CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.1a
The Standard
Introduce claim(s) and organize the reasons and evidence clearly.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students state a clear, arguable position at the start of an argument. They group each reason with relevant evidence and arrange the groups in a logical order.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student writes an opening that names a specific position. The body follows a clear plan, and every reason is supported by evidence that belongs with it.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may name a topic instead of taking a position, such as “school lunches” rather than a clear stance. They often list facts without matching them to reasons. Some arrange ideas in the order they thought of them instead of a logical sequence.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Write a claim about whether sixth graders should have homework, then outline two reasons with one supporting fact or example under each. Number the reasons in the order you would present them.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give groups claim, reason, and evidence cards to sort into two logical argument chains, then ask them to explain their order.
Ask, “Should phones be allowed during lunch?” and have students write a claim, two reasons, and matched evidence before sharing.
Play Argument Relay: teams race to place mixed claim, reason, and evidence strips into a clear outline.
Use a local school issue to draft a short proposal with a stated position, ordered reasons, and evidence from a provided source.
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Printable W.6.1a Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.1a, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.
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Where This Standard Sits
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.
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Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.9-10.1a
Introduce precise claim(s), distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and create an organization that establishes clear relationships among th...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.1a
Introduce claim(s) about a topic or issue, acknowledge and distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence log...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.1a
Introduce claim(s), acknowledge and distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically.
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