Tracing Lewis’s Argument

This worksheet is designed for students in Grades 8, 9, and 10 to build comprehension of complex philosophical writing by tracing the logical progression of C.S. Lewis’s The Abolition of Man. Learners sequence key ideas from Lewis’s three lectures to see how claims, evidence, and conclusions develop step by step, strengthening understanding of argument structure, thematic buildup, and cause-and-effect reasoning in nonfiction texts.

Learning Goals

• Sequencing Ideas in Argument (Grades 8-10)
  Students arrange major claims and concepts in chronological order to reflect Lewis’s reasoning.
• Understanding Logical Progression
  Learners analyze how each lecture builds on the previous one to advance a central thesis.
• Comprehending Complex Text Structures
  Activities focus on recognizing transitions, dependencies, and cumulative logic in philosophy.
• Cause-and-Effect Relationships in Ideas
  Students connect premises to consequences to clarify why each step matters.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource
  Designed by educators to align with secondary ELA and philosophy standards.
• Clear, Structured Sequencing Task
  Reduces cognitive load while supporting deep comprehension of dense material.
• Supports Close Reading & Note-Taking
  Ideal as a reading guide, review tool, or study aid across the three lectures.
• Discussion & Writing Ready
  Sequenced understanding prepares students for essays, debates, and seminars.
• Printable & No-Prep
  Easy to implement in classroom or homeschool settings.

This Tracing Lewis’s Argument worksheet helps students grasp how philosophical arguments are constructed over time. By sequencing Lewis’s ideas and examining their connections, learners strengthen logical reasoning, reading comprehension, and confidence engaging with challenging nonfiction. Whether used as a guided reading activity or a review before discussion, this printable resource supports thoughtful analysis of argument development.

This worksheet is part of our Abolition of Man collection.