Analyzing Arguments and Claims in Nonfiction
Students will identify an author's main argument or claim in an informational text and evaluate the evidence provided.
Key Questions
- How do we distinguish between a claim and supporting evidence in an informational text?
- Critique the strength of the evidence used to support an author's claim.
- Explain how an author's use of statistics can strengthen or weaken an argument.
Common Core State Standards
About This Topic
Hammurabi's Code is one of the oldest and most complete sets of written laws in history. This topic focuses on how the Babylonian King Hammurabi unified his empire by establishing a consistent system of justice. Students analyze the famous principle of 'an eye for an eye' and investigate how the laws were applied differently based on a person's social class and gender.
This unit aligns with civics standards by exploring the purpose of laws in maintaining social order and the concept of 'justice' in an ancient context. By examining specific laws, students can infer much about Babylonian daily life, from family structures to property rights. Students grasp this concept faster through structured discussion and peer explanation as they debate whether Hammurabi's laws were truly 'fair' or simply 'effective' for his time.
Active Learning Ideas
Mock Trial: Babylonian Justice
Students are given a scenario (e.g., a builder's house collapses) and must use excerpts from Hammurabi's Code to 'judge' the case. Different groups might represent different social classes to see how the punishment changes.
Think-Pair-Share: Fairness vs. Order
Students think about whether a law can be 'unfair' but still 'good' for a society. They discuss with a partner if Hammurabi's harsh punishments were necessary to keep peace in a large empire and share their thoughts.
Gallery Walk: The Laws of Daily Life
Post various laws from the code around the room (laws on farming, marriage, theft). Students rotate and write down what each law tells us about what was important to the people of Babylon.
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Common MisconceptionHammurabi's Code was the first set of laws ever.
What to Teach Instead
While it is the most famous and complete, there were earlier law codes in Sumer. Hammurabi's innovation was carving them onto massive stone steles and placing them in public for all to see.
Common MisconceptionThe laws were equal for everyone.
What to Teach Instead
Punishments were much harsher for commoners or enslaved people who harmed nobles than for nobles who harmed others. A comparative activity helps students see the deep social inequalities built into the code.
Suggested Methodologies
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Hammurabi write his laws down?
What does 'an eye for an eye' mean?
How did the code treat women?
How can active learning help students understand Hammurabi's Code?
Planning templates for English Language Arts
ELA
An English Language Arts template structured around reading, writing, speaking, and language skills, with sections for text selection, close reading, discussion, and written response.
unit plannerThematic Unit
Organize a multi-week unit around a central theme or essential question that cuts across topics, texts, and disciplines, helping students see connections and build deeper understanding.
rubricSingle-Point Rubric
Build a single-point rubric that defines only the "meets standard" level, leaving space for teachers to document what exceeded and what fell short. Simple to create, easy for students to understand.
More in Uncovering the Truth: Informational Text Analysis
Central Ideas and Supporting Details
Students will identify the primary message of a text and evaluate the evidence used to support it.
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Analyzing Text Structure and Organization
Students will analyze how authors use structures like cause/effect, comparison, and chronology to clarify information.
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Author's Purpose and Point of View
Students will evaluate the intent behind a text and how the author's perspective shapes the presentation of facts.
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Integrating Information from Multiple Sources
Students will learn to synthesize information from two or more texts on the same topic to build a comprehensive understanding.
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Understanding Technical Meanings and Connotations
Students will analyze the meaning of words and phrases, including technical terms and figurative language, in informational texts.
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