PaginePaginepagineapp.comTrace the argument. Evaluate the reasoning and evidence.
Scientists once believed that the adult brain was fixed — that after childhood, it could not grow or change much. We now know that is not true.
The brain has a property called neuroplasticity: it can form new connections between nerve cells throughout life. Each time you practise a skill, the connections involved grow stronger and faster, like a path that becomes clearer the more people walk it.
Studies of musicians, for example, show differences in brain areas linked to hearing and finger movement. People recovering from strokes can sometimes relearn skills as other parts of the brain take over.
This research supports what psychologists call a "growth mindset" — the belief that abilities can be developed through effort and good strategies.
| Claim or central idea | |
|---|---|
| Reason / evidence 1 | |
| Reason / evidence 2 | |
| Counterclaim (if any) | |
| Is the evidence relevant and sufficient? Why? |
Worksheets › Grade 7 English › Integration of Knowledge & Ideas › Integration of Knowledge & Ideas
Free Grade 7 English worksheet (Common Core RI.7.8): trace and evaluate the argument and claims in "The Brain Can Change", judging whether the evidence is relevant and sufficient. Skill: Compare texts and evaluate arguments. Level: Grade 7 — also suits Year 8 (UK).
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It is designed for Grade 7 (ages 12–13), but use it with any child who is ready.
Compare texts and evaluate arguments.
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Integration of Knowledge & Ideas: Compare Texts: Inheritance & The Columbian Exchange (Grade 7) · Integration of Knowledge & Ideas: Compare Texts: Static & Should Year-Round School Replace Summer Break? (Grade 7) · Integration of Knowledge & Ideas: Evaluate an Argument: The Columbian Exchange (Grade 7) · Integration of Knowledge & Ideas: Compare Texts: The Weight of Snow & The Printing Press Changes the World (Grade 7)
All 5 integration of knowledge & ideas sheets → · Grade 7 English: all 10 skills → · All Common Core grades
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