What is a Claim?
The claim is the author's main point or position on a controversial issue.
According to a 2023 study from the National Association of Elementary School Principals, 80% of schools that required uniforms reported fewer distractions and behavior issues. This shows that uniforms create a more focused learning environment. Many people believe that school uniforms limit creativity, but uniforms actually help students focus on learning instead of clothing. When everyone wears the same outfit, there is less pressure to compete over fashion.
What is the proper order?
Many people believe that school uniforms limit creativity, but uniforms actually help students focus on learning instead of clothing. When everyone wears the same outfit, there is less pressure to compete over fashion. According to a 2023 study from the National Association of Elementary School Principals, 80% of schools that required uniforms reported fewer distractions and behavior issues. This shows that uniforms create a more focused learning environment.
What is evidence?
Evidence is the specific factual data (like statistics, facts, or examples) that proves the reasons are valid.
What are reasons?
Reasons are statements of support for claims, making those claims something more than mere assertions.
Students who start school later in the morning perform better academically and emotionally. Research from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine shows that middle schoolers need 8–10 hours of sleep per night, but most get far less when school begins before 8:00 a.m. In districts that shifted their start times later, grades improved and tardiness decreased.
🧠 Task: What is the claim the author is making?
Claim - Schools should start later in the morning to help students get enough sleep and perform better in class.
Jasmine stared at her empty desk. Her heart sank as she remembered the math homework sitting on her kitchen table. She had promised her teacher that she would turn it in today after missing yesterday’s deadline. The clock on the wall seemed louder than usual, and every tick reminded her that first period was starting in two minutes.
When Mr. Ramirez walked in, Jasmine avoided eye contact and began rifling through her binder, hoping he wouldn’t ask for the assignment right away.
What can you infer about how Jasmine is feeling?
☐ A. Calm and relaxed
☐ B. Nervous and guilty
☐ C. Excited to start class
☐ D. Confident and proud
B. Nervous and guilty
“Her heart sank,” “avoided eye contact,” “hoping he wouldn’t ask.”
“I stepped into the old greenhouse and the scent of damp soil hit me like a wave. The glass panes trembled with every gust of wind, and somewhere behind the ferns a single green bud trembled in anticipation. ‘It’s ready,’ I whispered, though no one was there to hear. I lifted the small sprout gently and watched roots appear almost instantly, creeping into the cracked earth like tiny explorers. My heart raced. I couldn’t say whether it was fear or wonder that made my breath shallow.”
Which narrative technique is most strongly used in the first sentence (“the scent of damp soil hit me like a wave”), and how does it enhance the writing for the reader?
A. Simile — it helps the reader feel the sudden impact of entering the greenhouse.
B. Personification — it gives the scent human-actions, making the greenhouse alive.
C. Flashback — it brings the reader back to a previous moment of fear.
D. Internal monologue — it reveals the narrator’s thoughts directly.
Correct answer is A.
The simile helps the reader feel the impact; personification could be arguable but the wording “hit me like a wave” is a simile.
prove superior
prevail - prove superior
What are claims used for?
To persuade or convince
A Stanford University study found that 56% of students listed homework as their number one source of stress. Students often spend several hours doing assignments after a long school day. Teachers should assign less homework because too much of it can cause stress and exhaustion.
Teachers should assign less homework because too much of it can cause stress and exhaustion. Students often spend several hours doing assignments after a long school day. A Stanford University study found that 56% of students listed homework as their number one source of stress.
Identify the evidence:
Many students rush through lunch every day, barely having time to finish their food before the bell rings. Some people argue that longer lunch periods are unnecessary, but having more time for lunch actually helps students perform better in school.
First, longer lunch periods give students time to eat healthy meals instead of grabbing quick, unhealthy snacks. According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), students who have at least 25 minutes to eat lunch are more likely to consume fruits and vegetables. When students eat nutritious food, they have more energy and can focus better in class.
According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), students who have at least 25 minutes to eat lunch are more likely to consume fruits and vegetables.
Reasons are answers to the hypothetical challenge to your claim:
“Why do you ______ that?”
“What reason can you give me to _______ that?”
“Why do you say that?”
“What reason can you give me to believe that?”
Schools should serve healthier lunches instead of processed or fried foods. Healthy eating habits are harder to maintain when schools serve mostly processed or fried foods. Schools that replaced junk food with nutritious meals also reported fewer afternoon discipline problems.
Evidence
Jasmine stared at her empty desk. Her heart sank as she remembered the math homework sitting on her kitchen table. She had promised her teacher that she would turn it in today after missing yesterday’s deadline. The clock on the wall seemed louder than usual, and every tick reminded her that first period was starting in two minutes.
When Mr. Ramirez walked in, Jasmine avoided eye contact and began rifling through her binder, hoping he wouldn’t ask for the assignment right away.
What might Mr. Ramirez do when he realizes Jasmine forgot her homework again?
Mr. Ramirez may be disappointed or frustrated
Context of missed deadline and Jasmine’s anxiety.
“I stepped into the old greenhouse and the scent of damp soil hit me like a wave. The glass panes trembled with every gust of wind, and somewhere behind the ferns a single green bud trembled in anticipation. ‘It’s ready,’ I whispered, though no one was there to hear. I lifted the small sprout gently and watched roots appear almost instantly, creeping into the cracked earth like tiny explorers. My heart raced. I couldn’t say whether it was fear or wonder that made my breath shallow.”
How does the author use pacing and description when the narrator lifts the sprout (“… watched roots appear almost instantly, creeping into the cracked earth like tiny explorers”) to build tension and engage the audience?
Look for answers referencing how description slows time (roots creeping), builds suspense, engages senses, etc.
serious and gloomy in character
somber - serious and gloomy in character
A claim is not a simple fact, but rather a ___________ assertion that must be supported by evidence, such as facts, statistics, examples, or expert opinions.
Debatable
Students can use phones to research information, check assignments, and collaborate on projects more efficiently. Many people think cell phones distract students, but they can actually be powerful learning tools. A survey by Common Sense Media found that 65% of teachers said using cell phones in structured lessons improved student engagement.
Many people think cell phones distract students, but they can actually be powerful learning tools.
Students can use phones to research information, check assignments, and collaborate on projects more efficiently. A survey by Common Sense Media found that 65% of teachers said using cell phones in structured lessons improved student engagement.
Many schools require uniforms, and this rule helps create a fairer learning environment. When students wear the same clothes, there’s less pressure to compete over expensive brands. A study by the National Association of Elementary School Principals found that schools with uniform policies reported a 44% drop in bullying related to clothing.
Which sentence provides evidence that supports the claim?
“A study by the National Association of Elementary School Principals found that schools with uniform policies reported a 44% drop in bullying related to clothing.”
This evidence gives a factual statistic showing that uniforms reduce bullying, which supports the claim that uniforms create a fairer learning environment.
What's the Reason?
Schools should give students less homework because too much work after school can cause stress and burnout. Many students spend hours completing assignments and have little time to rest or spend with their families. A Stanford University study found that 56% of students said homework was their main source of stress. This proves that cutting down on excessive homework could improve students’ mental health.
Reason: Too much homework causes stress and burnout.
Students who read for pleasure outside of class score higher on vocabulary and comprehension tests. The National Literacy Trust found that teens who read daily were more than twice as likely to achieve grade-level reading proficiency compared to those who rarely read. Independent reading also builds empathy and creativity by allowing students to imagine new perspectives.
Claim - Students should read for pleasure outside of school to improve academic skills and creativity.
It was Saturday morning, and Malik pedaled his bike toward the park with a grin. But when he turned the corner, the basketball court was empty. The usual sound of sneakers squeaking and laughter echoing through the air was gone. He checked his phone: 8:05 a.m. A message blinked on the group chat—
“Practice canceled. Coach is sick.”
Malik stopped pedaling. He kicked a small rock across the court, watching it bounce off the faded white lines before rolling away.
What can you infer about Malik’s plans for the morning?
He planned to play basketball practice
“Pedaled his bike toward the park with a grin.”
Juan could not find his lucky baseball cap anywhere. He needed it for today's game. He tore his room apart searching for the green–and–white cap. It was not there. After that, he searched the laundry room, the garage, and even the kitchen. The cap was nowhere to be found. Then, Juan had a thought. His little brother, Diego, loved that cap, too. Maybe he had it. "Did you take my baseball cap?" Juan asked Diego. Diego just shook his head, but Juan was sure he must have it. Where else could it be Juan sat down on the couch in the living room. Suddenly, he noticed something white and green sticking out from one of the cushions. It was his hat!
A. Juan was still certain that Diego knew something about what had happened to the hat.
B. Juan realized that he owed Diego an apology.
C. It was the last game of the season, and he wanted to win.
D. Now Juan had everything he needed for today's game.
E. It must have gotten stuck in the couch cushions when he was watching TV last night.
B. Juan realized that he owed Diego an apology.
D. Now Juan had everything he needed for today's game.
E. It must have gotten stuck in the couch cushions when he was watching TV last night.
not growing or changing; without force or vitality
stagnant - not growing or changing; without force or vitality
Evidence and reasoning
The Mayo Clinic reports that regular physical activity improves brain function and memory in young people. Physical education classes are just as important as academic classes. Exercise boosts students’ mood and concentration, which can lead to better performance in other subjects.
Physical education classes are just as important as academic classes. Exercise boosts students’ mood and concentration, which can lead to better performance in other subjects. The Mayo Clinic reports that regular physical activity improves brain function and memory in young people.
Using technology in the classroom helps prepare students for the future. Laptops and tablets make research faster and allow students to work together on projects more easily. According to a 2022 Pew Research Center survey, 84% of teachers said technology increased student participation and engagement during lessons.
✏️ Question:
Which sentence provides evidence that supports the author’s reason?
“According to a 2022 Pew Research Center survey, 84% of teachers said technology increased student participation and engagement during lessons.”
Explanation:
This sentence provides numerical data from a credible source proving that technology improves student engagement.
What's the Reason?
Using technology in the classroom helps students learn important skills for the future. When students use laptops or tablets, they can research quickly and collaborate with classmates more easily. The Pew Research Center reports that 84% of teachers believe technology improves students’ ability to learn and engage in lessons.
Reason: It helps students develop future-ready skills.
Participating in school sports teaches valuable life skills that can’t always be learned in the classroom. Student-athletes are more likely to graduate on time and less likely to skip school than non-athletes.
Claim - Students should participate in school sports because athletics teach valuable life skills.
Evidence
It was Saturday morning, and Malik pedaled his bike toward the park with a grin. But when he turned the corner, the basketball court was empty. The usual sound of sneakers squeaking and laughter echoing through the air was gone. He checked his phone: 8:05 a.m. A message blinked on the group chat—
“Practice canceled. Coach is sick.”
Malik stopped pedaling. He kicked a small rock across the court, watching it bounce off the faded white lines before rolling away.
How does Malik feel when he learns practice is canceled?
Disappointed or upset
“Kicked a small rock,” “the court was empty.”
It was the first spring after the fire had destroyed their home one bitter, cold November morning. The March sun felt like butter on warm toast against her skin as Alisha rode her bicycle toward the river.
How do the descriptions of the weather conditions contribute to the reader's understanding of the narrator's thoughts and feelings?
A. It shows how vivid the memory is for the narrator and how different things were then compared to now.
B. It shows how much the narrator dislikes winter and how much she loves the spring.
C. It shows how miserable she feels when it is cold compared to how energized she feels when it is warm.
D. It shows how the narrator would rather focus on outward things such as the weather rather than on her inward feelings.
A. It shows how vivid the memory is for the narrator and how different things were then compared to now.
of or involving the home or family
domestic - of or involving the home or family
What are 3 of the 5 parts that make a claim?
Statement of a position
The backbone of the argument
Must be debatable
Needs evidence
Guides the reader
Teachers should limit the amount of homework students receive each night.
Too much homework can cause stress and prevent students from getting enough rest.
In a 2023 study by Stanford University, over half of middle school students said homework was their top source of stress.
Teachers should limit the amount of homework students receive each night. Too much homework can cause stress and prevent students from getting enough rest. In a 2023 study by Stanford University, over half of middle school students said homework was their top source of stress.
Reading outside of school helps students become better writers and thinkers. When students read regularly, they expand their vocabulary and imagination. A National Literacy Trust report revealed that students who read daily scored an average of 30 points higher on standardized reading tests than those who rarely read.
✏️ Question:
Which sentence includes evidence that supports the reason?
“A National Literacy Trust report revealed that students who read daily scored an average of 30 points higher on standardized reading tests than those who rarely read.”
Explanation:
This evidence provides data proving that regular reading improves academic performance, supporting the claim that reading helps students become better thinkers and writers.
What's the Reason?
Schools should switch to a year-round schedule because students forget less material during shorter breaks. Long summer vacations cause learning loss, forcing teachers to spend the first weeks of school reviewing old lessons. The National Summer Learning Association reports that students lose up to two months of math skills each summer. Year-round schooling could help keep learning consistent and prevent this setback.
Reason: Shorter breaks reduce learning loss.
Too much screen time before bed can interfere with students’ sleep and attention spans. Students should limit screen time before bed to improve sleep and focus. A Harvard study found that students who used screens for more than two hours before bedtime were twice as likely to feel tired and distracted the next day.
Reason
It was Saturday morning, and Malik pedaled his bike toward the park with a grin. But when he turned the corner, the basketball court was empty. The usual sound of sneakers squeaking and laughter echoing through the air was gone. He checked his phone: 8:05 a.m. A message blinked on the group chat—
“Practice canceled. Coach is sick.”
Malik stopped pedaling. He kicked a small rock across the court, watching it bounce off the faded white lines before rolling away.
What evidence from the text best supports your inference?
a. “He pedaled his bike toward the park with a grin.”
b. “The basketball court was empty.”
c. “He kicked a small rock across the court.”
d. “A message blinked on the group chat.”
C
His actions show frustration or disappointment.
Madison watched her mother working outside in the garden. She knew how important it was to her mother to get all the seeds in the ground before the big rains, but she hated getting dirty and she hated bugs. Madison’s mother wiped her brow and waved expectantly at her daughter to join her in the backyard. Madison smiled hesitantly and waved back.
Which sentence provides the best ending to the story?
A. Her mother picked up the seed packets, laid them on the rows on the ground, and started digging.
B. The garden work looked hard and Madison stood at the kitchen window unsure of what to do.
C. She rolled up her sleeves, opened up the kitchen door, and walked over to the garden to help her mom.
D. Madison asked her mom how many rows of seeds needed to be planted and if they could wait until tomorrow.
C. She rolled up her sleeves, opened up the kitchen door, and walked over to the garden to help her mom.
unhappy about being away and longing for familiar things
nostalgic - unhappy about being away and longing for familiar things