CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.11-12.1b
The Standard
Develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly and thoroughly, supplying the most relevant data and evidence for each while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both claim(s) and counterclaims in a discipline-appropriate form that anticipates the audience's knowledge level, concerns, values, and possible biases.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts
What This Standard Means
Students need to build an argument that treats both sides seriously. They should choose strong evidence, not just evidence that agrees with them, and explain why each piece matters. They also need to name limits, gaps, or tradeoffs in both their position and the opposing position.
Mastery looks like a balanced, well-supported argument written in the style of the subject, such as a history brief, science report, or technical recommendation. Students often get stuck by straw-manning the other side, dropping in data without explanation, or ignoring what their audience already believes or worries about.
Ways to Teach It
- Give pairs two source packets on a local policy issue, and have them sort evidence into claim, counterclaim, strength, and limitation columns.
- Ask students to write one paragraph that begins, “A fair critic would argue,” then answer that critic without dismissive language.
- Use an exit ticket asking for one claim, one counterclaim, one best evidence piece, and one limitation for each side.
- Have students revise an argument for two audiences, a skeptical parent group and a technical committee, changing evidence and tone for each.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.1b
Develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly, supplying evidence for each while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both in a manner that anticipates the...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.1b
Develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly and thoroughly, supplying the most relevant evidence for each while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.11-12.1a
Introduce precise, knowledgeable claim(s), establish the significance of the claim(s), distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and create an...
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