Seventh graders learn to evaluate arguments — checking whether an author’s reasoning is logical and whether the evidence is relevant and sufficient — so they can tell a strong argument from a weak one.
Students will be able to…
An author is trying to convince you of something. How do you decide if the argument is actually strong — or just sounds good? You evaluate the reasoning and the evidence.
Project each item and have students evaluate the argument. The tool explains what makes reasoning and evidence strong.
Tap any phase to open the teacher moves and student actions.
An author is convincing you of something — how do you know if it’s strong?
Teacher models.
Class uses Strong or Weak?
Students evaluate.
Students share an evaluation.
Aligned to the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts.
Trace and evaluate the argument and claims, assessing whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence relevant and sufficient.
Cite textual evidence to support analysis.
Analyze the structure an author uses.
Write arguments to support claims with reasoning and evidence.
Preview the three formative checks. Tap “Sample answer” to see what mastery looks like — hide them before you print for students.
Have students look for common weak spots in arguments — like using emotion instead of evidence, or too few examples. A printable argument-evaluation 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.