CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.9b

ELA7th GradeResearch to Build and Present Knowledge

The Standard

Apply grade 7 Reading standards to literary nonfiction (e.g. "Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant and sufficient to support the claims").

Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts

What This Standard Means

Students need to use reading skills when writing or speaking about nonfiction. They should identify an author’s main claim, follow the line of reasoning, and decide whether the evidence actually supports the claim.

Mastery looks like a clear explanation of what the author argues, which evidence is strong or weak, and why. Students often spot opinions, but struggle to separate claims from evidence. They may also say evidence is “good” without explaining relevance, accuracy, or sufficiency.

Ways to Teach It

Give pairs a short editorial, highlighters, and sticky notes to label claim, reasons, evidence, and weak spots in the argument.
Ask students to write: Which piece of evidence best supports the author’s claim, and what makes it convincing?
Use an exit ticket with one paragraph and ask students to name the claim and rate the evidence from 1 to 5.
Bring in a product review or school policy letter, then have students judge whether the reasons and evidence would persuade a real audience.

Before This Standard

If students are struggling here, check these first.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.9b
Grade 6 claim tracing and support checks prepare students to judge sound reasoning and relevant, sufficient evidence in grade 7.

Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.9b

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What This Unlocks

Mastery here sets students up for these next.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.9b
Grade 8 extends evaluating arguments and evidence by adding recognition of irrelevant evidence introduced in literary nonfiction.