Common Core Standards

Grade 6

Reading 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.

Did you know that a newborn kitten can absorb water about as well as a car sponge? You didn't? That's okay—they actually don't. But this example brings up the point of this Common Core Standard: students need to realize that not everything they read will be right, and they need to learn how to distinguish between writings that are right and ones that aren't. When students have to "evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text," they basically have to say whether the author's argument makes sense or not, based on the evidence provided. Authors can't just make a claim and not back it up, or worse, make incorrect claims that are backed up with bad evidence.

Example 1

Here's a lesson to use when introducing a new author—we use Jerry Spinelli, but you could use any author you like.

Have students use a graphic organizer to track facts and opinions while reading excerpts from Jerry Spinelli’s autobiography, interview, and speeches. Then have them compile the facts and information into a booklet about Jerry Spinelli’s life.

Aligned Resources

Teacher Guides

Aristotle

The observed gravitational effect between Common Core activities results from their warping of Shmooptime.