EN8 Q2W6D1: Understanding Claims and Key Vocabulary in Persuasive Texts

Day 1: Understanding Claims and Key Vocabulary in Persuasive Texts

English 8 • Quarter 2 • Lesson 6 • Theme: Pastel Blue with doodles

🎯 Learning Goals

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to recall and discuss a sociocultural issue from the previous lesson, sharing at least one insight in class discussion.

Students will be able to define and use key vocabulary (topic, thesis statement, claim, evidence, reasoning) in context with at least 4 out of 5 terms correctly explained.

Students will be able to express agreement or disagreement on sample claims about societal issues and justify their stance using simple reasoning in at least two cases.

🧩 Key Ideas & Terms

• Claim – a statement/idea that expresses a viewpoint and asks the audience to accept it.
• Evidence – facts, data, or information that support a claim.
• Reasoning – explanation of how and why evidence supports the claim.

🔄 Prior Knowledge Activity

Task: Recall one sociocultural issue from last week’s lesson that caught your attention the most. Share in class why it struck you.

1. What was the issue about?
2. Why did it interest you?
3. How does it relate to your daily life?

Show Answer

Sample responses may include: bullying, online safety, environmental issues, cultural traditions, or any relevant sociocultural topic.

📖 Explore the Lesson – Day 1: Understanding Claims and Key Vocabulary in Persuasive Texts

1️⃣ Why Do We Share Opinions?

When people share their thoughts on issues, they are making claims. A claim is like saying, “This is what I believe, and I want others to consider it.”

Example:

• Claim: “Schools should ban junk food in the canteen.”
• Why? Because junk food affects health.

Why important? Sharing claims helps people discuss, debate, and solve real problems in society.

2️⃣ What Is a Claim?

A claim is a statement that can be debated. It is not just a fact but something people can agree or disagree with.

Examples of Claims:

• “The Philippines should use more renewable energy to fight climate change.”
• “Students should have fewer homework tasks.”
• “Social media does more harm than good.”

Not Claims (just facts):

• “The sun rises in the east.”
• “Water boils at 100°C.”

Key Tip: If everyone agrees easily, it’s a fact. If people can argue about it, it’s a claim.

3️⃣ What Is Evidence?

Evidence supports the claim. Without evidence, a claim is just an opinion.

Types of evidence:

1. Facts and Data – numbers, statistics, reports
   • Example: “1 in 5 students in the Philippines report being bullied” (NCES, 2019).
2. Expert Opinion – what professionals or authorities say
   • Example: A doctor’s advice on health issues.
3. Examples/Stories – real-life situations or case studies
   • Example: A student explains how school uniforms saved their family money.
4. Textual Evidence – quotes from books, articles, or credible websites.

Example:

• Claim: “Plastic bags should be banned.”
• Evidence: “The Philippines is among the top contributors of ocean plastic pollution.” (Ocean Conservancy & McKinsey, 2015)

4️⃣ What Is Reasoning?

Reasoning is the bridge between the claim and evidence. It explains how and why the evidence supports the claim.

Example:

• Claim: “School uniforms are good for students.”
• Evidence: Families spend less money on clothes.
• Reasoning: Because students don’t need many outfits, parents save money, and students spend less time deciding what to wear.

Without reasoning, the audience might not understand why the evidence is relevant.

5️⃣ Putting It All Together (Claim-Evidence-Reasoning)

This model is called C-E-R.

Complete Example:

• Claim: “The Philippines should regulate single-use plastics.”
• Evidence: Ocean Conservancy (2015) reports the Philippines as one of the world’s top plastic polluters.
• Reasoning: Banning plastics reduces waste in oceans, protects wildlife, and encourages sustainable habits.

Weak Example (missing reasoning):

• “Plastic is bad. Scientists say so.”

6️⃣ Practice Spotting Claims, Evidence, and Reasoning

Statement A: “Students should learn digital literacy because it helps them fight fake news online.”

• Claim: _____________________
• Evidence: __________________
• Reasoning: ________________

Show Answer

Claim: Students should learn digital literacy.

Evidence: It helps them fight fake news.

Reasoning: When students can identify fake news, they make smarter decisions and avoid being misled.

Statement B: “Public transport must be improved in Metro Manila since traffic congestion costs billions of pesos annually.”

• Claim: _____________________
• Evidence: __________________
• Reasoning: ________________

Show Answer

Claim: Public transport must be improved in Metro Manila.

Evidence: Traffic congestion costs billions of pesos annually.

Reasoning: Better public transport reduces cars on the road, lowers congestion, and saves money.

7️⃣ Why Is This Important?

• Claims help us express opinions.
• Evidence makes our opinions strong.
• Reasoning connects everything so people understand our point.

Without evidence and reasoning, a claim is weak. But with C-E-R, your argument becomes convincing.

📚 References

• Regents of the University of Minnesota (2024). Argument. Retrieved from: https://crk.umn.edu/writing-center/argument
• Urban, J. & Boyd, N. (2023). Claim, Evidence & Reasoning Writing Strategy | Steps & Examples. Study.com. Retrieved from: https://study.com/learn/lesson/supporting-claims-with-evidence-reasoning.html
• Purdue OWL (2024). Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements. Retrieved from: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/the_writing_process/thesis_statement_tips.html
• Ocean Conservancy & McKinsey Center (2015). Stemming the Tide: Land-based Strategies for a Plastic-Free Ocean.

💡 Example in Action – Day 1: Understanding Claims and Key Vocabulary

📝 Example 1: Junk Food in Schools

Claim: Schools should ban junk food in the canteen.

Evidence: Junk food leads to obesity and other health problems among students.

Reasoning: By removing junk food, schools encourage healthier eating and prevent sickness.

Mini-Task 1: Write the claim, evidence, and reasoning for this statement: “Physical education should be required for all students.”

Show Answer

Claim: Physical education should be required for all students.

Evidence: Regular exercise improves health and reduces stress.

Reasoning: Students who exercise are healthier and perform better academically.

📝 Example 2: School Uniforms

Claim: Students should wear school uniforms.

Evidence: Families save money by not buying many different clothes.

Reasoning: Uniforms reduce expenses and help students focus on studies instead of fashion.

Mini-Task 2: Write the claim, evidence, and reasoning for this statement: “Students should have limited screen time each day.”

Show Answer

Claim: Students should have limited screen time each day.

Evidence: Excessive screen time causes eye strain and poor sleep.

Reasoning: Limiting screen time protects students’ health and ensures better rest.

📝 Example 3: Public Transportation

Claim: The government should improve public transportation.

Evidence: Heavy traffic in Metro Manila costs billions of pesos yearly.

Reasoning: Better transport reduces cars on the road, saving money and time.

Mini-Task 3: Write the claim, evidence, and reasoning for this statement: “Online learning should remain an option after the pandemic.”

Show Answer

Claim: Online learning should remain an option after the pandemic.

Evidence: Some students learn better at home with flexible schedules.

Reasoning: Keeping online classes helps students who thrive in remote setups.

📝 Example 4: Plastic Use

Claim: The Philippines should regulate single-use plastics.

Evidence: The country is one of the top plastic polluters in the world.

Reasoning: Banning plastics reduces ocean waste, protecting wildlife and human health.

Mini-Task 4: Write the claim, evidence, and reasoning for this statement: “Renewable energy should replace coal power plants.”

Show Answer

Claim: Renewable energy should replace coal power plants.

Evidence: Coal burning produces harmful greenhouse gases.

Reasoning: Using renewable energy reduces pollution and fights climate change.

📝 Example 5: Social Media Use

Claim: Students should learn responsible social media use.

Evidence: Misuse of social media can lead to cyberbullying and misinformation.

Reasoning: Teaching responsibility online keeps students safe and informed.

Mini-Task 5: Write the claim, evidence, and reasoning for this statement: “Schools should adopt more effective anti-bullying programs.”

Show Answer

Claim: Schools should adopt more effective anti-bullying programs.

Evidence: 1 in 5 students experience bullying in schools (NCES, 2019).

Reasoning: Anti-bullying programs create a safer environment, improving student well-being.

📝 Try It Out – Day 1: Understanding Claims and Key Vocabulary

Directions: Read each statement. Identify the Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning.

1. Schools should extend library hours because many students cannot study at home. Longer library hours give students a quiet space, helping them focus better.
   Show Answer

   Claim: Schools should extend library hours.

   Evidence: Many students cannot study at home.

   Reasoning: Longer hours give students a quiet space to focus better.

2. The government must invest in renewable energy since coal contributes to air pollution. Renewable energy is cleaner and sustainable for future generations.
   Show Answer

   Claim: The government must invest in renewable energy.

   Evidence: Coal contributes to air pollution.

   Reasoning: Renewable energy is cleaner and sustainable for the future.

3. Students should join extracurricular activities because these improve teamwork and leadership skills. Such activities prepare them for real-life challenges.
   Show Answer

   Claim: Students should join extracurricular activities.

   Evidence: Activities improve teamwork and leadership skills.

   Reasoning: They prepare students for real-life challenges.

4. Cities should plant more trees to combat air pollution. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, improving air quality for residents.
   Show Answer

   Claim: Cities should plant more trees.

   Evidence: Trees absorb carbon dioxide.

   Reasoning: This improves air quality for residents.

5. Teachers should assign group projects because these help students learn cooperation. Working in groups strengthens social and problem-solving skills.
   Show Answer

   Claim: Teachers should assign group projects.

   Evidence: Group projects help students learn cooperation.

   Reasoning: Working in groups strengthens social and problem-solving skills.

6. Online classes should continue as an alternative for emergencies. When schools closed during typhoons, online learning allowed classes to go on.
   Show Answer

   Claim: Online classes should continue as an alternative.

   Evidence: During typhoons, online learning allowed classes to continue.

   Reasoning: It ensures education continues despite emergencies.

7. Schools must promote recycling programs because waste segregation reduces garbage in landfills. This practice creates a cleaner and healthier environment.
   Show Answer

   Claim: Schools must promote recycling programs.

   Evidence: Waste segregation reduces garbage in landfills.

   Reasoning: Recycling creates a cleaner and healthier environment.

8. Students should read at least one book per month. Reading develops vocabulary, improves imagination, and enhances critical thinking.
   Show Answer

   Claim: Students should read at least one book per month.

   Evidence: Reading develops vocabulary and imagination.

   Reasoning: It enhances critical thinking skills.

9. Governments should provide free Wi-Fi in public places. Internet access helps students and workers accomplish tasks faster.
   Show Answer

   Claim: Governments should provide free Wi-Fi in public places.

   Evidence: Internet access helps students and workers accomplish tasks faster.

   Reasoning: Free Wi-Fi increases productivity and supports learning.

10. Schools should reduce the number of exams per semester. Too many exams cause stress, while fewer exams allow deeper learning.
    Show Answer

    Claim: Schools should reduce the number of exams per semester.

    Evidence: Too many exams cause stress.

    Reasoning: Fewer exams allow deeper learning.

✅ Check Yourself – Day 1: Understanding Claims and Key Vocabulary

Directions: Answer the following items.

Multiple Choice (1–5)

1. Which of the following is a claim?
   a) Water boils at 100°C
   b) The Philippines should improve its healthcare system
   c) Trees produce oxygen
   d) Manila is the capital of the Philippines
   Show Answer

   b) The Philippines should improve its healthcare system

2. Which of the following is an example of evidence?
   a) Students should study harder
   b) Recycling reduces waste in landfills
   c) People should sleep early
   d) Pollution is bad
   Show Answer

   b) Recycling reduces waste in landfills

3. Which part of C-E-R explains how the evidence supports the claim?
   a) Claim
   b) Evidence
   c) Reasoning
   d) Opinion
   Show Answer

   c) Reasoning

4. “School uniforms reduce peer pressure among students.” What part is this?
   a) Claim
   b) Evidence
   c) Reasoning
   d) Fact
   Show Answer

   a) Claim

5. Which of these is NOT evidence?
   a) A survey report from a government agency
   b) A personal feeling without proof
   c) A statistic from research
   d) A quote from a scientist
   Show Answer

   b) A personal feeling without proof

True or False (6–10)

6. A claim is always a fact.
   Show Answer

   False

7. Evidence can be in the form of statistics, research, or expert opinion.
   Show Answer

   True

8. Reasoning is not necessary if you already have strong evidence.
   Show Answer

   False

9. “The Philippines is an archipelago” is a claim.
   Show Answer

   False (it’s a fact)

10. Reasoning connects the evidence to the claim.
    Show Answer

    True

Short Answer (11–15)

11. Give one example of a claim about education.
    Show Answer

    Example: “Homework should be reduced to give students more rest.”

12. Provide one piece of evidence for this claim: “Plastic use must be reduced.”
    Show Answer

    Example: The Philippines is one of the world’s top contributors to ocean plastic waste (Ocean Conservancy, 2015).

13. Explain the reasoning for this claim: “Students should sleep at least 8 hours daily.”
    Show Answer

    Reasoning: Enough sleep helps students stay alert, focus better, and perform well in school.

14. Identify the claim in this statement: “Public transport should be improved because traffic congestion costs billions of pesos.”
    Show Answer

    Claim: Public transport should be improved.

15. Write a short C-E-R (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning) about why reading is important.
    Show Answer

    Claim: Reading is important for students.
    Evidence: Reading improves vocabulary and critical thinking.
    Reasoning: With better vocabulary and thinking skills, students perform better in school and daily life.

🚀 Go Further – Day 1: Understanding Claims and Key Vocabulary

Directions: Choose activities as assigned by your teacher.

Activity 1: Claim Hunt

Find 3 claims from today’s newspaper, a magazine, or a social media post. Copy them into your notebook. Label each as strong or weak claims.

Show Answer

Sample:

• Claim: “The Philippines should improve waste management.” (Strong)
• Claim: “Ice cream is delicious.” (Weak – personal opinion)
• Claim: “Students should learn financial literacy in school.” (Strong)

Activity 2: Evidence Match

Your teacher will give a list of claims. For each claim, provide at least one piece of evidence from your own research (book, article, or online resource).

Show Answer

Example:

Claim: “Plastic use should be reduced.”
Evidence: Ocean Conservancy (2015) – Philippines among top plastic polluters.

Activity 3: Reasoning Builder

Take one of your claims from Activity 1 and write a 2–3 sentence reasoning to support it.

Show Answer

Example:

Claim: “Students should have shorter school days.”
Reasoning: Shorter days reduce stress and allow students to rest, which leads to better focus in class.

Activity 4: Debate Circle

With a partner, choose one topic (e.g., “School uniforms should be mandatory”). One person argues for the claim, the other argues against it. Use at least one evidence and one reasoning each.

Show Answer

Example:

For: “Uniforms save money and promote equality.”
Against: “Uniforms limit self-expression and may cause discomfort.”

Activity 5: Real-Life Connection

Write a short paragraph in your notebook: “A time when I convinced someone by giving a claim, evidence, and reasoning.”

Show Answer

Example: “I convinced my parents to let me join the basketball team. Claim: I can balance sports and studies. Evidence: My grades were still high last semester. Reasoning: This shows I can manage my time responsibly.”

🔗 My Reflection

3–5 Sentences Reflection

Instruction: Write 3–5 sentences in your notebook. Reflect on what you learned today.

Example prompt: “Today, I understood that ___________________. I also realized that ___________________. I now appreciate that ___________________.”

Checklist Reflection

Instruction: Check the boxes in your notebook to reflect on your learning.

• [ ] I can explain what a claim is.
• [ ] I can give at least one piece of evidence to support a claim.
• [ ] I can explain reasoning in my own words.
• [ ] I can tell the difference between a fact and a claim.
• [ ] I can share my opinion on a social issue with evidence.