development/Guided Practice (continued)
Reasons
Statements that explain the claim.
Evidence
Facts that prove the claim.
In an argument, an author tries to convince others of his or her opinion.
• The argument is made up of claims that support the author’s opinion.
Evaluate the claims in an author’s argument.
1 Read the argument.
2 Determine if the author’s claims are supported. (underline reasons/evidence)
Hint: Supported claims will provide reasons and evidence.
3 Evaluate the argument and claims. (answer the questions)
CFU
2 How did I/you determine if
3
the author’s claims were
supported?
How did I/you evaluate the
argument and claims?
Too Much TV?
1. Too much can be a bad thing. 2. Sitting and watching television creates a lazy life style. 3. It also keeps kids from
learning. 4. Most children who spend a large amount of time watching TV spend very little time doing school work and reading.
5. The University of Michigan wrote an article about television and children and they reported children, ranging from the ages 611, watch TV for about 28 hours a week. 6. Watching TV is great way to entertain kids and keep them occupied, but this doesn't
mean that children should spend all their time in front of the TV. 7. Kids need to get their head out from in front of the television
and read a good book.
Adapted from: http://articles.familylobby.com/287-an-argument-against-television-for-children.htm
120 words
Claim 1:
“Sitting and watching television creates a lazy lifestyle”
Claim 2:
“Sitting and watching television keeps kids from learning”
Which sentences provide reasons and evidence to support this claim?
none
________________________________________________________
Which sentence can be added as support of the claim?
A Television provides an opportunity to spend time with your family.
Which sentences provide reasons and evidence to support this claim?
________________________________________________________
Sentence 4 & 5
Which sentence can be added as support of the claim?
A Educational television programs can be used to teach children.
B Children who watch too much television do not get enough
physical exercise.
©2013 All rights reserved.
B A report from the University of Michigan stated that television
was the top reason homework was avoided.
CCSS 6th Grade Reading Informational Text 8.0
Evaluate the claims in an author’s argument.
Lesson to be used by EDI-trained teachers only.
Skill Development/Guided Practice (continued)
CFU
1 How did I/you determine what the
2
3
4
5
question or prompt is asking?
How did I/you determine the ELA
concept required?
How did I/you determine the
relevant information?
How did I/you answer the question?
How did I/you determine if all parts
of the question have been
answered?
Alan and Rita are both writing reports on bicycle safety.
Which one has provided support for his or her claims in their report? Circle one.
A: Alan’s Report:
Bike riding can lead to accidents. Every year, about 300,000 kids go to
the emergency department because of bike injuries. Also, at least 10,000
kids have injuries that require a few days in the hospital. Many of these
injuries could likely have been prevented with proper safety equipment.
Head injuries are common. That's why it's so important to wear your
bike helmet. A helmet will provide some protection for your face, head, and
brain in case you fall down. Bike helmets are so important that the U.S.
government has created safety standards for them.
Application
Evaluate both reports.
Explain why they did or did not have support for claims.
Alan gave some numbers as evidence for the
________________________________________
number
of accidents. He also gave two reasons
________________________________________
to
support his opinion that it is necessary to wear
________________________________________
B: Rita’s Report:
helmets.
________________________________________
Bike riding can lead to accidents. Helmets are important for safety, and
you can put stickers on them to make them look cool. Some are even
reflective. Reflective stickers glow in the dark.
Head injuries are common. So you have to wear your helmet. Make
sure you don’t tilt your helmet back; wear it straight. Bike helmets are also
now available in all kinds of colors and shapes.
Rita’s claim was about accidents but she
________________________________________
©2013 All rights reserved.
didn’t
give any reasons or evidence about that
________________________________________
claim.
She also claimed that you had to wear
________________________________________
your helmet but gave no reasons why.
________________________________________
CCSS 3rd Grade Writing 4 & 10
Shorten LO such as “Write paragraph.
Lesson to be used by EDI-trained teachers only.
Relevance
In an argument, an author tries to convince others of his or her opinion.
• The argument is made up of claims that support the author’s opinion.
1 Evaluating the claims in an author’s argument will help
you determine what you believe.
Drinking too much soda is bad for your health. Soda is
high in sugar. According to the National Diabetes Association,
there are about 3.4 tablespoons of sugar in a can of soda.
Even one soda per day adds 150 calories to a person’s diet.
2 Evaluating the claims in an author’s argument will help
you do well on tests.
CFU
Sample Test Question:
56. How does the author support his or her claim?
A giving details
B providing a counter-argument
C writing it down
D providing reasons and evidence
©2013 All rights reserved.
Does anyone else have another
reason why is it relevant to
evaluate the claims in an
author’s argument? (PairShare) Why is it relevant to
evaluate the claims in an
author’s argument? You may
give me one of my reasons or
one of your own. Which reason
is more relevant to you? Why?
CCSS 6th Grade Reading Informational Text 8.0
Evaluate the claims in an author’s argument.
Lesson to be used by EDI-trained teachers only.
In an argument, an author tries to convince others of his or her opinion.
• The argument is made up of claims that support the author’s opinion.
Skill Closure
Evaluate the claims in an author’s argument.
1 Read the argument.
2 Determine if the author’s claims are supported. (underline reasons/evidence)
Reasons
Statements that explain the claim.
Evidence
Facts that prove the claim.
Hint: Supported claims will provide reasons and evidence.
3 Evaluate the author’s argument and claims. (answer the questions)
Save Field Trips
1. David Hume Elementary school has eliminated6 class field trips because they think they are unnecessary.
2. I believe every class should take a field trip.
3. A field trip is the best way to reinforce7 lessons. 4. Reading about something is not the same as seeing or
experiencing it. 5. A fourth grade teacher reported that students who went on a whale-watching field trip wrote better reports
than the students who only learned about whales from reading.
74 words
Claim 1: “A field trip is the best way to reinforce lessons.”
Which sentences provide reasons and evidence to support this claim?
Sentence 5
________________________________________________________
Which sentence can be added as support of the claim?
A Field trips are fun and allow students to get out of the classroom.
Word Bank
argument
claim
evaluate
determine
supported
B Field trips allow students to connect what they learn in class to real life.
Access Common Core
Why does “field trips are a great way for teachers to get to know their students”
not support the claim in the above argument? Getting to know students does not relate
Summary Closure
to the claim about reinforcing lessons.
Vocabulary
What did you learn today about evaluating the claims in an author’s argument?
6
(Pair-Share) Use words from the word bank
7
©2013 All rights reserved.
gotten rid of
strengthen
CCSS 6th Grade Reading Informational Text 8.0
Evaluate the claims in an author’s argument.
Lesson to be used by EDI-trained teachers only.
Independent Practice
In an argument, an author tries to convince others of his or her opinion.
• The argument is made up of claims that support the author’s opinion.
Reasons
Statements that explain the claim.
Evidence
Facts that prove the claim.
Evaluate the claims in an author’s argument.
1 Read the argument.
2 Determine if the author’s claims are supported. (underline reasons/evidence)
Hint: Supported claims will provide reasons and evidence.
3 Evaluate the argument and claims. (answer the questions)
Save Field Trips (continued from Closure)
6. Field trips are needed because they provide variety in learning. 7. No one likes the same routine
day in and day out. 8. Research has shown that students learn better when the method of education is
occasionally changed. 9. This is because students have different learning types. 10. Some students learn
better from listening and taking notes; some learn better from hands-on experience.
11. Lastly, field trips make subjects like science and history more interesting! 12. Museums often
give discounts on admission to classes on field trips.
83 words
Claim 2:
Claim 3:
“Field trips are needed because they provide variety in learning.” “Field trips make subjects like science and history interesting.”
Which sentences provide reasons and evidence to support this claim?
Sentence 8 & 10
________________________________________________________
Which sentence can be added as support of the claim?
A Ms. Bell, a long time 6th-grade teacher, reports that her students
learn best when a combination of teaching methods is used.
B Variety in learning occurs when students are taught the same
material in different ways.
Which sentences provide reasons and evidence to support this claim?
none
________________________________________________________
Which sentence can be added as support of the claim?
A History students could visit museums.
B In a recent survey, 85% of middle school students reported that,
after a field trip to a greenhouse, they found the process of
photosynthesis much more interesting.
Application
©2013 All rights reserved.
Trace the author’s argument. (summarize how many claims and how much evidence):
__________________________________________________________
The author provides 2 claims. The first claim has one short supporting reason and a
__________________________________________________________
longer reason with evidence. The second claim does not have reasons and evidence.
CCSS 6th Grade Reading Informational Text 8.0
Evaluate the claims in an author’s argument.
Lesson to be used by EDI-trained teachers only.
Independent Practice (continued)
Juan and Elena also did reports on bicycle safety.
Which one has provided support for his or her claims in their report? Circle one.
A: Juan’s Report:
Keeping your bike in good condition can keep you safe. Make sure it’s
painted and not rusted. New tires will give you a smoother ride. Put some
good reflectors on it too.
What you wear can make a difference to your safety. A backpack is okay
for carrying things but keep it bright and light. You can get special bike
shoes that are good for your feet. Be careful to avoid the bike chain when
getting on or off the bike. It’s better to put your music player in your pocket
than on your head.
B: Elena’s Report:
Keeping your bike in good condition can keep you safe. You need to
make sure your seat and handlebars fit tightly. Your brakes need to work
without sticking. Your tires need to have enough air in them.
What you wear can make a difference to your safety. Wear bright clothes
so drivers can see you. Also, be sure to wear shoes that will help you grip
the pedals, and avoid loose pant legs or shoelaces that could get caught in
the chain. It’s also not a good idea to wear headphones because you can’t
hear cars coming by you.
©2013 All rights reserved.
Application
Evaluate both reports.
Explain why they did or did not have support for claims.
Elena gave reasons and evidence for the
________________________________________
claims
of keeping the bike in good condition and
________________________________________
what
you wear making a difference to your safety.
________________________________________
Juan talked about the same points but did not
________________________________________
explain
why each point was important. He didn’t
________________________________________
connect
the points to his claims so he did not
________________________________________
have
any real support.
________________________________________
CCSS 6th Grade Reading Informational Text 8.0
Evaluate the claims in an author’s argument.
Lesson to be used by EDI-trained teachers only.
Periodic Review 1
Dogs in The Park
1. One dilemma that many towns and cities are facing is “the decision of whether or not
to allow dogs in the park.” 2. Dogs should not be allowed in parks in order to protect
the environment, other people, and the dogs.
3. According to the Boulder County Nature Association, the presence of dogs in a park
may scare off native wildlife. 4. As a result, hikers will miss out on sightings of these various
animals. 5. Dogs in the park may spread parasites or disease to the wild animals that call
the park home. 6.This could cause a lot of damage to the native wildlife population.
96 words
Claim 1:
“Dogs should not be allowed in parks in order to protect the environment.”
Which sentences provide reasons and evidence to support this claim?
Sentence 3, 5, & 6
________________________________________________________
Which sentence can be added as support of the claim?
A Dogs will dig holes and ruin the landscape and cleanliness of parks.
B Dogs will bark at people and be distracting to people.
Access Common Core
Identify the claims. (underline)
Homework
1. “Why do we have to do homework?” has been a common question among
students . 2. I believe that homework can be very helpful. 3. Homework helps teachers
determine how well lessons are being understood by their students. 4. If students are
able to complete their homework independently, outside of the classroom, teachers
know their lesson was a success.
5. Homework also teaches responsibility. 6. Students feel responsible for finishing
homework, and they feel satisfied when they do it. 7. They start managing their time
better for study and play.
82 words
©2013 All rights reserved.
CCSS 6th Grade Reading Informational Text 8.0
Evaluate the claims in an author’s argument.
Lesson to be used by EDI-trained teachers only.
Periodic Review 2
Dogs in The Park (continued)
7. Even worse, dogs that run loose in the park could kill native wildlife, again damaging the
area wildlife population. 8. Having dogs running around the park could also cause damage the
native plants that are present in the park.
9. According to a 2001 Gallup poll, 11% of American adults admit to being afraid of dogs.
10. These people would not be able to enjoy the public area if dogs were around.
71 words
Claim 2:
“Dogs should not be allowed in parks in order to protect other people.”
Which sentences provide reasons and evidence to support this claim?
________________________________________________________
Sentence 9 & 10
Which sentence can be added as support of the claim?
A Dogs are known to be aggressive and bite unfamiliar people.
B Dogs love to be outside and play with people.
Access Common Core
1. Identify additional reasons and evidence that would support the claim
“Dogs should not be allowed in parks in order to protect the dogs.”
A.
Dogs can be bitten from a snake.
B.
Dogs leave waste where people walk.
C.
Dogs can pick up fleas and ticks.
D.
Walking in the park is good exercise for dogs.
E.
Dogs need to run to stay healthy.
F.
Big or small, veterinarians agree dogs need physical activity.
©2013 All rights reserved.
x Yes
O
O Yes
x Yes
O
O Yes
O Yes
O Yes
O No
x No
O
O No
x No
O
x No
O
x No
O
CCSS 6th Grade Reading Informational Text 8.0
Evaluate the claims in an author’s argument.
Lesson to be used by EDI-trained teachers only.
Periodic Review 3
Paparazzi
1. Celebrity photographers have gone too far! 2. Everyone should have the right to
privacy, yet photographers follow famous people everywhere they go. 3. The creepiest of
these photographers follow celebrities in to bathrooms or climb trees to get shots of
celebrities in their homes. 4.This invasion forces the rich and famous to become rude
and mean to fans. 5. Even worse, sometimes the paparazzi's behavior is dangerous and
irresponsible. 6. Celebrities are sometimes forced to drive 90 miles an hour in an
attempt to outrun relentless photographers.7. People may crave pictures of the stars, but
most readers certainly would not want them at the expense of a celebrity's safety.
8. Newspapers and magazines should cease paying for these kinds of photos, and
photographers who put celebrities in harm's way should be arrested for stalking.
127 words
Claim 1:
“Sometimes the paparazzi's behavior is dangerous and irresponsible.”
Which sentences provide reasons and evidence to support this claim?
Sentence 6
________________________________________________________
Which sentence can be added as support of the claim?
A Paparazzi have sustained injuries trying to get pictures of celebrities.
B Paparazzi have hidden in celebrity garages to get pictures.
Access Common Core
Task:
Trace and evaluate the argument in a text. Students are to read a news article, provide a summary of the
argument presented, and identify and evaluate the claims provided by the author. (write)
Suggested Articles:
School Children Should Not Have Access To Facebook: Argumentative
Mandatory P.E. class not enough to fight fat Education
©2013 All rights reserved.
CCSS 6th Grade Reading Informational Text 8.0
Evaluate the claims in an author’s argument.
Lesson to be used by EDI-trained teachers only.
EDI – Cognitive, Teaching, and English Learner Strategies
Learning Objective: We evaluate an author’s argument and claims.
Cognitive Strategies
Elaboration
Teaching Strategies
Demonstration
Language Strategies
Academic
Targeted
Vocabulary
evaluate, argument, determine, claim
Content
Support
convince, facts, eliminated, reinforced
Multiple-Meaning
Synonym
Vocabulary
Strategy
Definition
Homophone
Internal Context Clue
Listen, Speak
evaluate (value)
Similar Sounds
Read
Tracked Reading
Write
Writing
Content Access Strategies
Comprehensible
Input
Cognates
Graphic Organizer
Contextual Clues
©2013 All rights reserved.
Contextualized
Definitions
Pictures
diversity
CCSS 6th Grade Reading Informational Text 8.0
Evaluate the claims in an author’s argument.
Lesson to be used by EDI-trained teachers only.
Blank Page
©2013 All rights reserved.
CCSS 6th Grade Reading Informational Text 8.0
Evaluate the claims in an author’s argument.
Lesson to be used by EDI-trained teachers only.