We will evaluate 1 the claims in an author’s argument.

Name Learning Objective We will evaluate1 the claims in an author’s argument. CFU What are we going to do? What does evaluate mean? Evaluate means __________. Activate Prior Knowledge What does the author want the readers to believe? How does the author support this belief? Immanuel Kant Middle School should continue to allow junk food to be sold on campus. First, the cafeteria makes a profit from the sale of junk food. Also, banning the sale of junk food would not reduce the amount of junk food brought on campus by students. Make Connection Students, you already know that authors sometimes try to make the reader believe something. Now, we will evaluate the claims in an author’s argument. 1 judge the value of Vocabulary

Concept Development • In an argument, an author tries to convince2 others of his or heropinion. • The argument is made up of claims3 that support the author’s opinion. • An author uses reasonsand evidence to support the claims. • Reasons are statements that explain the claim. • Evidence are facts4 that prove the claim. CFU Why is “Our school should allow students to use cell phones in responsible ways on campus” an example of an argument? Which of the following supports the claim “It is good for the school to sell junk food on campus?” A Junk food is often considered the best tasting among students. B When surveyed, many students reported they’d be less likely to buy food on campus if junk food was banned. What is the difference between supported claims and unsupported claims? Vocabulary 2 make someone agree 3 statements of belief 4 things that can be proven

Skill Development/Guided Practice • In an argument, an author tries to convince others of his or her opinion. • The argument is made up of claims that support the author’s opinion. Evaluate the claims in an author’s argument. Read the argument. Determine5 if the author’s claims are supported. (underline reasons/evidence) Hint: Supported claims will provide reasons and evidence. Evaluate the argument and claims. (answer the questions) 1 2 3 School Uniforms 1. The school’s decision to change the dress code to uniforms will hurt students more than help them. 2. I disagree with school officials. 3.Students should not be required to wear uniforms. 3.Uniforms will not help students focus more on their studies.4. When surveyed, only six out of 100 students thought wearing a uniform would help them make better grades. 5. The six students that thought uniforms would help their grades were 8th graders. 6. Also, our school already receives above-average ranking on statewide tests.7. Another reason uniforms hurt students is that uniforms do not allow diversity.8. Diversity allows students to be different. 99 words Claim 1: “Uniforms will not help students focus more on their studies.” Which sentences provide reasons and evidence to support this claim? ________________________________________________________ Which sentence can be added as support of the claim? A Studies have shown there is no correlation between uniforms and grades. B Uniforms should only be worn at private schools. Claim 2:“Uniforms do not allow diversity.” Which sentences provide reasons and evidence to support this claim? ________________________________________________________ Which sentence can be added as support of the claim? A Uniforms are not creative. B Students express their differences when deciding what clothes they will wear. How did I/you determine if the author’s claims were supported? How did I/you evaluate the argument and claims? CFU 5 figure out Vocabulary 2 3

Skill Development/Guided Practice (continued) • In an argument, an author tries to convince others of his or her opinion. • The argument is made up of claims that support the author’s opinion. Evaluate the claims in an author’s argument. Read the argument. Determine if the author’s claims are supported. (underline reasons/evidence) Hint: Supported claims will provide reasons and evidence. Evaluate the argument and claims. (answer the questions) 1 2 3 School Uniforms(continued) 9. Additionally, uniforms are just plain uncomfortable.10. The girls have to wear skirts all year long and the boys have to wear ties. 11. When asked, 75% of the students said wearing such stiff clothes actually distracts them from learning because they are uncomfortable.12. Lastly, uniforms cost a lot of money. 13. Only some clothing stores sell school uniforms. 14. Let us work together to fight against uniforms! 15. The students of William James Middle School should decide what they wear! 76 words Application Claim 3:“Uniforms are just plain uncomfortable.” Which sentences provide reasons and evidence to support this claim? ________________________________________________________ Which sentence can be added as support of the claim? A Wearing skirts in the winter will not keep the girls warm. B Most girls do not like wearing skirts. Trace the author’s argument. (summarize how many claims and how much evidence): ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Claim 4:“Uniforms cost a lot of money.” Which sentences provide reasons and evidence to support this claim? ________________________________________________________ Which sentence can be added as support of the claim? A Students will have to look hard for certain items. B Parents will have to buy twice as many clothes, some only for school, and others for out of school. How did I/you determine if the author’s claims were supported? How did I/you evaluate the argument and claims? CFU 2 3

Skill Development/Guided Practice (continued) • In an argument, an author tries to convince others of his or her opinion. • The argument is made up of claims that support the author’s opinion. Evaluate the claims in an author’s argument. Read the argument. Determine if the author’s claims are supported. (underline reasons/evidence) Hint: Supported claims will provide reasons and evidence. Evaluate the argument and claims. (answer the questions) 1 2 3 Too Much TV? 1. Too much can be a bad thing. 2.Sitting and watching television creates a lazy life style.3.It also keeps kids from learning.4. Most children who spend a large amount of time watching TV spend very little time doing school work and reading. 5. The University of Michigan wrote an article about television and children and they reported children, ranging from the ages 6-11, watch TV for about 28 hours a week. 6.Watching TV is great way to entertain kids and keep them occupied, but this doesn't mean that children should spend all their time in front of the TV.7.Kids need to get their head out from in front of the television and read a good book.135 words Adapted from: http://articles.familylobby.com/287-an-argument-against-television-for-children.htm Claim 1: “Sitting and watching television creates a lazy lifestyle” Which sentences provide reasons and evidence to support this claim? ________________________________________________________ Which sentence can be added as support of the claim? A Television provides an opportunity to spend time with your family. B Children who watch too much television do not get enough physical exercise. Claim 2:“Sitting and watching television keeps kids from learning” Which sentences provide reasons and evidence to support this claim? ________________________________________________________ Which sentence can be added as support of the claim? A Educational television programs can be used to teach children. B A report from the University of Michigan stated that television was the top reason homework was avoided. How did I/you determine if the author’s claims were supported? How did I/you evaluate the argument and claims? CFU 2 3

Skill Development/Guided Practice (continued) Answering ELA Questions 1 Determine what the question or prompt is asking. 2 Determine the ELA concept required. 3 Read the text to determine relevant information. 4 Answer the question. 5 Re-read the directions to determine if you answered all parts of the question. Alan and Rita are both writing reports on bicycle safety. Which one has provided support for his or her claims in their report? Circle one. A: Alan’s Report: Bike riding can lead to accidents. Every year, about 300,000 kids go to the emergency department because of bike injuries. Also, at least 10,000 kids have injuries that require a few days in the hospital. Many of these injuries could likely have been prevented with proper safety equipment. Head injuries are common. That's why it's so important to wear your bike helmet. A helmet will provide some protection for your face, head, and brain in case you fall down. Bike helmets are so important that the U.S. government has created safety standards for them. Answering ELA Questions 1 What am I trying to find? 2 What do I know about this idea? 3 What words or information am I given? 4 Does my answer make sense? 5 Did I answer the original question? Application B: Rita’s Report: Evaluate both reports. Explain why they did or did not have support for claims. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Bike riding can lead to accidents. Helmets are important for safety, and you can put stickers on them to make them look cool. Some are even reflective. Reflective stickers glow in the dark. Head injuries are common. So you have to wear your helmet. Make sure you don’t tilt your helmet back; wear it straight. Bike helmets are also now available in all kinds of colors and shapes. CFU How did I/you determine what the question or prompt is asking? How did I/you determine the ELA concept required? How did I/you determine the relevant information? How did I/you answer the question? How did I/you determine if all parts of the question have been answered? 1 2 3 4 5

Relevance • In an argument, an author tries to convince others of his or her opinion. • The argument is made up of claims that support the author’s opinion. Evaluating the claims in an author’s argument will help you determine what you believe. 1 Evaluating the claims in an author’s argument will help you do well on tests. 2 Sample Test Question: 56. How does the author support his or her claim? A giving details B providing a counter-argument C writing it down D providing reasons and evidence Does anyone else have another reason why is it relevant to evaluate the claims in an author’s argument? (Pair-Share) Why is it relevant to evaluate the claims in an author’s argument? You may give me one of my reasons or one of your own. Which reason is more relevant to you? Why? CFU

In an argument, an author tries to convince others of his or her opinion. • The argument is made up of claims that support the author’s opinion. Skill Closure Evaluate the claims in an author’s argument. Read the argument. Determine if the author’s claims are supported. (underline reasons/evidence) Hint: Supported claims will provide reasons and evidence. Evaluate the argument and claims. (answer the questions) 1 2 3 Save Field Trips 1. David Hume Elementary school has eliminated6 class field trips because they think they are unnecessary. 2. I believe every class should take a field trip. 3. A field trip is the best way to reinforce7 lessons.4. Reading about something is not the same as seeing or experiencing it. 5. A fourth grade teacher reported that students who went on a whale-watching field trip wrote better reports than the students who only learned about whales from reading. 74 words Word Bank argument claim evaluate determine supported Claim 1:“A field trip is the best way to reinforce lessons.” Which sentences provide reasons and evidence to support this claim? ________________________________________________________ Which sentence can be added as support of the claim? A Field trips are fun and allow students to get out of the classroom. B Field trips allow students to connect what they learn in class to real life. Access Common Core Why does “field trips are a great way for teachers to get to know their students” not support the claim in the above argument? ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ Summary Closure What did you learn today about evaluating the claims in an author’s argument? (Pair-Share) Use words from the word bank Day 1 ____________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ Day 2 ____________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________

Name Independent Practice • In an argument, an author tries to convince others of his or her opinion. • The argument is made up of claims that support the author’s opinion. Evaluate the claims in an author’s argument. Read the argument. Determine if the author’s claims are supported. (underline reasons/evidence) Hint: Supported claims will provide reasons and evidence. Evaluate the argument and claims. (answer the questions) 1 2 3 Save Field Trips (continued from Closure) 6. Field trips are needed because they provide variety in learning. 7. No one likes the same routine day in and day out. 8. Research has shown that students learn better when the method of education is occasionally changed. 9. This is because students have different learning types. 10. Some students learn better from listening and taking notes; some learn better from hands-on experience. 11. Lastly, field trips make subjects like science and history more interesting! 12. Museums often give discounts on admission to classes on field trips. 83 words Claim 2:“Field trips are needed because they provide variety in learning.” Which sentences provide reasons and evidence to support this claim? ________________________________________________________ Which sentence can be added as support of the claim? A Ms. Bell, a long time 6th-grade teacher, reports that her students learn best when a combination of teaching methods is used. B Variety in learning occurs when students are taught the same material in different ways. Application Trace the author’s argument. (summarize how many claims and how much evidence): ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Claim 3: “Field trips make subjects like science and history interesting.” Which sentences provide reasons and evidence to support this claim? ________________________________________________________ Which sentence can be added as support of the claim? A History students could visit museums. B In a recent survey, 85% of middle school students reported that, after a field trip to a greenhouse, they found the process of photosynthesis much more interesting.

Independent Practice (continued) Juan and Elena also did reports on bicycle safety. Which one has provided support for his or her claims in their report? Circle one. A: Juan’s Report: Keeping your bike in good condition can keep you safe. Make sure it’s painted and not rusted. New tires will give you a smoother ride. Put some good reflectors on it too. What you wear can make a difference to your safety. A backpack is okay for carrying things but keep it bright and light. You can get special bike shoes that are good for your feet. Be careful to avoid the bike chain when getting on or off the bike. It’s better to put your music player in your pocket than on your head. Application Evaluate both reports. Explain why they did or did not have support for claims. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ B: Elena’s Report: Keeping your bike in good condition can keep you safe. You need to make sure your seat and handlebars fit tightly. Your brakes need to work without sticking. Your tires need to have enough air in them. What you wear can make a difference to your safety. Wear bright clothes so drivers can see you. Also, be sure to wear shoes that will help you grip the pedals, and avoid loose pant legs or shoelaces that could get caught in the chain. It’s also not a good idea to wear headphones because you can’t hear cars coming by you.

Name Periodic Review 1 Solving Math Problems 1 What am I trying to find? 2 What do I know about this idea? 3 What amounts do I know? 4 Solve the problem or answer the question. 5 Did I answer all parts of the question? Dogs in The Park 1. One dilemma that many towns and cities are facing is “the decision of whether or not to allow dogs in the park.” 2. Dogs should not be allowed in parks in order to protect the environment, other people, and the dogs. 3. According to the Boulder County Nature Association, the presence of dogs in a park may scare off native wildlife. 4. As a result, hikers will miss out on sightings of these various animals. 5. Dogs in the park may spread parasites or disease to the wild animals that call the park home. 6.This could cause a lot of damage to the native wildlife population. 96 words Claim 1:“Dogs should not be allowed in parks in order to protect the environment.” Which sentences provide reasons and evidence to support this claim? ________________________________________________________ Which sentence can be added as support of the claim? A Dogs will dig holes and ruin the landscape and cleanliness of parks. B Dogs will bark at people and be distracting to people. Answering ELA Questions 1 Determine what the question or prompt is asking. 2 Determine the ELA concept required. 3 Read the text to determine relevant information. 4 Answer the question. 5 Re-read the directions to determine if you answered all parts of the question. Access Common Core Identify the claims. (underline) Homework 1. “Why do we have to do homework?” has been a common question among students . 2. I believe that homework can be very helpful. 3. Homework helps teachers determine how well lessons are being understood by their students. 4. If students are able to complete their homework independently, outside of the classroom, teachers know their lesson was a success. 5. Homework also teaches responsibility. 6. Students feel responsible for finishing homework, and they feel satisfied when they do it. 7. They start managing their time better for study and play. 82 words

Name Periodic Review 2 Solving Math Problems 1 What am I trying to find? 2 What do I know about this idea? 3 What amounts do I know? 4 Solve the problem or answer the question. 5 Did I answer all parts of the question? Dogs in The Park (continued) 7. Even worse, dogs that run loose in the park could kill native wildlife, again damaging the area wildlife population. 8. Having dogs running around the park could also cause damage the native plants that are present in the park. 9. According to a 2001 Gallup poll, 11% of American adults admit to being afraid of dogs. 10. These people would not be able to enjoy the public area if dogs were around. 71 words • Identify additional reasons and evidence that would support the claim • “Dogs should not be allowed in parks in order to protect the dogs.” Claim 2: “Dogs should not be allowed in parks in order to protect other people.” Which sentences provide reasons and evidence to support this claim? ________________________________________________________ Which sentence can be added as support of the claim? A Dogs are known to be aggressive and bite unfamiliar people. B Dogs love to be outside and play with people. A. Dogs can be bitten from a snake. B. Dogs leave waste where people walk. C. Dogs can pick up fleas and ticks. D. Walking in the park is good exercise for dogs. E. Dogs need to run to stay healthy. F. Big or small, veterinarians agree dogs need physical activity. O Yes O No O Yes O No O Yes O No O Yes O No O Yes O No O Yes O No Answering ELA Questions 1 Determine what the question or prompt is asking. 2 Determine the ELA concept required. 3 Read the text to determine relevant information. 4 Answer the question. 5 Re-read the directions to determine if you answered all parts of the question. Access Common Core

Name Periodic Review 3 Solving Math Problems 1 What am I trying to find? 2 What do I know about this idea? 3 What amounts do I know? 4 Solve the problem or answer the question. 5 Did I answer all parts of the question? Paparazzi 1. Celebrity photographers have gone too far! 2. Everyone should have the right to privacy, yet photographers follow famous people everywhere they go. 3. The creepiest of these photographers follow celebrities in to bathrooms or climb trees to get shots of celebrities in their homes. 4.This invasion forces the rich and famous to become rude and mean to fans. 5. Even worse, sometimes the paparazzi's behavior is dangerous and irresponsible. 6. Celebrities are sometimes forced to drive 90 miles an hour in an attempt to outrun relentless photographers.7. People may crave pictures of the stars, but most readers certainly would not want them at the expense of a celebrity's safety. 8. Newspapers and magazines should cease paying for these kinds of photos, and photographers who put celebrities in harm's way should be arrested for stalking. 127 words Claim 1: “Sometimes the paparazzi's behavior is dangerous and irresponsible.” Which sentences provide reasons and evidence to support this claim? ________________________________________________________ Which sentence can be added as support of the claim? A Paparazzi have sustained injuries trying to get pictures of celebrities. B Paparazzi have hidden in celebrity garages to get pictures. Answering ELA Questions 1 Determine what the question or prompt is asking. 2 Determine the ELA concept required. 3 Read the text to determine relevant information. 4 Answer the question. 5 Re-read the directions to determine if you answered all parts of the question. Access Common Core Task: Trace and evaluate the argument in a text. Students are to read a news article, provide a summary of the argument presented, and identify and evaluate the claims provided by the author. (write) Suggested Articles: School Children Should Not Have Access To Facebook: Argumentative Mandatory P.E. class not enough to fight fat Education

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We will evaluate 1 the claims in an author’s argument.