Argumentation
In this introductory unit, students will identify an author’s argument, and analyze how it develops over the course of the text through relevant or irrelevant evidence. Students will also look deeply at a text to identify other factors that could affect an author’s perspective (i.e. geographic location, culture, etc.) This unit will culminate in students generating their own arguments on a topic(s), and providing relevant and specific evidence to support their claim.
Note: Each unit plan is generally taught over the course of one quarter of the school year. Lessons will vary in length, depending on the amount of time you have with students, the resources that you choose to accompany the unit, the level of rigor within each learning target, and any other factors that may contribute to the pacing of your learning progressions. It is recommended that you adjust the pace and length of each learning progression(s) accordingly in response to these factors.
These learning progressions were developed using Next Generation Learning Standards and were cross-walked with the Common Core Standards.
Download the complete Grade 6 ELA Unit 1 framework to customize for your own planning.
Essential Outcomes
Reading
- 6R1: Cite textual evidence to support an analysis of what the text says explicitly/implicitly and make logical inferences.
- 6R3: In literary texts, describe how events unfold, as well as how characters respond or change as the plot moves toward a resolution. In informational texts, analyze how individuals, events, and ideas are introduced, relate to each other, and are developed.
- 6R6: In literary texts, identify the point of view and explain how it is developed and conveys meaning. In informational texts, explain how an author’s geographic location or culture affects his or her perspective.
- 6R8: Trace and evaluate the development of an argument and specific claims in texts, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and relevant evidence from claims that are not.
Language
- 6L4: Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.
- 6L5: Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
Writing
- 6W1: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
- 6W5: Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. Apply the grade 6 Reading Standards to both literary and informational text, where applicable.
Speaking and Listening
- 6SL1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners; express ideas clearly and persuasively, and build on those of others.
- 6SL2: Interpret information presented in diverse formats (e.g., including visual, quantitative, and oral) and explain how it relates to a topic, text, or issue under study.
- 6SL3: Delineate a speaker’s argument and specific claims, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not.
All Standards Addressed in this Unit
- 6R1, 6R3, 6R6, 6R7, 6R8
- 6L1, 6L2, 6L4, 6L5
- 6W1a-f, 6W5
- 6SL1, 6SL2, 6SL3, 6SL4, 6SL5, 6SL6
Essential Questions and Big Ideas
- How do we identify an author’s claim and how it unfolds throughout the text?
- Students will identify and analyze the evidence and decide whether it is relevant or irrelevant to support the claim of the author.
- What factors can affect an author’s perspective?
- Factors such as geographical location and culture can affect the perspective of the author.
- How can I create and demonstrate my own command of claims and evidence?
- Students generate their own arguments on a topic(s), and provide relevant and specific evidence to support their claim.
Download the complete Grade 6 ELA Unit 1 framework to customize for your own planning.