Challenge the Claim

This worksheet helps students in Grades 6, 7, and 8 strengthen argument analysis, logical reasoning, counterargument writing, evidence evaluation, and critical thinking skills through focused practice with persuasive text. Students identify an author’s main claim, examine weaknesses in reasoning, and develop counterarguments that challenge unsupported assertions, assumptions, or overstated ideas.

Learning Goals

• Argument & Claim Analysis (Grades 6-8): Identify the author’s central claim and evaluate how it is presented.
• Counterargument Development: Brainstorm and write multiple counterarguments that directly respond to the original reasoning.
• Logical Reasoning Skills: Analyze how rebuttals expose flaws such as weak evidence, assumptions, or exaggeration.
• Evidence-Based Writing: Practice supporting a counterargument with evidence, examples, or real-world experience.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource: Designed by educators to align with ELA argument writing and reasoning standards.
• Structured Thinking Support: Guided prompts help students move from analysis to written response.
• Flexible Classroom Use: Ideal for debate units, argumentative writing lessons, small groups, or independent practice.
• Extension Opportunity: Bonus task challenges students to craft a complete, well-supported counterargument.

This printable worksheet builds essential skills in argumentative writing, critical reading, and logical evaluation. By challenging claims and developing counterarguments, students gain confidence analyzing persuasive texts and expressing reasoned disagreements clearly. Well suited for both classroom instruction and homeschool settings, this resource supports deeper understanding of how strong arguments are tested and improved.

This worksheet is part of our Critical Comprehension Worksheets collection.