Evaluating an Author's Argument
Aligned to RI.6.8 — Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts.
What this lesson teaches
Separate the author's claims from their evidence, then judge whether the evidence is relevant and sufficient. Watch for opinions presented as facts.
Worked examples
Example 1
An author claims a park should be built and supports it with survey data and cost estimates — relevant evidence. A line like 'everyone agrees' is an unsupported claim.
Example 2
An author argues for later school start times using sleep-lab data and a district's crash statistics — relevant, and checkable. 'Studies show' with no study named is not.
Example 3
Evidence can be real and still not support the claim. Data that teens sleep less does not by itself prove a later bell would help.
Practice questions
- Identify one claim and the evidence given for it in an article.
- Is the evidence enough to convince you? Why?
- Find a sentence that's opinion, not fact.
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
Evaluar el Argumento de un Autor
Separa las afirmaciones del autor de su evidencia y luego juzga si la evidencia es relevante y suficiente. Presta atención a las opiniones que se presentan como hechos.
Ejemplo 1: Un autor afirma que se debe construir un parque y lo respalda con datos de encuestas y estimaciones de costo — evidencia relevante. Una frase como 'todo el mundo está de acuerdo' es una afirmación sin sustento.
Ejemplo 2: Un autor defiende empezar la escuela más tarde con datos de laboratorios del sueño y estadísticas de choques de un distrito — relevante y verificable. 'Los estudios demuestran', sin nombrar ninguno, no lo es.
Ejemplo 3: La evidencia puede ser real y aun así no sostener la afirmación. Que los adolescentes duerman menos no prueba por sí solo que un horario más tarde ayudaría.
More Reading: Informational lessons
Teach this lesson today
An AI tutor that guides with questions instead of just giving answers — all K–12 core subjects, every child in the family.
Start free — no card required