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Evaluating Arguments in Non-Fiction

CONCEPTUAL
EnglishReading Comprehension|Ages 11—14|ID: mt_gMSFymQlrW

Evaluate arguments and claims in non-fiction texts — assess whether reasoning is sound, evidence is relevant and sufficient, distinguish between fact and opinion, and recognise bias, propaganda, and rhetorical techniques

Mastery Evidence

  • Identify the main claim in an argument text and evaluate whether the evidence presented is sufficient
  • Spot logical fallacies or irrelevant evidence introduced to distract from weak reasoning
  • Compare two opposing arguments on the same issue and evaluate which is more convincing, with reasons

Assessment Prompt

“When [child] reads a persuasive piece — like an editorial or a speech — can they identify the rhetorical techniques being used, evaluate whether the argument is logically sound, and explain what might be biased or misleading?”

Curriculum Standards5 alignments

RI.6.8Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects
RI.6.8

Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not.

English Language Arts
RI.7.8Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects
RI.7.8

Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant and sufficient to support the claims.

English Language Arts
RI.8.8Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects
RI.8.8

Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant and sufficient; recognize when irrelevant evidence is introduced.

English Language Arts
KS3-ENG-R-2bThe national curriculum in England
Make inferences and refer to evidence

making inferences and referring to evidence in the text

· Key Stage 3
KS3-ENG-R-3eThe national curriculum in England
Make critical comparisons

making critical comparisons across texts

· Key Stage 3

Prerequisites3

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Unlocks1