Build an Evidence-Based Opinion or Argument

State a clear opinion, organize reasons logically, support them with facts/details, link ideas, and conclude effectively.

How the lesson starts: Build an Evidence-Based Opinion or Argument

Rafi's big idea
Meet Rafi, a raccoon with a big idea. He wants a rope bridge between the two tallest oaks in Maple Hollow. At the Treehouse Council he shouts, because I said so! The owls just blink. Rafi needs an argument.
Three building blocks
Every argument has three blocks. The claim is what you think. A reason tells why you think it. Evidence is a fact or example that proves the reason, something you could check, like a number.
Let's sort sentences
Rafi sorts his sentences. Maple Hollow should build a rope bridge: should means it's the claim. One reason is that it would be safer: a reason. For example, three squirrels slipped on the ground path last spring: something you could check. Evidence!