Claim
Our school should have a longer lunch break.
Grade 6 Make Your Case worksheet
from Gradelings · Name: ______________________
How to explain it
- A claim is the position you argue for. Back it with strong, specific evidence.
- A counterargument is the other side. A rebuttal answers it.
- Persuasive techniques include rhetorical questions (asked for effect, not an answer) and strong emotional words.
Example: “Don’t we all want a safer playground?” Which persuasive technique is this? The writer doesn’t expect a real answer. A question asked for effect is a rhetorical question. Answer: Rhetorical question
Question 1
Which persuasive technique does this use?
A recent study found that schools with gardens saw 15% more students choosing vegetables at lunch.
- Expert opinion
- Facts and statistics
- Bandwagon (everyone's doing it)
- Emotional appeal
Facts and statistics
Hint: The writer uses a number from a study as proof.
Question 2
Put this persuasive paragraph in a logical order.
- Every classroom should have a class pet.
- For instance, students can take turns feeding the pet and cleaning its home.
- For these reasons, a class pet would be a great addition to any classroom.
- First, caring for a pet teaches responsibility.
- Second, watching an animal can help people feel calm.
Every classroom should have a class pet. → First, caring for a pet teaches responsibility. → For instance, students can take turns feeding the pet and cleaning its home. → Second, watching an animal can help people feel calm. → For these reasons, a class pet would be a great addition to any classroom.
Hint: Start with the claim, give each reason followed by its example, and finish with the conclusion. Signal words like “First,” “For example” and “In conclusion” help.
Question 3
Which sentence is a counterargument to this claim?
- In conclusion, our school needs a longer lunch break.
- A longer lunch would give students time to eat and play.
- Students who eat slowly often can't finish their food.
- Some people say a longer lunch would make the school day end later.
Some people say a longer lunch would make the school day end later.
Hint: A counterargument is a reason someone might disagree with the claim.
Question 4
Which sentence presents a counterargument?
Let's Compost!
Our school should start a composting program. Every day, our cafeteria throws away bags of fruit peels and vegetable scraps. Compost would turn that waste into rich soil for the school garden. Some people worry that compost bins will smell. However, a covered bin that is turned regularly has very little odour. Starting a program now would help our school waste less and grow more.
- Some people worry that compost bins will smell.
- However, a covered bin that is turned regularly has very little odour.
- Our school should start a composting program.
- Compost would turn that waste into rich soil for the school garden.
Some people worry that compost bins will smell.
Hint: A counterargument is what someone on the other side might say.
Question 5
Which sentence uses data from the writer's own research?
More Time Outside
Students should get more outdoor time during the school day. Time outside gives students a chance to move, which can help them focus afterward. In our class survey, 22 of 27 students said they felt calmer after recess. Some teachers argue that more outdoor time means less time for learning. However, students who come back focused may learn more in less time. A little more time outside is an investment in learning.
- Students should get more outdoor time during the school day.
- Some teachers argue that more outdoor time means less time for learning.
- In our class survey, 22 of 27 students said they felt calmer after recess.
In our class survey, 22 of 27 students said they felt calmer after recess.
Hint: Data means numbers collected by counting or surveying.
Question 6
Which technique is this?
Everybody is wearing these boots, so you need a pair too!
- Expert opinion
- Rhetorical question
- Bandwagon (everyone's doing it)
Bandwagon (everyone's doing it)
Hint: The ad says everyone is doing it, so you should join in.
Question 7
Which evidence best supports this claim?
Claim
Our class should have a reading corner.
- Some classrooms are painted blue.
- A corner is where two walls meet.
- A quiet corner gives students a calm place to enjoy books and practise reading.
A quiet corner gives students a calm place to enjoy books and practise reading.
Hint: Choose the reason that explains why a reading corner would help students.
Question 8
What is the main purpose of persuasive writing?
- to convince readers to agree or take action
- to explain how to do something step by step
- to describe a person's life
to convince readers to agree or take action
Hint: To persuade means to convince.
Question 9
What does the conclusion of a persuasive piece do?
- sums up the argument and leaves a strong final thought
- introduces a brand new topic
- gives step-by-step instructions
sums up the argument and leaves a strong final thought
Hint: The conclusion is the last chance to remind readers of your claim.
Question 10
Which is the STRONGEST evidence for this claim?
Claim
Our town should keep the public pool open in the evenings.
- Pools have lanes.
- Everybody loves pools.
- A count on three weekdays showed about 90 swimmers arrived after 6:00.
- Water feels cool.
- I like swimming at night.
A count on three weekdays showed about 90 swimmers arrived after 6:00.
Hint: Specific numbers from a real count are stronger than personal opinions or “everybody” claims.
Answer key
- 1. Facts and statistics
- 2. Every classroom should have a class pet. → First, caring for a pet teaches responsibility. → For instance, students can take turns feeding the pet and cleaning its home. → Second, watching an animal can help people feel calm. → For these reasons, a class pet would be a great addition to any classroom.
- 3. Some people say a longer lunch would make the school day end later.
- 4. Some people worry that compost bins will smell.
- 5. In our class survey, 22 of 27 students said they felt calmer after recess.
- 6. Bandwagon (everyone's doing it)
- 7. A quiet corner gives students a calm place to enjoy books and practise reading.
- 8. to convince readers to agree or take action
- 9. sums up the argument and leaves a strong final thought
- 10. A count on three weekdays showed about 90 swimmers arrived after 6:00.
Want more than 10 questions?
In Gradelings the questions change every time and adjust to your child, with hints and kind feedback.