aidemia--modules-lessonplan_request	Titles of parts of the lesson must be formatted as headings
What to create	Lesson plan
Which subject	English
What topic	Comprehension- Applying critical thinking to evaluate information and argements in texts using the Es
What length (min)	30
What age group	Year or Grade 7
Include homework
Include images descriptions
Any other preferences

Lesson Plan: Comprehension - Applying Critical Thinking to Evaluate Information and Arguments

Subject: English
Grade Level: 7
Duration: 30 minutes
Topic: Comprehension - Applying Critical Thinking

---

Objective

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Analyze and evaluate information and arguments presented in a text.
• Demonstrate critical thinking skills using the "E" strategy (Evaluate, Explain, Elaborate) to assess the validity of claims and arguments.

---

Materials Needed

• Copies of a selected short article or text (approximately 300-400 words) that presents an argument or information
• Whiteboard and markers
• Post-it notes or index cards
• Critical thinking framework handout (Evaluate, Explain, Elaborate)

---

Lesson Structure

Introduction (5 minutes)

1. Engagement Hook: Begin with a thought-provoking question related to the topic of the text. For example:

   • "Have you ever read something online and wondered if it's true? How can we tell?"

2. Objective Sharing: Briefly explain the objective of the lesson and the importance of evaluating information critically in today’s world.

---

Reading Activity (10 minutes)

1. Text Distribution: Hand out copies of the selected article.

2. Read Aloud: As a class, read the article aloud, ensuring everyone can follow along.

3. Initial Reactions: After reading, ask students to jot down their first impressions on a post-it note. What stood out to them? Did anything seem questionable?

---

Critical Thinking Framework (10 minutes)

1. Introducing the "E" Strategy:

   • Evaluate: What are the main arguments? Are they supported by evidence?
   • Explain: Why do you think the author wrote this? What is their purpose?
   • Elaborate: Are there other perspectives or additional information that could change the argument's effectiveness?

2. Group Work:

   • Divide students into small groups (3-4 students).
   • Instruct each group to discuss the article using the "E" framework. Assign one member to record their thoughts as they go through each of the "E" points.

3. Group Share-Out: Each group shares their findings with the class, highlighting:

   • Key arguments from the text
   • Any biases they identified
   • Whether they found the argument convincing and why

---

Conclusion (5 minutes)

1. Wrap-Up Discussion: Lead a class discussion to summarize the groups' findings. Discuss:

   • What tools can we use to evaluate information in texts?
   • How can applying critical thinking help us navigate media and information in our daily lives?

2. Exit Ticket: Have students write a brief reflection on a question such as:

   • "What did you learn about evaluating arguments today, and how will you apply this skill in the future?"

---

Assessment

• Informal assessment based on group participation and contributions during discussions.
• Evaluation of the exit ticket for understanding of key concepts discussed during the lesson.

---

Next Steps

In the following lesson, we will explore more complex texts and apply the "E" strategy to evaluate persuasive writing and advertisements, emphasizing the effects of rhetorical devices.

---

By structuring this lesson, students will be better equipped to think critically about the materials they encounter, fostering a culture of inquiry and skepticism that is essential for literacy in the modern world.