7th grade argumentative essay lessons

Grades 6–7 (ages 11–13) · 14 videos · Checked and refreshed daily

Quick answer

In 7th grade (ages 12–13), students write arguments that state a claim, support it with relevant evidence and reasoning, and answer counterclaims. Lessons from Khan Academy "What is an argument?" and "Incorporating opposing viewpoints", plus TED-Ed on rhetoric. Play all on repeat, or loop one example while drafting.

Play all on repeat

Videos in this playlist

  1. 1What is an argument? | Reading | Khan AcademyWhat is an argument? | Reading | Khan AcademyKhan AcademyPlay from here Loop
  2. 2Fact and Opinion for Kids | What Is the Difference between Facts and Opinions?Fact and Opinion for Kids | What Is the Difference between Facts and Opinions?Learn BrightPlay from here Loop
  3. 3How to use rhetoric to get what you want - Camille A. LangstonHow to use rhetoric to get what you want - Camille A. LangstonTED-EdPlay from here Loop
  4. 4What Aristotle and Joshua Bell can teach us about persuasion - Conor NeillWhat Aristotle and Joshua Bell can teach us about persuasion - Conor NeillTED-EdPlay from here Loop
  5. 5Rhetorical devices and appeals | Reading | Khan AcademyRhetorical devices and appeals | Reading | Khan AcademyKhan AcademyPlay from here Loop
  6. 6Evaluating a source’s reasoning and evidence | Reading | Khan AcademyEvaluating a source’s reasoning and evidence | Reading | Khan AcademyKhan AcademyPlay from here Loop
  7. 7Choosing the best text evidence | Reading | Khan AcademyChoosing the best text evidence | Reading | Khan AcademyKhan AcademyPlay from here Loop
  8. 8Supporting an inference with logical reasoning and evidence | Reading | Khan AcademySupporting an inference with logical reasoning and evidence | Reading | Khan AcademyKhan AcademyPlay from here Loop
  9. 9Incorporating opposing viewpoints | Reading | Khan AcademyIncorporating opposing viewpoints | Reading | Khan AcademyKhan AcademyPlay from here Loop
  10. 10Identifying "hidden" viewpoints | Reading | Khan AcademyIdentifying "hidden" viewpoints | Reading | Khan AcademyKhan AcademyPlay from here Loop
  11. 11How can you change someone's mind? (hint: facts aren't always enough) - Hugo MercierHow can you change someone's mind? (hint: facts aren't always enough) - Hugo MercierTED-EdPlay from here Loop
  12. 12This tool will help improve your critical thinking - Erick WilberdingThis tool will help improve your critical thinking - Erick WilberdingTED-EdPlay from here Loop
  13. 13The power of a great introduction - Carolyn MohrThe power of a great introduction - Carolyn MohrTED-EdPlay from here Loop
  14. 14Three anti-social skills to improve your writing - Nadia KalmanThree anti-social skills to improve your writing - Nadia KalmanTED-EdPlay from here Loop

What does this 7th grade argumentative essay unit cover?

It introduces what an argument is, how to choose strong evidence and explain it, how to acknowledge and answer opposing claims, and how ethos, pathos and logos persuade. By the end a student should plan an essay with a clear claim, organized reasons, a counterclaim and a conclusion.

How does RepeatWatch help with argument writing?

Set an A–B loop on one worked example, such as a Khan Academy passage being broken into claim and evidence, and replay it while outlining your own essay. Slow a dense explanation to 0.75×, save each lesson part on keys 1–9, and use Stop after N loops.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a claim and a counterclaim?

A claim is the position your essay argues for. A counterclaim is a reasonable opposing view. Strong 7th grade essays name the counterclaim fairly, then use evidence and reasoning to show why the main claim still holds.

What grade writes argumentative essays?

In the US, students move from opinion writing in elementary school to arguments in 6th grade, and 7th grade (ages 12–13) adds counterclaims and stronger reasoning. Grade levels vary by country and school, so use the earlier videos as a refresher.