Writing a Reasoned Argument
Aligned to W.9-10.1 — Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts.
What this lesson teaches
A strong argument states a precise claim, supports it with sufficient and relevant evidence, and links each piece of evidence to the claim with clear reasoning. It also fairly acknowledges a counterclaim before answering it.
Worked example
Claim: schools should delay start times. Evidence: teens' biology shifts sleep later. Reasoning: since the schedule fights biology, later starts align school with how students actually function — and even parents worried about logistics benefit from more alert teens.
Practice questions
- Write one precise, arguable claim on a topic you know.
- List two pieces of relevant evidence and the reasoning that ties each to the claim.
- State the strongest counterclaim and write one sentence answering it.
Watch the lesson
Every lesson comes with a video taught in English and Spanish — the same video the QR code in the printed workbook opens.
▶ Watch this lessonEn español
Escribir un Argumento Razonado
Un argumento sólido enuncia una afirmación precisa, la apoya con evidencia suficiente y pertinente, y conecta cada evidencia con la afirmación mediante un razonamiento claro. También reconoce con justicia un contraargumento antes de responderlo.
Ejemplo: Afirmación: las escuelas deberían empezar más tarde. Evidencia: la biología de los adolescentes retrasa el sueño. Razonamiento: como el horario pelea contra la biología, empezar más tarde alinea la escuela con cómo funcionan los estudiantes — y hasta los padres preocupados por la logística ganan con adolescentes más despiertos.
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