CurriculumGrade 9English Language Arts

Argument with Claims and Counterclaims

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, develops it with evidence, and fairly addresses counterclaims before refuting them.

Worked example

Claim: schools should start later. Evidence: sleep studies. Counterclaim: it disrupts schedules — refuted by noting bus routes can adjust.

Practice questions

  1. Write a precise claim and one counterclaim.
  2. Refute the counterclaim with evidence.
  3. Why does addressing the other side strengthen an argument?

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.

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En español

Argumentación con posturas y contraargumentos

Un argumento sólido plantea una postura precisa, la desarrolla con evidencia y aborda los contraargumentos de manera justa antes de refutarlos.

Ejemplo: Postura: las escuelas deberían comenzar más tarde. Evidencia: estudios sobre el sueño. Contraargumento: altera los horarios — refutado señalando que las rutas de autobús pueden ajustarse.

More Writing lessons

Informative, Narrative & Research WritingW.9-10.2Crafting a NarrativeW.9-10.3Writing for Task and AudienceW.9-10.4Revising with PurposeW.9-10.5Publishing and Linking OnlineW.9-10.6Conducting Focused ResearchW.9-10.7

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