MAP 7th Grade Reading

A comprehensive course to build reading comprehension, analysis, and critical thinking skills for the MAP 7th Grade Reading test.

Understanding Main Ideas & DetailsMaking InferencesUnderstanding Vocabulary in Context
Analyzing Author’s Purpose & Point of ViewInterpreting Figurative LanguageEvaluating Arguments & Claims
Applying Reading Skills to Nonfiction TextsConnecting Reading to WritingReading for Everyday Life
Active Reading TechniquesProcess of Elimination on Multiple-Choice Questions
Understanding Main I...Making InferencesUnderstanding Vocabu...Analyzing Author’s P...Interpreting Figurat...Evaluating Arguments...Applying Reading Ski...Connecting Reading t...Reading for Everyday...Active Reading Techn...Process of Eliminati...
Advanced Topics

Evaluating Arguments & Claims

Judging What You Read

Sometimes, writers try to convince you of something. They’ll make claims and back them up with reasons and evidence. Evaluating arguments means deciding if their ideas make sense and if their proof is strong.

How to Evaluate

  • Identify the claim (what the writer is trying to prove).
  • Check the reasons and evidence. Are they facts or just opinions?
  • Look for logical fallacies or errors in reasoning.

Why It Matters

Evaluating arguments helps you become a critical thinker—so you can make up your own mind.

Real-World Connection

This skill is important when reading reviews, news, or listening to debates and discussions.

Examples

  • A review says a movie is ‘the best ever’ but doesn’t give reasons—this isn’t strong evidence.

  • An article claims that eating vegetables helps you stay healthy and provides scientific studies as proof.

In a Nutshell

Learn to judge if an author’s arguments and evidence really add up.

Next
Applying Reading Skills to Nonfiction Texts