A Speaker's Reasons
Aligned to SL.4.3 — Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts.
What this lesson teaches
When someone tries to convince you of something out loud, listen for their reasons and evidence — the facts or examples that support their point. Good listeners can tell the difference between an opinion and the proof behind it.
Worked examples
Example 1
A classmate says, 'We should plant a garden.' Her reasons: it teaches us about plants, and it gives us fresh food. Those reasons are what make her point convincing.
Example 2
A speaker says, 'We need a crosswalk here.' Her reasons: three near-misses this year, and the school is across the road.
Example 3
A reason with a number behind it is stronger than one without. Notice when a speaker gives you neither.
Practice questions
- Listen to someone share an opinion and name one reason they give for it.
- Explain how a reason is different from just an opinion.
- Think of a request you might make and list two good reasons to support 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
Las Razones de Quien Habla
Cuando alguien trata de convencerte de algo en voz alta, escucha sus razones y evidencia — los hechos o ejemplos que apoyan su punto. Los buenos oyentes pueden distinguir entre una opinión y la prueba que la respalda.
Ejemplo 1: Una compañera dice: 'Deberíamos plantar un jardín.' Sus razones: nos enseña sobre las plantas y nos da comida fresca. Esas razones son las que hacen convincente su punto.
Ejemplo 2: Una ponente dice: 'Necesitamos un cruce peatonal aquí.' Sus razones: tres casi accidentes este año y la escuela está al otro lado.
Ejemplo 3: Una razón con un número detrás es más fuerte que una sin él. Fíjate cuando quien habla no te da ninguno de los dos.
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