High school · English language arts · 20 minutes
Evaluate Claims and Evidence
Evaluate whether an argument’s evidence supports the scope of its claim.
High School Reading & Writing · Lesson 1 · Starter collectionLearning objective
Evaluate whether an argument’s evidence supports the scope of its claim.
Gather your materials
- Paper or a shared note-taking document
- The original passage, example or data provided in this lesson
The lesson time covers the core activity. Allow extra time for video viewing and extended discussion.
Common Core skill focus
RI.9-10.8Standard level: Grades 9–10
Evaluate an argument’s reasoning and whether its evidence is relevant and sufficient.
Read the official standard ↗Short original examples introduce the skill; extend with appropriately complex informational texts. Code and level checked 2026-11-04; selected skill coverage.
Teach it step by step
- Ask what the learner already knows. Introduce the objective and read the explanation together.
- Work through the example aloud. Pause for the learner to explain why each step or piece of evidence matters.
- Choose a video if useful, then connect it to the example. Let the learner complete the independent practice before checking the explained answers.
- Discuss the question below and finish with the exit check. Revisit the example if the reasoning is unclear.
Watch, notice, discuss
Video choices for this lesson
Preview a video, then choose what fits your learners. “Show to class” opens a larger view; use the player’s play and full-screen controls when you’re ready.
Teacher preview needed. Check the language, level and length before showing. YouTube may show ads or related videos.
Evaluating a source’s reasoning and evidence | Reading | Khan Academy
By Khan Academy
Use this explanation as an introduction, then pause to connect it to the worked example and discussion question.
Open on YouTube: Evaluating a source’s reasoning and evidence | Reading | Khan Academy (opens a new tab) ↗What is an argument? | Reading | Khan Academy
By Khan Academy
Compare this alternate explanation with the lesson. Ask learners to show their reasoning after watching.
Open on YouTube: What is an argument? | Reading | Khan Academy (opens a new tab) ↗Is the evidence relevant and sufficient for the claim? Name an assumption or missing piece.
An external player loads only after you choose Preview or Show to class. Playback connects to YouTube. Videos belong to their creators; availability and embedding can change.
Understand the idea
An argument connects a claim to reasons and evidence. Evaluate relevance, source credibility and sufficiency. Ask whether the evidence addresses the claim and whether other explanations remain. A correlation shows an association; it does not by itself establish causation. Consider counterevidence and distinguish a source’s expertise from its possible incentives.
Worked example
A hypothetical article claims, “Our new study app raises everyone’s grades.” It cites a voluntary survey of 20 users who reported studying more. The survey may suggest perceived changes among those respondents. It does not establish measured grade gains, represent all students or show that the app caused a change. A narrower supported claim would identify the survey and its limits.
Try it yourself
- Identify two gaps between the evidence and the claim.
- Rewrite the claim to match the evidence.
- Describe evidence that would strengthen a causal claim.
Check your reasoning
- Examples include no measured grades, a small voluntary sample, no comparison group and possible self-report bias.
- Possible wording: In a survey of 20 volunteer users, respondents reported spending more time studying.
- A well-designed study measuring outcomes, accounting for alternative explanations and using an appropriate comparison would help. Discuss ethical and practical limits.
Make it work for your learner
For support, model the example one step at a time and ask the learner to explain each choice in their own words. Use a sketch, organizer or physical model where helpful. For a challenge, create a new example, test an alternative explanation or describe when the model would not apply.
Exit check
Evaluate whether an argument’s evidence supports the scope of its claim. Explain your reasoning with a specific example before moving on.
Prepare · Discuss · Reflect
Use evidence in a conversation
Discussion question: Is the evidence relevant and sufficient for the claim? Name an assumption or missing piece.
- Before discussing, write a tentative answer with two details from the lesson’s passage, example or data. For a longer discussion, the teacher can add an age-appropriate source.
- In pairs, a group or a tutor–learner conversation, agree on roles: facilitator, evidence finder and note taker. Combine roles when needed and allow equal time to respond.
- Share evidence, ask a clarifying question and respond to a different interpretation. Explain which details support or challenge a claim.
- Paraphrase another person’s point. Write a final conclusion explaining what changed, what remains uncertain and what evidence you would seek next.
Teacher look-for: Accurate use of the example, reasons linked to evidence, thoughtful questions and a response to another viewpoint. A well-supported alternative answer is welcome.