Claim Builder

This worksheet helps students in Grades 5 and 6 strengthen argumentative writing, historical reasoning, and evidence-based explanation by evaluating whether Reconstruction protected freedmen’s rights. Students write a clear claim, support it with at least two pieces of historical evidence, and craft a conclusion, creating a mini argumentative essay.

Learning Goals

• Argumentative Writing (Grades 5-6) – Students develop a logical claim, support it with evidence, and form a coherent conclusion.
• Evidence-Based Historical Reasoning – Learners use facts from Reconstruction to justify their position.
• Critical Thinking About Rights & Justice – The activity encourages evaluation of fairness, protections, and societal impact.
• Organizing Ideas Effectively – Students practice structuring arguments with clear claim-evidence-conclusion flow.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource – Designed by educators to align with upper-elementary ELA and social studies standards.
• Builds Confidence in Writing – Structured prompts help students express ideas clearly and logically.
• Promotes Analytical Thinking – Students evaluate historical events and draw reasoned conclusions.
• Flexible Classroom Use – Suitable for independent work, guided lessons, assessments, or enrichment.
• Low-Prep Printable – Ready for classroom or homeschool use.

Argument writing strengthens students’ ability to form evidence-based claims. Organizing ideas into claim, evidence, and conclusion teaches proper argument structure. The worksheet builds confidence in explaining historical issues clearly. It also develops critical thinking around rights, fairness, and justice.