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Claims, Reasons, and Relevant Evidence in Argument Writing — Answers

Answer sheet with model answers and success criteria for the 6th Grade persuasive writing worksheet.

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Success TutoringWorksheetsAnswer sheet6th Grade · English · Persuasive Writing

Claims, Reasons, and Relevant Evidence in Argument Writing — Answers

Part A: Label the argument

A claim is the writer's position. Reasons explain why the claim is right. Evidence (facts, examples, expert information) supports each reason. Read the argument, then answer.

Our School Needs a Garden

(1) Our school should turn the empty lot behind the gym into a student garden. (2) First, a garden would give us a hands-on way to learn science. (3) In a garden, students could measure plant growth, test soil, and watch pollinators such as bees and butterflies at work. (4) Second, a garden could help students try healthier foods. (5) Many children are more willing to taste a vegetable they grew themselves. (6) Gardens are also really pretty. (7) Finally, caring for a garden teaches responsibility, because plants need water and attention every week, even when it is hot.

1.Which sentence states the writer's claim?
  1. ASentence 1
  2. BSentence 2
  3. CSentence 5
  4. DSentence 7

Answer: Sentence 1

Sentence 1 states the position the whole argument supports.

2.Write the writer's three reasons in a few words each.

Answer: hands-on science learning; trying healthier foods; learning responsibility

3.Which sentence is evidence for the reason in sentence 2?
  1. ASentence 3
  2. BSentence 4
  3. CSentence 6
  4. DSentence 1

Answer: Sentence 3

It gives specific examples of science students could do in a garden.

4.Which sentence does not support the claim well?
  1. ASentence 3
  2. BSentence 5
  3. CSentence 6
  4. DSentence 7

Answer: Sentence 6

"Gardens are also really pretty" is an opinion with no evidence, and it does not connect to a reason about school or learning.

Part B: Fact or opinion?

A fact can be checked and proven. An opinion is a belief or judgment. Claims are opinions; evidence should be facts.

5.Texas has 254 counties.
  1. Afact
  2. Bopinion

Answer: fact

It can be checked and proven true.

6.Summer is the best season.
  1. Afact
  2. Bopinion

Answer: opinion

It tells what someone believes; others may disagree.

7.Water boils at 212°F at sea level.
  1. Afact
  2. Bopinion

Answer: fact

It can be tested and proven.

8.Every student should learn to play an instrument.
  1. Afact
  2. Bopinion

Answer: opinion

Should signals a judgment that people can argue about.

Part C: Is the evidence relevant?

Relevant evidence directly supports the reason. Circle the evidence that fits.

9.Reason: Our school should have a recycling program because it would reduce trash. Which evidence is relevant?
  1. AMany students like the color green.
  2. BPaper, cans, and plastic bottles make up a large share of the trash in a typical school.
  3. CRecycling bins come in many sizes.
  4. DMy cousin's school has a big library.

Answer: Paper, cans, and plastic bottles make up a large share of the trash in a typical school.

It connects directly to the idea that recycling would reduce trash.

10.Reason: Students should get a longer lunch period so they have time to eat. Which evidence is relevant?
  1. AThe cafeteria was painted last year.
  2. BSome students say they spend most of lunch waiting in line and have only a few minutes left to eat.
  3. CPizza is a popular lunch.
  4. DThe gym is next to the cafeteria.

Answer: Some students say they spend most of lunch waiting in line and have only a few minutes left to eat.

It shows the problem the reason describes: not enough time to eat.

Part D: Explain the evidence

Do not just drop in evidence. Explain how it proves your reason, using words like this shows, this means, or so.

11.Explain how this evidence supports the reason. Reason: A garden helps students try healthier foods. Evidence: Many children are more willing to taste a vegetable they grew themselves.

Answer: If students grow vegetables in the school garden, they will be more likely to taste them, so they will try healthier foods than they might otherwise eat.

  1. Any explanation that links growing vegetables to being willing to taste them is correct.

Part E: Your turn

12.Write one argument paragraph about a change you would like at your school (for example, a longer passing period, a school garden, or more clubs). Include a claim, at least one reason, relevant evidence (a fact or an example), and an explanation of how the evidence supports your reason. Avoid unsupported opinions.

Model answer: Our school should offer a robotics club after school. One reason is that a club would give students a chance to practice engineering skills they cannot fully learn in a regular class period. For example, building a robot takes many weeks of designing, testing, and fixing problems. This shows that students need extra time to complete real engineering projects, and an after-school club would give them that time. A robotics club would help students turn classroom science into real skills.

Success criteria:

  • A clear claim
  • At least one reason that supports the claim
  • Relevant evidence: a fact or an example
  • An explanation that connects the evidence to the reason
  • No unsupported opinions or off-topic details
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