A
Explain a choice with a reason. What word means to support or defend that choice?
justify
A student respectfully disagrees with a group’s decision. What word describes this disagreement?
dissent
You know beyond doubt that your answer is correct. What word describes this feeling?
certainty
A claim is shown to be unreliable using evidence. What does the evidence do to the claim?
It discredits the claim.
You believe the library is open without checking its hours. What is this unproven belief called?
an assumption
What does it mean to justify your opinion in a class discussion?
To support or defend an opinion with reasons or evidence.
What is one respectful way to express dissent during a discussion?
Possible answer: “I see it differently because…”
Which word describes being sure something is true: certainty or assumption?
certainty
If new facts make a witness seem less trustworthy, what might those facts do to the witness’s account?
They might discredit the witness’s account.
A student thinks a classmate is upset because they are quiet. What assumption might the student be making?
The student may assume that being quiet means the classmate is upset
Name one kind of evidence you could use to justify an answer about a story.
Possible answers: a quotation, a detail from the story, or an example.
How can dissent help a group make a better decision?
It can bring different ideas to the discussion, reveal problems, and help the group make a thoughtful choice.
Why might a scientist describe a result with uncertainty instead of certainty?
Scientific results may have limits, or more evidence may be needed. Scientists use uncertainty when they are not completely sure.
What would you need before trying to discredit a claim?
Reliable evidence or facts that can be checked.
What is the difference between an assumption and a fact?
An assumption is an idea accepted without proof; a fact can be checked or supported with evidence.
Rewrite this idea as a justified claim: “The character is brave.” Include a reason from the story.
Answers will vary. Example: “The character is brave because she enters the dark cave to rescue her friend.”
A team member disagrees with the plan but offers no explanation. What could they add to make their dissent more useful?
They could explain why they disagree and offer evidence or another plan.
Give an example of a situation where a person might feel certainty but still be mistaken.
Answers will vary. Example: Someone may be certain it will not rain because the sky is clear, but a storm may still arrive.
Explain how a reliable source could discredit a rumor.
The statement assumes that nobody complained means everyone enjoyed the movie. Some people may have disliked it but stayed quiet.
Identify an assumption in this statement: “Everyone enjoyed the movie because nobody complained.”
The statement assumes that nobody complained means everyone enjoyed the movie. Some people may have disliked it but stayed quiet.
A classmate says, “The ending is unfair.” What question could you ask to help them justify that opinion with evidence?
Possible answer: “Which details from the story make you think the ending is unfair?”
Describe how a student can express dissent while still showing respect for classmates.
Answers will vary. The student should explain their disagreement calmly, listen to others, and avoid personal attacks.
A student is certain a source is accurate because it agrees with them. What should they check before trusting it?
Check the source’s author, evidence, date, and reliability; compare it with other trustworthy sources.
A post makes a claim about a school event, but a verified announcement contradicts it. Explain how the announcement discredits the post.
The verified announcement provides trustworthy evidence that contradicts the post, making the post seem unreliable.
A student assumes a new classmate will dislike their game. What could the student do to test that assumption?
Ask the classmate about their interests or invite them to play and see how they respond.