CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.1

ELA6th GradeText Types and Purposes

The Standard

Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.

Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts · Writing Standards

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students take a clear position on an issue, then support it with logical reasons and specific evidence. They organize their ideas so readers can follow how each detail supports the position.
What Mastery Looks Like: A student states a focused position and organizes reasons in a logical order. Each reason is backed by specific facts, examples, or details that clearly connect to the position.
Common Misconceptions: Students may state an opinion without giving reasons, or repeat the claim as a reason. They may include facts that sound convincing but do not directly support the position.
How to Assess It: Use this exit ticket: “Should sixth graders have homework every night? State your claim, give one reason, and support it with relevant evidence.”

Lesson moves

Give groups claim, reason, and evidence cards to sort, then ask them to explain why each evidence card fits its reason.
Ask students to write and defend a position on whether phones should be allowed during lunch.
Play Evidence Match, where teams choose the strongest evidence for a claim and earn points by explaining their choice.
Have students write a letter to the principal proposing one realistic school change, supported by survey results or school data.

Free download

A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.1, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.

PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.

Learning progression

See the whole path on the Writing progression map.

If students are struggling here, check these first.

Mastery here sets students up for these next.

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