27. Tracing and Evaluating Arguments Using the Podcast: Smash, Boom, Best

Annotated ELA

Do your students struggle to trace and evaluate an argument? You and your students will love this fun and engaging solution. Students will become proficient at tracing and evaluating arguments and identifying and analyzing claims, reasons, and evidence using the podcast Smash, Boom Best.

Smash, Boom, Best is a funny, smart debate show for kids. Every episode takes two cool things, smashes them together and lets you decide which is best: Pikachu vs. Mario, Lollipops vs. Popcorn, Flamingos vs. Axolotls, Mermaids vs. Bigfoot, Cats vs. Dogs, Spiderman vs. Batman, Refrigerators vs. Toilets, Minecraft vs. Lego… the list goes on.

Not to mention, you don’t have to worry about mature content or language with this podcast and your students will love the silly topics.

Want to give Smash, Boom, Best a try? Grab Trace an Argument Middle School and pair the listening sheets with the podcast. Students will be engaged the entire time.

Three Ways to Use Smash, Boom, Best in the Classroom

1. Students write their own arguments using topics from the podcast

1. Students determine the winner of the episode and debate or argue in pairs or groups.

1. Listen for types of arguments and evidence andeEvaluate it

Show notes: annotatedela.com/episode27

Want more support on tracing arguments? Grab the Trace an Argument Middle School resource

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Trace and Evaluate an Argument Middle School Using Smash, Boom, Best

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