LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

English Language Arts — Grade 7

Goal 3: The learner will refine the understanding and use of argument.

Objective 3.03. Create arguments that evaluate by:

  • understand the importance of establishing a firm judgment.
  • justifying the judgment with logical, relevant reasons, clear examples, and supporting details.
  • creating an organizing structure appropriate to purpose, audience, and context.

Additional related resources

We’re in the process of aligning our content for students to the Standard Course of Study. As we do, you’ll find it here.

General resources

Aligned lesson plans

Zoo integrated unit
The unit uses the North Carolina Zoological Park as a teaching tool rather than as a nice place to visit. It can be used by a single teacher or multiple teachers of different subjects, and it is aimed at 7th and 8th graders.
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies)
By Craig Smith.
School uniforms: Point-of-view writing
This lesson deals with an issue that is very important to students: school uniforms. It incorporates writing, speaking, and math.
Format: lesson plan (grade 7 English Language Arts)
By Linda Bulluck.
Interdisciplinary Integrated Unit on DNA/Genetics Part C: Language Arts
The third lesson of an interdisciplinary integrated unit on DNA and genetics, focusing on language arts. The first two lessons in the unit focus on science and math.
Format: lesson plan (grade 7 English Language Arts and Information Skills)
By Jane Lentz, Jimmy White, Marlene Smith, and Tori Goldrick.
Career research and writing
In CareerStart lessons: Grade seven, page 1.2
In this lesson for grade seven, students will learn about a career that interests them and then share what they learned in peer groups. Students will then write a letter to the Better Business Bureau stating why they should be given an internship in their chosen career.
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 English Language Arts and Guidance)
By Michelle Kimel.Adapted by Kenyatta Bennett, Anissia Jenkins, and Sonya Rexrode.

Resources on the web

Why preserve biodiversity?
In this lesson from the National Geographic Xpeditions website, students discuss the importance of maintaining ecosystems and find out about the various arguments that people make in favor of preserving the Earth's biodiversity. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 English Language Arts and Science)
Provided by: Xpeditions
The penny problem
In this lesson from EconEdLink, students explore possibilities for “phasing out” the penny from the United States money supply. This lesson incorporates links to a variety of web resources. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 English Language Arts)
Provided by: EconEdLink
Literary characters on trial: Combining persuasion and literary analysis
In this lesson from ReadWriteThink, students read a work of literature as a class then brainstorm “crimes” committed by characters from that text. Groups of students work together to act as the prosecution or defense for the selected characters,... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 English Language Arts)
Provided by: ReadWriteThink
Inventing and presenting unit 3: Persuasive speaking and invention promotion
This lesson is part of a three-part unit from ReadWriteThink titled “Inventing and Presenting.” In this interdisciplinary unit, students use what they have learned about experimentation and the scientific method, critical thinking, clear writing,... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 English Language Arts and Science)
Provided by: ReadWriteThink
Book report alternative: A character's letter to the editor
This lesson that focuses on Carl Hiaasen’s Newbery Honor Book Hoot, includes an exploration of the genre of letters to the editor, a review of persuasive writing structure and letter format, and an emphasis on multi-draft... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 English Language Arts)
Provided by: ReadWriteThink