Students learn to take an argument apart — finding the claim (the main point), the reasons behind it, and the evidence that backs it up — so they can decide whether an argument is actually convincing.
Students will be able to…
Someone tries to convince you of something — how do you tell their main point from the proof, and decide whether to believe them?
Project each argument and have students identify the claim, the reasons, and the evidence. The tool explains how the parts fit together.
Tap any phase to open the teacher moves and student actions.
How do you know if an argument is actually good?
Teacher models.
Class uses Trace the Argument.
Students analyze arguments.
Students share an analysis.
Aligned to the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts.
Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, distinguishing claims supported by reasons and evidence.
Cite textual evidence to support analysis of a text.
Determine an author’s point of view or purpose.
Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
Preview the three formative checks. Tap “Sample answer” to see what mastery looks like — hide them before you print for students.
Have students judge whether the evidence for a claim is strong (facts, data) or weak (just opinion), and explain why. A printable argument-analysis 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.