Evidence Locker Worksheet The Big Switch
Case File: The 4-Day School Week
Attorney:
Date:
The Mission
The school board is considering a massive change: switching from a 5-day school week to a 4-day school week. While students might be excited about a three-day weekend, there are significant trade-offs including longer school days and potential childcare issues for families.
Your job is to act as an Arguments Attorney. You will research both sides, develop a strong claim, and write a persuasive argument to convince the board.
Step 1: The First Impression
Before you look at the evidence, what is your gut reaction? What are some immediate pros and cons you can think of?
Potential Pros
Potential Cons
Step 2: The Evidence Locker
As you read the provided articles, record three pieces of credible evidence that support your chosen side. Make sure to note your source!
1 Evidence Piece:
Source / Credibility:
Why this matters (Elaboration):
2 Evidence Piece:
Source / Credibility:
Why this matters (Elaboration):
3 Evidence Piece:
Source / Credibility:
Why this matters (Elaboration):
Step 3: Final Claim & Thesis Statement
Your claim (also called a thesis statement ) is the backbone of your entire case. It must be specific, arguable, and clear. Avoid phrases like "I think" or "In my opinion" to maintain a professional legal tone.
Requirement: Must mention the school schedule and at least one impact (cost, learning, or health).
Official Statement of Argumentative Intent
Lead Attorney Sig:
Step 4: Strategic Note: The Opposition
A great attorney knows what the other side will say. In one sentence, what is the strongest argument against your claim?
Case Briefing Slides Case Briefing
THE BIG
SWITCH
Argumentative Writing Unit: Phase 1
The Situation
The School Board is debating a 4-Day School Week.
Students get Fridays or Mondays off.
School days get 90 minutes longer.
Childcare and sports schedules change.
New Schedule Pending
Your Role: Arguments Attorney
Investigate
Gather evidence from credible sources. Look for the "Truth."
Analyze
Weigh the pros and cons. Decide which case is stronger.
Advocate
Write a powerful closing argument that wins the board over.
What is "Credible" Evidence?
✓
Facts & Statistics
"90% of districts saw lower costs..."
✓
Expert Testimony
"Dr. Aris says sleep improves performance..."
✗
Personal Opinions
"I think 4 days is better because I'm tired."
Attorney Tip
Case File Rules
Always cite your Source. If we don't know where the info came from, the jury won't believe it!
The Power of the Claim
aka Thesis Statement
The Weak Defense (Don't do this)
"I think 4-day school weeks are a pretty good idea for kids."
The Strong Case (Do this)
"Implementing a 4-day school week will improve student mental health and reduce district operational costs."
It is specific. It is arguable. It is professional.
Attorney Handbook Teacher Guide Attorney Handbook
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Unit: The Big Switch
Grade: 7th Grade ELA
Unit Briefing
In this week-long unit, students step into the role of "Arguments Attorneys" representing different interests in the 4-day school week controversy. The goal is to master the art of the counterclaim and rebuttal while using credible evidence to support a central claim or thesis statement .
Core Standards
• Trace and evaluate arguments.
• Support claims with logical reasoning.
• Acknowledge alternate/opposing claims.
Key Vocabulary
• Claim/Thesis Statement: The primary argument.
• Counterclaim: The "Objection."
• Rebuttal: The strike-back response.
The Trial Schedule
Day 01
Opening Statements & Investigation
Use the Case Briefing Slides to hook students. Hand out the Evidence Locker Worksheet . Students begin exploring provided articles and gathering initial evidence.
Day 02
The Evidence Locker
Deep-dive research day. Students finalize their 3 pieces of evidence on the Evidence Locker Worksheet and draft their formal Claim (Thesis Statement).
Day 03
Objection! (Counterclaims)
Show the Objection Slides . Use the Rebuttal Radar Worksheet to practice identifying the opposition's perspective and drafting strategic rebuttals.
Day 04
Drafting the Brief
Hand out the Closing Statement Organizer . Students synthesize their research and rebuttals into a formal argumentative outline or essay draft.
Day 05
Final Verdict
Peer review and final submission. Optional: Conduct a "Mock School Board Meeting" where students read their closing statements to a panel of "Judges" (you or guest teachers).
Attorney Coaching Tips
The "Credibility" Check
7th graders often struggle with what makes a source credible. Remind them that a "blog post by a student" is less powerful than "a study by a university."
Rebuttal Strategy Selection
Encourage students to use "The Weight" strategy for this topic. It’s the most realistic. (e.g., "While childcare IS expensive, the mental health benefits of an extra day off are more important for long-term student success.")
Objection Slides Phase 2
OBJECTION!
Mastering Counterclaims & Rebuttals
The Counterclaim
The Counterclaim is the "Objection" to your argument. It's the other side's point of view.
Why include it?
It shows you are fair .
It makes you look expert .
"Opposing counsel will likely argue that daycare costs will rise for working families..."
The Rebuttal
The Goal
The Rebuttal is your "Cross-Examination." You explain why the Objection is wrong or why your point is more important.
Step 1: Acknowledge
"While it is true that daycare costs may increase..."
Step 2: Strike Back
"...the savings from school utilities can be used to fund after-school programs."
3 Ways to Strike Back
The Flaw
Point out why their evidence is outdated or incorrect.
The Weight
Admit they have a point, but show your point is more important.
The Pivot
Show how their point actually supports your side.
ATTORNEYS:
PREPARE FOR TRIAL
Open your Rebuttal Radar. Identify the opposition's arguments and prepare your strikes.
Rebuttal Radar Worksheet Rebuttal Radar
Tactical Defense Planning
Case ID
7-ARG-4DSW
Date
1. Intercepting the Opposition
Identify three common "Objections" (counterclaims) someone might have against your claim / thesis statement about the 4-day school week. Be specific!
Frequency: High
Objection Alpha:
Frequency: Medium
Objection Bravo:
2. The Strike Back (Rebuttals)
Choose your strongest "Objection" from above. Now, use one of the strategies from today's slides to dismantle it.
Strategy A
The Flaw
Strategy B
The Weight
Strategy C
The Pivot
Target Objection:
Your Rebuttal Evidence:
Tip: Use statistics or expert testimony to make your strike back undeniable.
Connecting Phrase (Drafting):
Try: "While some may argue [objection], it is clear that [rebuttal] because..."
Defense Preparation complete
Closing Statement Organizer Lead Attorney's Final Brief
Case: The 4-Day School Week Initiative
Counsel:
Filing Date: February 2026
I. Opening Statement
The Hook (Grab the jury's attention):
Background (What is the 4-day school week?):
Final Claim / Thesis Statement (Your specific stance):
II. Evidentiary Support
Body Paragraphs 1 & 2
Argument #1
Cite specific source from Evidence Locker.
Argument #2
Cite specific source from Evidence Locker.
III. Counter-Defense (The Rebuttal)
Address the opposition's strongest point and dismantle it using your Rebuttal Radar strategy.
Counterclaim (What "They" say):
Rebuttal (The "Strike Back"):
The Flaw
The Weight
The Pivot
IV. The Closing Appeal
Summarize your main points and leave the board with a powerful final thought.
Official Brief
Verdict Rubric Assessment The Official Verdict
Argumentative Writing Rubric
Final Score
/ 20
Counsel for the Case:
Case Topic:
Criteria Expert (4) Proficient (3) Apprentice (2) Novice (1) The Claim
Thesis Statement & Stance
| Bold, clear, and specific thesis statement on the 4-day week. | Clear claim, but may be slightly broad or wordy. | Stance is present but confusing or lacks focus. | No clear stance, claim, or thesis statement provided. |
|
Evidence
Support & Credibility
| Uses 3+ credible facts, stats, or expert quotes. | Uses 2 credible pieces of evidence. | Evidence is present but lacks credibility or detail. | Relies on personal opinion rather than facts. |
|
The Rebuttal
Addressing Opponents
| Identifies a strong objection and skillfully dismantles it. | Identifies an objection and provides a logical response. | Mention of other side is weak or poorly explained. | Does not address the opposing side. |
|
Structure
Brief Organization
| Perfectly organized Intro, Body, Counter, Conclusion. | Mostly organized with logical flow. | Some sections are mixed up or missing transitions. | Disorganized; difficult to follow the case. |
|
Attorney Tone
Voice & Grammar
| Professional, formal, and free of errors. No "I think." | Mostly formal with very few errors. | Too informal at times; several distracting errors. | Conversational; many errors hinder reading. |
Judge's Deliberation Notes
Justice in Writing
