Grades 9-12 · Graphic Organizer
Argument Writing Organizer
Build an evidence-based argument one box at a time: a clear claim, three pieces of sourced evidence, the reasoning that connects them, and an honest look at the other side. Made for the Chinese zodiac research unit, but it works for any argument essay.
By ChineseZodiac.com · Reviewed for cultural accuracy
Research question
The question your argument answers.
Claim
Your position, stated in one clear sentence.
Evidence 1
A specific fact, example, or quotation — plus the source it came from.
Evidence 2
A second, different piece of evidence — plus its source.
Evidence 3
A third piece of evidence, ideally a different KIND (statistic, artifact, expert view) — plus its source.
Reasoning
Why this evidence supports your claim. Connect the dots explicitly.
Counterclaim
The strongest thing someone who disagrees would say.
Response
Where the counterclaim is right, where it falls short, and why your claim still stands.
Conclusion
Restate your claim in new words and say why it matters.
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