Tracing Arguments in Refugee

Mastering Standard RI.7.8 through Alan Gratz's Refugee (Chapters 1-9) Grade 7 English Language Arts

Learning Objectives - I Can Statements

I can trace and evaluate arguments in informational texts I can assess whether reasoning is sound and logical I can determine if evidence is relevant and sufficient I can apply the C.E.R. framework to analyze claims

Decoding Standard RI.7.8

Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text Assess whether the reasoning is sound Determine if the evidence is relevant and sufficient to support the claims Apply critical thinking to real-world arguments

The C.E.R. Framework for Argument Analysis

{"left":"Claim: What is the author's main point or argument?\nEvidence: What proof is provided to back up the claim?\nReasoning: Does it make logical sense?","right":"Relevant: Does it actually connect to the claim?\nSufficient: Is there enough proof, or just one flimsy example?"}

Alan Gratz's Central Argument

Refugees are not just statistics or news headlines; they are everyday, innocent people who are forced into desperate situations by extreme turmoil and persecution.

Evidence #1 - Josef's Story (1930s Germany)

Context: Berlin, Germany (1938) Nazi Brownshirts violently destroy Josef's home during Kristallnacht His father is dragged away to a concentration camp for being Jewish Family given exactly 14 days to leave the country

Evidence #2 - Isabel's Story (1994 Cuba)

Context: Havana, Cuba (1994) Citizens starving due to severe lack of food and resources Violent, chaotic riot breaks out in Havana (the Maleconazo) Isabel trades her prized trumpet for gasoline to escape

Evidence #3 - Mahmoud's Story (2015 Syria)

Context: Aleppo, Syria (2015) Mahmoud doing homework when missile destroys apartment building Family's car shot at during desperate escape attempt Normal middle school student becomes refugee instantly

Evidence Evaluation Challenge

Step 1: Choose one character (Josef, Isabel, or Mahmoud) Step 2: Find one specific event from Chapters 1-9 Step 3: Evaluate: Is this evidence RELEVANT to Gratz's claim? Step 4: Evaluate: Is this evidence SUFFICIENT when combined with the others?

Argument Strength Assessment

Exit Ticket - Prove Your RI.7.8 Mastery

Choose one character (Josef, Isabel, or Mahmoud) Identify a specific event from Chapters 1-9 Explain how this event serves as RELEVANT evidence for Gratz's claim Use clear REASONING to connect your evidence to the main argument