Grade: Grade 5 Subject: English Language Arts Unit: Argument Writing SAT: ExpressionOfIdeas ACT: English

Claims and Evidence

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What is Argument Writing?

Argument writing is when you try to convince someone that your opinion or idea is correct. Unlike telling a story or explaining facts, argument writing aims to persuade your reader to agree with your point of view.

The two most important parts of an argument are your claim (what you believe) and your evidence (proof that supports your claim).

💬 What is a Claim?

A claim is your main argument - the point you're trying to prove. It states your opinion on a topic.

A good claim:

  • States a clear position
  • Can be supported with evidence
  • Is debatable (not everyone would agree)
Example: "Students should have longer recess because it helps them focus better in class."

📋 What is Evidence?

Evidence is the proof you use to support your claim. It shows your reader WHY they should believe you.

Good evidence:

  • Directly supports your claim
  • Comes from reliable sources
  • Is specific, not vague
Example: "A study showed that students who had 30-minute recess scored 15% higher on tests."

Types of Evidence

Facts & Statistics

Numbers, data, and proven information from research.

Expert Opinions

What professionals or specialists say about the topic.

Examples

Real situations or stories that illustrate your point.

Reasons

Logical explanations for why your claim is true.

Remember: A claim without evidence is just an opinion. Evidence without a claim doesn't prove anything. You need BOTH to make a strong argument!

How Claims and Evidence Work Together

The Structure of an Argument

CLAIM
States your position: "School lunches should include more vegetables."
EVIDENCE
Proves your claim: "Research shows that students who eat vegetables have 20% better concentration."
REASONING
Explains the connection: "When students can concentrate better, they learn more and get better grades."

Examples

Example 1: Strong Claim + Strong Evidence

Claim: "Dogs make better pets than cats."

Evidence:

  • Dogs can be trained to do tasks like fetching and sitting on command
  • Studies show dog owners get more exercise because they walk their dogs daily
  • Dogs have been shown to reduce stress in their owners by 30%

Why it works: The evidence directly supports the claim with specific facts and research.

Example 2: Weak Claim vs. Strong Claim

Weak claim: "Pizza is the best food."

This is hard to prove - "best" is too vague and subjective.


Strong claim: "Pizza should be served in school cafeterias once a week."

This is specific and can be supported with evidence about nutrition, cost, and student satisfaction.

Example 3: Matching Evidence to Claims

Claim: "Students should be allowed to use calculators on math tests."


Strong evidence (relevant): "In the real world, adults use calculators for complex math problems, so students should practice using them too."

This directly supports why calculators should be allowed.


Weak evidence (not relevant): "Math is my favorite subject."

This doesn't explain why calculators should be allowed.

Practice: Match Evidence to Claims

Which evidence best supports this claim?

Claim: "Students should read for at least 20 minutes every day."
My favorite book is Harry Potter.
Research shows students who read daily improve their vocabulary by 35%.
Books come in many different sizes.

Which evidence best supports this claim?

Claim: "Recess should not be taken away as punishment."
Recess is when we play soccer.
Some schools don't have playgrounds.
Studies show children need physical activity to focus and behave well in class.

Write Your Own Claim and Evidence

Topic: Should students have homework on weekends?

Practice Problems

Problem 1

Which of these is a CLAIM (not just a fact)?

Problem 2

What makes good evidence STRONG?

Problem 3

Claim: "Eating breakfast helps students do better in school."
Which evidence is STRONGEST?

Problem 4

What is WRONG with this claim: "Everyone knows that summer is the best season"?

Problem 5

Which type of evidence would be MOST convincing?

Check Your Understanding

Question 1

In your own words, what is the difference between a claim and evidence?

Question 2

Why do you need BOTH a claim AND evidence to write a good argument?

Question 3

Which is the best way to introduce evidence in your writing?

Summary

💬

Claims

State your position clearly and specifically

📋

Evidence

Support claims with facts, research, and examples

🔗

Connection

Explain how evidence proves your claim

💪

Strong Arguments

Combine claims + evidence + reasoning

Key Takeaway: Good argument writing = Clear Claim + Strong Evidence + Logical Reasoning. Practice finding evidence for claims you believe in, and your persuasive writing will become much more powerful!

Next Steps

  • Practice identifying claims and evidence in articles you read
  • Try writing a short argument about a topic you care about
  • Move on to learn about Addressing Counterarguments