Best for
Planning a paragraph, speech, debate point, podcast script, presentation, or advisory recommendation.
Social Sciences / Critical Thinking • Years 9–10 • Lesson 6 scaffold
Argument Map Template
Use this template to turn a messy opinion into a clear argument. A strong map shows the claim, reasons, evidence, assumptions, and counter-argument before students write or speak.
What to print
Print one template per student. For group debates, print one shared map for the team and one personal map for each speaker’s strongest point.
- Students should write the claim as one sentence before gathering reasons.
- Every reason needs evidence, not just repetition of the claim.
- The counter-argument is included to strengthen the argument, not weaken confidence.
Kaiako planning snapshot
- Use length: 20-30 minutes for one argument; 45 minutes if students map and then write.
- Grouping: Individual claim, pair evidence check, then class share of strongest counter-arguments.
- Prep: Provide a question that can be argued with evidence and has more than one defensible view.
- Teaching move: Ask “does this reason actually support the claim?” after every reason.
Resources already provided
- Argument map board
- Reason and evidence cards
- Source quality check
- Counter-argument frame
- Final paragraph planner
All student scaffolds are provided. Kaiako can supply the question, topic, or source set being argued from.
Ngā Whāinga Akoranga / Learning Intentions
- We are learning to separate a claim from its reasons and evidence.
- We are learning to test whether evidence supports an argument strongly.
- We are learning to include counter-arguments respectfully and effectively.
Paearu Angitu / Success Criteria
- I can state my claim clearly in one sentence.
- I can connect each reason to evidence and explain the link.
- I can respond to a counter-argument without ignoring or mocking it.
Curriculum integration / Te Marautanga alignment
This template supports Social Studies Phase 3 by helping students use evidence, compare perspectives, and present reasoned ideas.
- TM-SS-3-D1: Explore perspectives, use evidence to form conclusions, and share ideas: Compare systems, map decisions, present new solutions.
He mahere tautohe / Argument mapping
An argument map shows the whakapapa of your thinking: where the claim comes from, what evidence supports it, and how it responds to other views. If a reason does not connect to the claim, the map makes the gap visible before you speak or write.
1. Build the map
Claim / Tūnga
What do I want people to believe or support?
Reason 1
Why should someone accept the claim?
Evidence:
Reason 2
What is another reason that supports the claim?
Evidence:
Reason 3 or example
What example, case, or local context makes the argument concrete?
Evidence:
Reasoning link
How do these reasons actually prove or strengthen the claim?
2. Source and evidence check
| Evidence | Source | Why it supports the claim | Limit or missing voice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evidence 1 | |||
| Evidence 2 | |||
| Evidence 3 |
3. Counter-argument and response
A fair opposing view
What would someone who disagrees say if they were being reasonable?
My response
How can I respond using evidence, not dismissal?
4. Quality check
Clarity
My claim is one sentence and uses precise words.
A reader can tell exactly what I support.
Evidence
Each reason has evidence or a clear example.
My strongest evidence comes from a reliable source.
Reasoning
I explain how the evidence supports the claim.
I do not rely on fallacies or exaggeration.
Mana
I treat opposing views fairly.
I avoid personal attacks and respect affected people.
5. Turn the map into writing
Paragraph or speech plan:
- State the claim.
- Give the strongest reason and evidence.
- Explain why the evidence matters.
- Recognise one counter-argument fairly.
- Respond with evidence and finish with a clear conclusion.
Tautoko / Support
- Use one claim, one reason, and one evidence item before completing the full map.
- Let students use sticky notes or cut-up cards to move reasons around physically.
- Provide sentence frames: “This supports my claim because...” and “A fair opposing view is...”.
Whakawhānui / Extension
- Add a second counter-argument and rank which one is strongest.
- Map someone else’s argument and identify its missing evidence.
- Convert the map into a 90-second speech or a PEEL paragraph.
Self-check before I present this argument
- My claim is clear enough that someone could agree or disagree with it.
- My reasons are different from each other, not the same point repeated.
- My evidence comes from sources I can name or explain.
- I have included a fair counter-argument.
- My final version protects mana and uses respectful language.