Free teaching resource
Distinguish Claims, Reasons, and Relevant Evidence
In this estimated 40-minute lesson, learners classify statements by their role in an argument: claim, reason, relevant evidence, or unrelated detail. They explain how evidence supports a reason and how that reason supports a claim. Agreement with the claim is not scored.
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- Who it is for
- Grade 6 ELA
- Preparation
- About 5 minutes.
- Teaching time
- About 40 minutes. Planning estimate: opening 3 minutes, strategy 5, model 8, guided classification 10, independent task 12, closure 2. Not classroom-timed.
- Teacher guidance
- Separate teacher files include completed examples or answer and scoring guidance.
Materials
- Learner pages in print or editable DOCX.
- Pencil or another way to mark or record classifications.
- Optional colored pencils or highlighters for marking claim, reason, and evidence.
Download the complete resource
- Learner copy — Editable Word file (38 KB)
- Learner copy — Printable PDF (49 KB)
- Teacher guide and answer key — Editable Word file (41 KB)
- Teacher guide and answer key — Printable PDF (82 KB)
Keep teacher guidance and answers separate from student copies. Word files contain editable text; the PDF files are ready to print.
Support and adaptation
- Read or chunk the argument, use one mark per role, and ask “What job does this sentence do here?” Let the learner point, speak, dictate, type, or write the classification without revealing the answer.
Extension
- Replace the unrelated detail with relevant evidence for the reason. Explain the link and identify what additional information would strengthen the argument.
Preview
Review and use
Version 0.1.2. Independent AI release review passed. Review included a blind task or tool check, a separate instructional audit and file checks. This is not a claim of classroom testing or human certification.
Timing is estimated. Assistive-technology, Microsoft Word and Google Docs testing has not been completed. Use the editable files to adapt the resource to your learners and local curriculum.
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