Common Core: 8th Grade English Language Arts

This subject focuses on developing critical reading, writing, and analytical skills aligned with the Common Core standards for 8th grade English Language Arts.

Analyzing Literary TextsUnderstanding Informational TextsWriting Clear Arguments
Evaluating Author’s Claims and EvidenceIntegrating Multiple SourcesCrafting Narratives
Reading for Everyday LifeWriting in the Real WorldCommunicating and Presenting
Active Reading StrategiesPlanning and Revising Writing
Analyzing Literary T...Understanding Inform...Writing Clear Argume...Evaluating Author’s ...Integrating Multiple...Crafting NarrativesReading for Everyday...Writing in the Real ...Communicating and Pr...Active Reading Strat...Planning and Revisin...
Advanced Topics

Evaluating Author’s Claims and Evidence

Digging Deeper Into Arguments

Evaluating an author's claims and evidence means not just accepting what you read, but asking, "Is this true? Is it convincing?" You learn to tell the difference between strong, reliable evidence and weak, biased, or misleading information.

How to Evaluate

  • Check the Claim: Is it clear and specific?
  • Assess the Evidence: Are the facts accurate? Are the sources trustworthy?
  • Look for Bias: Does the author leave out important information or only show one side?
  • Identify Reasoning: Does the evidence actually support the claim?

Why It's Important

This skill helps you become a smarter reader, a critical thinker, and a great decision-maker—in school and in life.

Examples

  • Reviewing a news article to see if the statistics given really support the argument.

  • Spotting when an author uses only emotional stories instead of facts to persuade.

In a Nutshell

Evaluating claims and evidence helps you decide if what you read is trustworthy and logical.

Key Terms

Bias
A preference that prevents fair judgment.
Evidence
Facts or information used to support a claim.
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Integrating Multiple Sources