Evaluating Full Arguments

This worksheet helps students in Grades 5 and 6 develop strong analytical reading and critical thinking skills by examining complete argumentative passages. Learners analyze real-world, school-related topics to identify the claim, supporting evidence, and whether a counterclaim is included, then evaluate the overall strength of each argument using clear reasoning and textual evidence.

Learning Goals

• Identifying Argument Components (Grades 5-6)
  Students locate claims, evidence, and counterclaims within full argumentative passages.
• Evaluating Argument Structure
  Learners analyze how well ideas are organized and whether support is relevant and sufficient.
• Assessing Balance & Fairness
  Students examine whether opposing viewpoints are acknowledged and how that affects argument strength.
• Critical Reasoning & Judgment
  The activity reinforces making thoughtful evaluations based on evidence rather than opinion.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource
  Designed by educators to align with upper elementary ELA standards for argument analysis.
• Whole-Argument Focus
  Moves beyond isolated sentences to evaluate complete, multi-part arguments.
• Explanation-Based Responses
  Students justify strength ratings, strengthening reasoning and metacognitive skills.
• Flexible Classroom Use
  Ideal for writing units, reading instruction, assessment, test prep, or debate practice.

This printable worksheet helps students become more confident and capable readers of persuasive text by analyzing how claims, evidence, and counterclaims work together. By evaluating full arguments and explaining their judgments, learners strengthen comprehension, logic, and readiness for writing their own well-supported arguments. It’s a meaningful, no-prep resource for both classroom instruction and homeschool learning.

This worksheet is part of our Arguments and Claims Worksheets collection.