Seventh graders learn to build a strong argument — stating a clear claim, supporting it with reasons and evidence, and then acknowledging and answering the counterclaim — which makes their writing more convincing.
Students will be able to…
The strongest arguments don’t ignore the other side — they take it on! What are the parts of a powerful argument, and why does answering the opposing view make YOU more convincing?
Project this and tap each part of an argument. Have students see how claim, evidence, counterclaim, and rebuttal work together!
Tap any phase to open the teacher moves and student actions.
The best arguments don’t ignore the other side — they answer it. Why?
Teacher models.
Class uses the Argument Explorer.
Students build arguments.
Students share an argument.
Aligned to the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts.
Introduce claims, acknowledge alternate or opposing claims, and organize reasons and evidence.
Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
Trace and evaluate arguments and claims.
Evaluate a speaker’s argument and claims.
Preview the three formative checks. Tap “Sample answer” to see what mastery looks like — hide them before you print for students.
Have students write a complete argument — claim, evidence, counterclaim, and rebuttal — on a topic they care about. A printable argument-writing sheet is in the ELA library.
Tap a card to flip it, then rate whether you knew it. Built from this lesson’s vocabulary.
A quick self-check with instant feedback, drawn from this lesson’s key terms.
A print-and-go review sheet with a built-in answer key. Tap “Show answer key” to reveal answers, or print the clean version for students.