Learning Gig Resources
Understanding the Structure of an Argument
This reading helps 8th-grade students understand the basic structure of an argumentative text. They will learn how writers use claims, reasons, and evidence to support their ideas and build strong arguments.
Evaluating Evidence: Reliable or Not?
This reading helps 8th-grade students distinguish between strong, credible evidence and weak, unreliable evidence. Students will learn how to evaluate the credibility and relevance of evidence in real-world scenarios like social media posts, news articles, and everyday conversations.
The Role of Reasoning in Arguments
This reading explains the role of logical reasoning in making persuasive arguments. Students will learn how to avoid common logical fallacies and how to construct well-reasoned arguments with strong evidence, using examples from everyday conversations, advertisements, and social media.
Debate in Action: Analyzing Real-World Arguments
This reading guides 8th-grade students through a step-by-step analysis of a real-world argumentative essay. By breaking down the claims, reasoning, and evidence, students learn how to evaluate the strength of an argument and apply this method to contemporary issues.
Project Work (Recommended)
Project: Real-World Argument Analysis
Students will select an argumentative article or opinion piece from a trusted news outlet. They will break down the argument by identifying the claim, reasoning, and evidence presented, and create a visual presentation evaluating the argument's strength and potential biases.
1-2 students
Project: Debate Day - Building and Defending Arguments
Students will participate in a class debate where they develop and defend their own arguments on a relevant topic. They will focus on building strong claims, providing sound reasoning, and supporting their arguments with credible evidence, while preparing counterarguments.
Groups of 2-3 students8th Grade Literature – Evaluating Claims and Evidence
Students learn to evaluate claims, reasons, and evidence in argumentative texts.
Argument
Argument
A set of statements intended to convince others of a point of view.
Claim
Claim
The main point or position in an argument.
Reasons
Reasons
Explanations that support the validity of a claim.
Evidence
Evidence
Proof used to back up reasons, such as facts, data, or expert opinions.
Reliable Evidence
Reliable Evidence
Evidence that is trustworthy, accurate, and from credible sources.
Logical Fallacy
Logical Fallacy
An error in reasoning that weakens an argument.
Ad Hominem
Ad Hominem
A fallacy that attacks the person making the argument, not the argument itself.
Straw Man Fallacy
Straw Man Fallacy
Misrepresenting someone's argument to make it easier to attack.
Bandwagon Fallacy
Bandwagon Fallacy
Claiming something is true just because it's popular.
False Dilemma
False Dilemma
Presenting two extreme options as the only possible choices in an argument.
Slippery Slope
Slippery Slope
A fallacy that claims one action will lead to extreme, often negative, outcomes.
Importance of Reasoning
Importance of Reasoning
Using logic to connect ideas, making arguments clearer and more persuasive.
Premises
Premises
The facts or ideas that form the foundation of an argument.
Conclusion
Conclusion
The statement or claim that follows logically from the premises.
8th Grade Literature – Argumentative Texts: Evaluating Claims and Evidence Study Guide
This is a guide to help 8th-grade students analyze argumentative texts by evaluating claims, reasons, and evidence.
Session Schedule
Learning Gigs are self-paced and this schedule is only an aid for a classroom setting.- Read: Understanding the Structure of an Argument (introduces claims, reasons, and evidence in argumentative texts).
- Watch: Evaluating a Source’s Reasoning and Evidence (Khan Academy video on how to critically assess sources and their reasoning).
- Project Work: Begin brainstorming ideas and outline the claims for both projects.
- Independent Learning: Reflect on the reading and video, researching examples of strong claims and reasons to support both projects.
- Watch: Logical Fallacies (video explaining common logical fallacies and how to avoid them).
- Read: The Role of Reasoning in Arguments (introduces the importance of reasoning and avoiding logical fallacies when building arguments).
- Project Work: Continue developing claims, reasons, and evidence for both projects, making sure to avoid fallacies.
- Independent Learning: Evaluate potential sources to ensure the evidence supporting your projects is strong and relevant.
- Read: Evaluating Evidence: Reliable or Not? (helps students distinguish between strong, credible evidence and weak evidence).
- Read: Debate in Action: Analyzing Real-World Arguments (guides students through evaluating real-world arguments using claims, reasoning, and evidence).
- Study Guide Review: Group review of key terms: claims, evidence, reasoning, and logical fallacies.
- Project Work: Finalize drafts of both projects, ensuring evidence is strong and arguments are well-structured.
- Independent Learning: Use the study guide and notes to review key concepts and polish the final drafts of both projects.
- Assessment: Complete a 20-minute assessment testing understanding of argumentative structure, claims, evidence, and fallacies.
- Project Work: Finalize and review both projects for completion, ensuring arguments are strong and backed by solid evidence.
- Presentations (if applicable): Present both projects, focusing on clarity of arguments and the strength of evidence.
- Independent Learning: Reflect on assessment results and project feedback, making any final adjustments to the projects if necessary.
Session: 1
Students are introduced to argumentative texts and begin their projects. This session focuses on understanding the basic structure of arguments and reasoning.
Session: 2
This session focuses on project development, logical fallacies, and solid reasoning. Students will engage with readings and videos that help identify flawed reasoning.
Session: 3
Students refine their projects using the concepts of strong evidence and apply feedback from prior sessions. This session emphasizes reliable evidence and prepares students for the assessment.
Session: 4
In this final session, students take their assessment, finalize projects, and present (if needed). The session focuses on demonstrating understanding of claims, evidence, and fallacies.
This Learning Gig development generously funded by Outstanda.