Additional Info:

1. Difficulty Level: Medium to Difficult

2. Grade Level: 9

3. Text Type: Argument / Nonfiction Journalism

4. Skill Focus: In this worksheet, students analyze and evaluate an argument by examining the author’s central claim, supporting reasoning, use of evidence, and ethical implications. Students are expected to move beyond identification and demonstrate critical evaluation of fairness, assumptions, and perspective in a real-world issue.

5. Standards & Strands Alignment:

CCSS (Grade 9–10)

• RI.9-10.1: Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis.

• RI.9-10.8: Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims, assessing validity and relevance of evidence.

CEFR

• B2 Reading: Can understand articles presenting complex viewpoints and evaluate arguments and reasoning.

ACARA (Year 9)

• ACELY1744: Analyse how authors use language features and evidence to influence readers.

• ACELY1749: Evaluate ideas, viewpoints, and ethical positions in texts.

Cambridge (Lower Secondary / IGCSE Preparation)

• Reading AO2: Analyse how writers construct arguments and convey viewpoints.

• Critical Literacy: Evaluating bias, assumptions, and ethical stance.

This Grade 9 worksheet guides students through a close analysis of the argument “The Value of a Sherpa Life” by Grayson Schaffer. Students examine the author’s central claim, supporting reasons, and evidence, then evaluate persuasive techniques, ethical appeals, and underlying assumptions. Activities progress from identifying argument structure to critically evaluating perspective and forming an evidence-based personal response. Differentiated tasks support gradual skill development and conclude with a complete answer key.