Claims vs Facts Slides Writing Workshop
Building a Better Argument
Lesson 1: Claims vs. Facts
The Big Question
"How does a single sentence serve as the roadmap for an entire piece of writing?"
HOT TAKE: Corner Challenge
Where do you stand on these statements?
AGREE
This statement is true and I'll defend it!
DISAGREE
This statement is wrong and I have proof!
"Pineapple belongs on pizza."
The Argument Hierarchy
The Fact
Verifiable information that can be proven true or false.
"Water boils at 212°F."
The Opinion
A personal preference or feeling that cannot be proven.
"I think water tastes better with lemon."
The Claim
A statement that is arguable and needs evidence.
"Schools should replace soda with flavored water to improve health."
Can you write an essay about a fact?
If everyone agrees, there's no reason to write!
Facts lead to encyclopedia entries.
Opinions lead to journals.
Arguable Claims lead to powerful essays.
The "Thesis Test"
Ask yourself: "Could a smart person reasonably disagree with this?"
If NO: It's a fact.
If NO (because it's just a taste): It's an opinion.
If YES: You have a working thesis!
Hot Takes Worksheet Claims vs. Facts
Blueprint Series: Workshop 01
NAME:
DATE:
1
The Hot Take Log
As we go through the classroom activity, record the statements and classify them. Is it a Fact (proven), an Opinion (preference), or an Arguable Claim (debatable with evidence)?
Statement Fact Opinion Claim "Pineapple belongs on pizza."
2
The Thesis Test
CRITERIA:
It is not a simple fact that everyone agrees on.
It is not just a personal taste or feeling.
A reasonable person could argue against it.
1. "The Great Wall of China is over 13,000 miles long."
Is this a thesis? Why or why not?
2. "Video games are fun to play after school."
Is this a thesis? Why or why not?
3. "Violent video games should be restricted to adults because they desensitize players to aggression."
Is this a thesis? Why or why not?
3
The Claim Builder
Turn the following fact into an arguable claim .
FACT: "Most schools start before 8:00 AM."
Your Claim (Draft a sentence someone could disagree with):
Claims vs Facts Teacher Guide Teacher Guide
Lesson 1: Claims vs. Facts
7th Grade ELA
Duration: 45-50 min
Objectives
Students will distinguish between facts, opinions, and arguable claims.
Students will define the criteria for a strong thesis statement.
Students will practice transforming a factual statement into a claim.
Materials
• Claims vs. Facts Slides
• Hot Takes Worksheet
• 4 Signs: Fact, Opinion, Claim, Disagree/Agree
Activity: The Hot Take Corner (15 min)
Place signs in corners of the room: Fact , Opinion , and Arguable Claim . Read the following statements and have students move to the corner they believe describes the statement.
"The school day is 7 hours long."
Correct: FACT
"School lunch tastes terrible."
Correct: OPINION
"Social media is hurting teenagers."
Correct: CLAIM
"Dogs are better than cats."
Correct: OPINION
Teaching Tip: For "Dogs are better than cats," challenge students who say it's a claim. Ask: "What objective evidence would you use? Is there a scale for 'betterness'?" Usually, it remains an opinion.
Discussion Prompts
"Why can't we write a whole essay about a fact?"
Anticipated Answer: Because there is nothing to prove. It's just listing information. There is no 'so what?'
"What makes a claim different from an opinion?"
Anticipated Answer: Opinions are about personal preference; claims can be supported with logic and evidence that others might find convincing.
Differentiation Strategies
Scaffolded
Provide sentence starters for the Claim Builder (e.g., "Schools should start later because...").
Extension
Ask students to find a factual headline in a newspaper and rewrite it as three different arguable claims.
The Thesis Formula Slides Blueprint Series
The Thesis Formula
Lesson 2: Engineering Your Argument
Hook: "Wait, What?"
Yo, what should we write our essay on?
I think we should write about how sports are good.
Uh... okay? Why? Which sports? Good for what? 🤨
A weak thesis is just a vague text message!
The Construction Formula
Subject Topic
Stance Claim
Reasons Why? (x3)
Example:
Middle schools should implement uniforms because they reduce bullying and promote equality.
Component Check
1
The Stance
This is your "Hill to Die On." It must be a command or a strong judgment (should/must/is critical).
2
The Reasons
These are the "Pillars" that hold up your stance. Usually 2-3 specific points.
A strong thesis is specific.
Vague: "Pollution is bad."
Time to Engineer!
Open your "Broken Texts" worksheet. Your job is to take those vague opinions and rebuild them using the Blueprint Formula.
The Checklist:
Subject included?
Stance is clear?
Reasons provided?
Broken Texts Worksheet Broken Texts Workshop
Blueprint Series: Repair Shop
NAME:
DATE:
SUBJECT
The Topic
STANCE
Your Claim
REASONS
Because X and Y
Broken Text
"I think summer vacation is better than school."
FIX IT: Transform this into a formal thesis statement.
Broken Text
"We should probably save the earth because pollution is bad."
FIX IT: Be specific about the action and the reasons.
Broken Text
"Fortnite is actually good for you."
FIX IT: Create a stance and provide two intellectual reasons.
Build Your Own Blueprint
Choose a topic you care about (examples: cell phones in class, homework, artificial intelligence, music lyrics). Fill in the blueprint components below.
1. Subject
2. Stance
3. Reasons (x2)
Full Combined Thesis:
Broken Texts Answer Key Answer Key & Examples
Lesson 2: Broken Texts Workshop
Teacher Use Only
1
"I think summer vacation is better than school."
Possible Strong Revision:
"A three-month summer vacation is essential for students because it prevents academic burnout and allows time for real-world learning experiences."
Subject: Summer vacationStance: Is essential for studentsReasons: Prevents burnout, allows real-world learning
2
"We should probably save the earth because pollution is bad."
Possible Strong Revision:
"Citizens must prioritize the use of renewable energy because it significantly reduces carbon emissions and preserves natural habitats for future generations."
Subject: Use of renewable energyStance: Citizens must prioritizeReasons: Reduces carbon emissions, preserves habitats
3
"Fortnite is actually good for you."
Possible Strong Revision:
"Playing Fortnite can benefit student development because it improves strategic thinking skills and fosters online collaborative teamwork."
Subject: FortniteStance: Benefits student developmentReasons: Improves strategy, fosters teamwork
Grading Criteria for Student Theses
Look For:
Removed "I think" or "In my opinion."
Stronger verbs (must, should, benefits).
Two or more distinct reasons.
Professional, academic tone.
Common Pitfalls:
Reasons are too similar (e.g., "it's fun" and "it's cool").
Missing the "so what?" factor.
Topic is still too broad (e.g., "History is good").
Complex Claims Slides Writing Workshop
The Power of "Although"
Lesson 3: Adding Complexity with Conjunctions
The Opposing Force Challenge
Sentence A
"Social media helps people stay connected."
Conflict
Sentence B
"Social media causes intense feelings of anxiety."
"How can we put these into one sentence that acknowledges both sides?"
The "Magic Words"
ALTHOUGH
Acknowledges the other side right away.
WHILE
Shows two things happening at once.
BECAUSE
Links your claim to your evidence.
"These words act as bridges between conflicting ideas."
The Nuanced Formula
LEVEL 2 BLUEPRINT
Although [Counter-Argument], [Your Stance] because [Reason].
Example:
"Although some believe homework reinforces learning, schools should limit daily assignments because students need time for physical activity and sleep."
Why do this?
It makes you look smarter and more objective.
It shuts down the opponent's argument before they even make it!
The Magic Word Challenge
Look at your worksheet. You will receive sets of "Clashing Sentences." Use your magic words to build a single, powerful, complex thesis for each set.
Magic Word Bag:
✨ Although...
✨ While...
✨ Even though...
Goal:
Create Arguable, Nuanced, & Defensible statements.
Magic Word Challenge Worksheet The Magic Word Challenge
Blueprint Series: Complex Engineering
NAME:
Your Conjunction Toolkit
ALTHOUGH / WHILE
Use these to acknowledge the "other side" (counter-argument).
BECAUSE / SINCE
Use these to bridge your claim to your evidence.
DESPITE
Use this to show why your claim is still true regardless of facts.
Set 1: School Uniforms
"Uniforms make everyone look the same and take away individuality."
"Uniforms reduce bullying based on clothing and financial status."
Combine into one complex thesis (Use ALTHOUGH):
Set 2: Zoos
"Zoos help with conservation and educate the public about wildlife."
"Keeping wild animals in cages is inhumane and causes them stress."
Combine into one complex thesis (Use WHILE):
Set 3: Electric Vehicles (EVs)
"EVs help reduce air pollution and carbon emissions."
"The batteries for EVs require harmful mining and are expensive."
Combine into one complex thesis (Use EVEN THOUGH):
Why is the "Magic Word" version stronger?
Answer in 1 sentence:
Thesis Cheat Sheet Reference The Thesis Cheat Sheet
Advanced Sentence Stems for Complex Claims
Level 1: The "Counter-Anchor" (Although/While)
Use these when you want to show you've considered the other side of the argument.
Although [Opposing side is true], [Your Claim] because [Reason A] and [Reason B].
While [Some people argue X], it is actually [Your Claim] since [Reason A].
Despite the fact that [X is true], [Your Claim] is necessary to [Outcome].
Level 2: The "Call to Action" (Must/Should)
Use these when your argument is about a policy or a change that needs to happen.
In order to [Achieve Goal], [Subject] must [Stance] by [Method].
[Subject] should be required to [Stance] because it [Benefit 1] and [Benefit 2].
Strong "Stance" Verbs
• Mandate
• Prohibit
• Cultivate
• Eliminate
• Transform
• Strengthen
• Compromise
• Prioritize
Bridge Words (Because replacements)
• Since...
• As a result of...
• In light of...
• Driven by...
• Due to...
• Specifically...
• Consequently...
• Provided that...
Pro Tip: If you can't find anyone who would argue the "Although" part, your claim might not be arguable enough!
The Editor Circle Slides Blueprint Series
The Editor Circle
Lesson 4: Refining the Blueprint
Hook: The Green-Light Room
You are no longer students. You are Executive Editors at a major publishing house.
"Your company only publishes articles with rock-solid, arguable, and complex thesis statements. If it's weak, it gets rejected!"
Green Light: Needs no work.
Revision: Good idea, needs fixing.
Rejected: Not an argument.
The Editorial Standards
1. Clarity Check
Do I know exactly what the author wants me to believe?
2. Arguability Check
Could a reasonable person say "Actually, I disagree"?
3. Nuance Check
Does it use a "Magic Word" (Although/While/Because)?
Sample Rejection Notice:
"REJECTED: The thesis 'Recycling is good for the environment' is a fact. There is no argument here. Please revise to include a specific action and reasons why."
The Protocol
01
The Silent Read
Read your partner's thesis silently. Check the criteria on your Editor's Log.
02
The Feedback
Tell them one Strength and one Specific Suggestion for improvement.
03
The Polish
The author rewrites their thesis based on the Editor's suggestions.
Green Light Ready?
Swap your drafts and open your Editor's Logs.
Editor's Log Checklist Editor's Log
Peer Review Feedback Form
Blueprint Series: Workshop 04
AUTHOR:
EDITOR:
1. Initial Scan
Write the author's current thesis statement below:
Is it an Arguable Claim ?
Does it have a Clear Stance ?
Does it have 2+ Reasons ?
Uses a Magic Word ?
2. Editorial Verdict
⭐ The "Anchor" (Strength):
What is the most convincing part of this thesis?
🛠️ The "Structural Fix" (Improvement):
How can the author make this claim stronger or more specific?
Final Recommendation
REJECT
REVISE
GREEN LIGHT
Author's Revised Thesis (To be completed after feedback):
Workshop Facilitator Guide Facilitator Guide
Lesson 4: The Editor Circle Workshop
Workshop Structure
1
Silent Review: 5 minutes per partner.
2
Editorial Discussion: 10 minutes of verbal feedback.
3
The Polish: 10 minutes for revision.
Key Coaching Questions
Circulate the room and ask these to editors:
• "Could you argue the opposite of this statement?"
• "Is there a specific word they could change to sound more authoritative?"
• "Does the 'Magic Word' actually link the two ideas logically?"
Common Issues & Solutions
The "Agreeable" Thesis
"Smoking is bad for health."
The Fix
Push them to a policy. "The government should ban all tobacco advertising because..."
The "Laundry List"
"X is good because 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6."
The Fix
Advise them to group their reasons into 2-3 broader categories (e.g., 'Health benefits' and 'Social benefits').
Editorial Feedback Stems
Providing Strength:
"The most arguable part of your thesis is..."
"I like how specific you are when you mention..."
Suggesting Fixes:
"I'm confused about [word]. Could you use a stronger verb like...?"
"To make this more complex, try adding 'Although' at the start."
The Final Roadmap Slides The Final Roadmap
Lesson 5: From Thesis to Essay
The Contract
A thesis is a PROMISE you make to your reader.
It tells them where the essay is going and what it will prove. If you mention it in the thesis, you must deliver it in the body paragraphs.
The "Roadmap" Logic:
Mapping the Essay
THESIS STATEMENT
Paragraph 1
Reason #1
Topic Sentence
Paragraph 2
Reason #2
Topic Sentence
Paragraph 3
The "Although"
Counter-Argument
Is Your Roadmap Clear?
Sample Thesis:
"While some argue that school uniforms stifle creativity, middle schools should require them because they minimize social status inequality and save families money."
Topic Sentence 1:
One major benefit of uniforms is that they create a more equal social environment...
Topic Sentence 2:
Additionally, school uniforms act as a significant financial relief for families...
Final Mapping
Use the "Thesis Roadmap" organizer to visualize how your thesis will drive your entire essay. Your final draft is due at the end of the session!
1. Finalize Thesis
2. Draft Topic Sentences
3. Exit Ticket
Thesis Roadmap Organizer The Thesis Roadmap
Blueprint Series: Final Layout
NAME:
Your Polished Thesis
The Logical Stops
1
Body Paragraph 1: Topic Sentence
(Based on your first Reason or Counter-Argument)
2
Body Paragraph 2: Topic Sentence
(Based on your next Reason)
3
Body Paragraph 3: Topic Sentence
(Based on your final Reason or Rebuttal)
Map Check:
All reasons from thesis are covered?
Paragraphs follow the same order as the thesis?
Topic sentences are full, arguable claims?
READY TO BUILD
Thesis Mastery Exit Ticket Mastery Check: Thesis Statements
NAME:
1
Identify the Strength
"Although some people think standardized tests are the best way to measure intelligence, colleges should eliminate them from admissions because they ignore student creativity and favor wealthy students."
The Magic Word:
The Stance:
The # of Reasons:
2
Fix the Blueprint
The following thesis is WEAK . Rewrite it to be SPECIFIC and ARGUABLE .
"Recycling is a good thing that everyone should do."
3
Predict the Path
If a thesis says: "Schools should start later because it improves mental health and reduces car accidents ," what should the first body paragraph be about?
How confident are you with thesis statements?
🧱 Beginner
🛠️ Builder
🏗️ Architect
