CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.1

ELA8th 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 make a clear claim about an issue or text. They support it with logical reasons, relevant evidence, and explanations that connect the evidence to the claim. They also recognize an opposing view and use a formal tone.
What Mastery Looks Like: Students state a focused claim and organize reasons in a logical order. They choose relevant evidence and explain how it supports each reason. They address an opposing claim and finish with a conclusion that fits the argument.
Common Misconceptions: Students may treat a strong opinion as a complete argument. They may include facts that relate to the topic but do not support their reasons. Some drop in quotations without explaining them or ignore opposing views.
How to Assess It: Exit ticket: Should phones be allowed during lunch? Write one paragraph with a clear claim, two reasons, one relevant fact or example, and an opposing view.

Lesson moves

Give groups claim and evidence cards; students sort evidence under the strongest reason and remove cards that do not support the claim.
Ask, “Should eighth graders have homework on weekends?” Students discuss both sides, then write a claim with two reasons and one counterclaim.
Run an evidence auction where teams spend points on quotations, facts, and examples that best support a posted claim.
Students write a letter to the principal proposing one school change, supported by survey results, school rules, or attendance data.

Free download

A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.1, 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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