CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.1a
The Standard
Introduce claim(s), acknowledge alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students begin an argument by stating a clear position and showing that another reasonable position exists. They group reasons with relevant evidence and place the points in an order readers can follow.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can write an opening that makes the position and opposing view easy to identify. The student can create an outline where each reason has relevant evidence and follows a sensible order.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think mentioning an opposing view weakens their argument. They may list facts without connecting each fact to a reason, or arrange points randomly instead of building a clear case.
How to Assess It
- Use this exit ticket: “Should students have assigned seats at lunch?” Ask students to state a position, name an opposing view, and outline two supported reasons.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give groups claim, reason, evidence, and opposing-view cards to sort into a logical argument, then compare their sequences.
Ask students to write: “What might a reasonable person say against your position, and how would you answer?”
Run an argument relay where teams match evidence cards to reasons and place the strongest reason in the most effective spot.
Have students examine two online product reviews, identify each reviewer’s position, and reorganize one review to make its reasoning clearer.
Free download
Printable W.7.1a Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.1a, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.
Download the worksheetLearning progression
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...
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