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Building Strong Arguments

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Building Strong Arguments

A community library is deciding whether to add a weekly after-school makerspace for Years 5 and 6. Study the information, practise spotting strong reasoning, then build a persuasive argument. Use claims, reasons and relevant evidence. You may support or oppose the proposal.

The proposal

The library is considering a 60-minute makerspace each Thursday from 3:30 to 4:30 pm. Students could use recycled craft materials, building blocks and simple robotics kits. A librarian and volunteer would supervise. The trial would run for eight weeks and cost $240 for materials. Families would arrange transport home. The library has 18 places each week.

Asha: “I liked planning a bridge with my team. We tested it three times before it held the blocks.”

Xavier: “The robotics kit was exciting, but I needed help when the instructions were confusing.”

Zach: “I couldn’t stay until 4:30 because my family picks me up earlier.”

Trial notes: 15 students attended. 12 said they would like another session. 3 students said the session was too short to finish their projects.

Examine the argument

Read each question carefully. Strong arguments connect a clear claim to reasons and relevant evidence, while recognising limits or counterarguments.

1.Which sentence makes the clearest claim about the proposal?

The library has blocks and robotics kits.
The library should run the makerspace trial because it could help students practise problem-solving.
Thursday is a day of the week.
Makerspaces are always perfect for everyone.

2.Choose the strongest evidence to support the claim that students enjoyed the trial. Explain one limitation of this evidence.

3.Which detail is a practical concern the library should consider before starting the trial?

Some students may need help understanding the kit instructions or getting home at 4:30.
Asha tested her bridge three times.
The trial notes include a number.
The proposal mentions recycled materials.

4.Complete this argument structure: A claim states your position; a reason explains ; evidence gives that support the reason.

5.Improve this weak reason by making it more specific and relevant: “The makerspace should happen because it would be good.”

6.Write one fair counterargument to running the makerspace, using a detail from the proposal or trial feedback.

7.Which linking phrase best introduces a counterargument?

For example,
On the other hand,
As a result,
First of all,

Plan and persuade

Choose a position. Use specific details from the proposal and trial feedback. You may suggest a change that addresses a concern.

8.State your position on the makerspace trial and give two different reasons. Include one detail that could support each reason.

9.Write a persuasive paragraph of about 5–7 sentences. Include a clear claim, at least two reasons, relevant evidence, a linking phrase and a fair response to one concern.

10.Reread your paragraph. Name one piece of evidence you used and explain how it supports your claim.