CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.1a
The Standard
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 logically.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts
What This Standard Means
Students need to write an argument that starts with a clear claim, then shows they understand other possible positions. They must separate their own claim from an opposing or alternate claim, not mix them together. Their reasons and evidence need to follow an order that makes sense.
Mastery looks like a focused introduction, a claim that can be argued, a fair nod to another view, and body points arranged in a clear sequence. Students often get stuck writing opinions that are too broad, ignoring the other side, or dropping evidence in random order without explaining how it supports the claim.
Ways to Teach It
- Give students claim cards, evidence cards, and counterclaim cards, then have them sort and arrange them into a logical argument outline.
- Ask students to write: What would someone who disagrees with your claim say, and how is your claim different?
- Use a three-minute exit ticket: claim, one opposing claim, two ordered reasons, and one piece of evidence for each reason.
- Bring in two school lunch policy proposals and have students identify each side’s claim, counterclaim, reasons, and evidence order.
Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.1a
Introduce claim(s) and organize the reasons and evidence clearly.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.1a
Introduce claim(s), acknowledge alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically.
- 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.
- 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...
Ready to Teach This Standard?
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.1a, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.