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
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students take a clear position on a debatable issue. They identify a different viewpoint and organize their reasons and evidence so the argument makes sense.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students can write an opening that makes their position clear and accurately names another viewpoint. They can arrange reasons and evidence in an order that is easy to follow.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may give a broad topic instead of a position that can be debated. They may confuse the opposing view with their own or place reasons and evidence in a random order.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Should seventh graders have homework every night? Write your position, name an opposing position, then outline two reasons with matching evidence.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give groups claim, counterclaim, reason, and evidence cards to sort into a logical argument on school uniforms.
Ask students to discuss phone use during class, then write an opening that states their view and acknowledges another view.
Play an argument relay where teams match evidence to reasons, order the pairs, and explain each choice.
Have students examine a local opinion article and mark the writer’s position, opposing view, reasons, and supporting evidence.
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Printable WHST.6-8.1a Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.1a, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
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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...
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