Asking why: claims and reasons — Critical thinking for kids

Thinking tip

Claim + because — “a claim is only as strong as its reason”

1. A claim with a reason: “We should plant trees here because the playground has no shade.” Look for because, as or since.
2. A claim with no reason: “Let’s leave early. Trust me.”, “Mangoes are the best fruit. End of story.”
3. Real reasons are facts that support the claim: the road is closed, it saves water, the test is tomorrow.

Use it for: Debates, class discussions, adverts, arguments with friends and writing opinions.

Worked example: 💡 A claim with a reason, or with no reason? “Mangoes are the best fruit. End of story.” → a claim with no reason

✏️ Practice

Work it out in your head or on paper, type the answer and press Check. Stuck? Press “Show me how”.

🏁 Lesson 5 test

20 questions. Check each answer, then go to the next one. Get 16 or more right to pass.

🏅 Sign in with Google to earn the 💡 Reason Finder badge when you pass — and a certificate when you finish all 6 lessons of Part 1 · Ask good questions. You can still take the test without signing in.

🖨️ Claims and Reasons Worksheet for Kids

• Worksheet set 1 (PDF)
• Worksheet set 2 (PDF)
• Worksheet set 3 (PDF)