Grade 6 · ELA / English
Middle school argument writing, citing, and analysis. Written in American English for students, parents, and teachers in the United States.
Open a card to see the answer. These are original practice items for US elementary students — not a state test copy.
Answer: the main claim you will prove
The thesis tells readers what you believe.
Answer: support the claim with a clear why
Reasons back up the claim.
Answer: a fact, quote, or example
Show proof, do not only say “because I think.”
Answer: Schools should start later so teens sleep more.
A claim takes a side.
Answer: the other side of the argument
Name the opposing view, then answer it.
Answer: restate the claim in a fresh way
End by reminding readers of your point.
Answer: link a reason to the claim
Because answers “why.”
Answer: My cousin said so at dinner.
Personal hearsay is weak proof.
Answer: give credit to the author or site
Readers must know where the idea came from.
Answer: the author’s exact words in quotation marks
Quotes are word-for-word.
Answer: restates the idea in your own words
Still cite a paraphrase.
Answer: using someone’s words or ideas without credit
Always credit the source.
Answer: author, title, and date
Help a reader find the same source.
Answer: use quotation marks and a citation
Longer quotes still need credit.
Answer: A fact you found on a NASA page
Outside facts need sources.
Answer: introduces the source before the idea
Signal phrases show who said it.
Pick the next article in this topic — that is how a magazine issue is meant to be used.
