Seventh Grade · Writing · week 1

Planning a Claim You Can Actually Defend

Write a clear, arguable claim on a debatable issue and identify a genuine counterclaim the opposing side could make.

Argumentative writing takes a position on a real, debatable issue and builds a case for it using reasons and evidence -- it is different from explaining a topic, because a real reader could reasonably disagree with you. This unit works with one running issue: whether middle and high schools should start later in the morning. A claim is the one clear sentence that states your position. To count as a real claim, it has to be specific enough, and arguable enough, that a thoughtful person could take the other side.

A counterclaim is what someone on the other side genuinely believes, and why -- not a silly, weak version of their view invented just to be easy to knock down. Strong argument writers state the opposing view honestly before showing why their own claim still holds up. This week is planning only: one claim, one fair counterclaim. The full essay comes later.

📋 For the teacher
Teach it (10–15 min):
  • Ask "could a reasonable, thoughtful person disagree with this?" -- if the answer is no, it is not a real claim yet, so push for more specificity.
  • Play devil's advocate out loud for a minute, arguing the other side as fairly as you can, before your child writes the counterclaim -- it is hard to imagine a fair opposing view without hearing one first.
  • Watch for strawman counterclaims and gently ask, "would someone who actually believes this be satisfied with how you just described it?"
  • Keep this session short and mostly verbal at first -- talk through a few possible claims before committing one to paper.
Talk about it:
  • What makes a claim arguable instead of just a matter of taste?
  • Why does stating the other side fairly make your own argument stronger, not weaker?
  • What is the strongest real reason someone might push back on your claim?

Mastery looks like: They write one specific, arguable claim and a genuine, non-strawman counterclaim that represents the opposing view fairly.

Common stumbles: Writing a claim that is really just a fact or a taste preference; writing a weak counterclaim that is too easy to knock down.

Homework for this lessonType it, write it with a stylus, or print it for pencil & paper.open →
Records attendance + 15 min of Writing for this learner.
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