Page 193 - SpringBoard_ELA_Grade6_Flipbook

aCTIvITy 3.3
Peanuts and Pennies: Identifying Claims in an argument
learNING STraTeGIeS:
Chunking, Close Reading, Paraphrasing, Quickwrite, Marking the Text
aCademIC voCabUlary
In argumentation a writer makes
a claim stating a position or
opinion about a topic. To claim
is to assert or maintain as a
fact. A claim is the overall thesis
describing the author’s position
on an issue.
literary Terms
An editorial is a short essay
in which someone speaking
for a publication expresses an opinion or takes a stand on an issue. News sources—such as television, radio, magazines, newspapers, or online sources— often publish editorials for their
readers.
editorial
ban: to not allow
discourage: attempt to stop an action
unenforceable: unable to make happen
Learning Targets
• Identify a writer’s claim and explain the reasons presented for or against a topic.
• Write a claim stating a position or opinion about a topic.
What Is a Claim?
In argumentative writing, the author’s position is known as a claim. The claim functions like a thesis statement in expository writing. Identifying the author’s claim helps you understand the author’s opinion or point of view on a topic.
Often, an author’s claim appears in the opening paragraph. Sometimes the author states the claim in the middle of the text or even leaves it until the end. To identify a writer’s claim, look for a statement of position or opinion that reflects what the author is trying to say about a controversial topic. A claim will be a statement that is not fact, so the author should provide reasons that support the claim.
Preview
In this activity, you will read an editorial and a news article and think about the claims in an argument.
Setting a Purpose for Reading
• As you read the following editorial, mark the text with an asterisk (*) next to anything you agree with and an X next to anything you disagree with.
• Circle unknown words and phrases. Try to determine the meaning of the words by using context clues, word parts, or a dictionary.
Don’t ban peanuts at school, but teach about the dangers
Des Moines Register Editorial Board
1 Waukee school officials were considering banning peanut products for all students in kindergarten through seventh grade to try to protect children with peanut allergies. The public outcry made officials change their minds. Now the district is proposing a policy that would “strongly discourage” the products in schools.
2 Fine. “Strongly discouraging” may help raise awareness about the danger of nut products. Just a whiff can trigger a reaction in some people with severe allergies. Schools also can do more of what they’re already doing--such as having “peanut free” lunch tables.
3 And they can do what they do best: Educate. Schools should work with parents and students to help them learn about the life-threatening dangers nut products pose for some children. Schools also should provide a list of “safe” foods to send for classroom treats.
4 Banning peanut products would be unenforceable. 166 SpringBoard® English Language Arts Grade 6
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