Outdoor Time Argument Worksheet
Grade 7 ELA
Why School Should Have More Outdoor Time
Claim, Evidence & Argument Analysis Worksheet
Name:
Date:
Period:
Score:
Claim (Reclamación): The author's main argument.
Evidence (Evidencia): Facts or reasons that support the claim.
Article: Why School Should Have More Outdoor Time
Highlight 2 supporting details
1 Students spend much of their school day sitting inside classrooms. Schools should provide students with more opportunities to spend time outside because outdoor activities can help students stay active, reduce stress, and improve their ability to focus.
2 Physical activity is one reason students can benefit from spending more time outside. Walking, playing games, or participating in outdoor activities gives students an opportunity to move instead of sitting for long periods of time. Regular physical activity is important for keeping the body healthy.
3 Outdoor time can also help students feel less stressed. School can sometimes be challenging, and students may feel overwhelmed by assignments, tests, and other responsibilities. Taking a short break outside can give students a chance to relax and return to class feeling refreshed.
4 Finally, outdoor activities may help students focus. After spending time moving around or getting fresh air, students may find it easier to return to their schoolwork. For these reasons, schools should consider giving students more opportunities to spend time outside during the school day.
1 Identify the Claim
What is the author's main argument?
The author's claim is
2 Sort the Evidence
Find and place two pieces of evidence into the organizer below.
Evidence from the Article
How does it support the claim?
Evidence #1:
This supports the claim because:
Evidence #2:
This supports the claim because:
Independent & Small Group Practice Page 1 of 2 • Continue on next page →
Part II
Evaluation, Extension & Exit Ticket
Why School Should Have More Outdoor Time
3 Evaluate the Evidence
Analysis
Which piece of evidence is the strongest support for the author's claim? Explain your answer:
The strongest evidence is
because
Challenge Question
Critical Thinking
The author argues that schools should provide more outdoor time. Is all of the evidence in the article equally strong? Which piece of evidence would be the easiest to prove, and which would require more evidence? Explain.
Optional Extension: Create Your Own Claim
Application
Create your own claim about school, then provide two pieces of evidence that could support your claim:
My Claim:
Evidence #1:
Evidence #2:
Summative Assessment • Exit Ticket
Skill Transfer
Read the statement: "The Boston Tea Party demonstrated that some American colonists were willing to take direct action against British policies."
Question: What is the author's main claim, and what evidence supports it?
Response Must:
- Identify the claim
- Provide two pieces of evidence
- Explain how evidence supports claim
Sentence Frames (Marcos de Oración): "The author's claim is..." • "One piece of evidence is..." • "This supports the claim because..."
7th Grade English Language Arts & Social Studies Connections Page 2 of 2 • Assessment Complete
