Claims and Central Idea
Read the paragraph:
Many schools have started later in the day to help students get more sleep. Research shows that students who begin school later are more alert and perform better academically. As a result, some districts have adjusted their schedules.
Part A: What is the author’s claim?
A. Schools have schedules.
B. Students like sleep.
C. Schools should start later to improve student performance.
D. Research studies exist.
Part B: Which sentence BEST supports the answer to Part A?
A. Sentence 1
B. Sentence 2
C. Sentence 3
D. Sentence 1 and 3
C. Schools should start later to improve student performance.
B. Sentence 2
$100 (Part A / Part B)
Read the paragraph:
Students who participate in extracurricular activities often develop stronger time-management skills. A recent survey found that students involved in activities were more likely to complete assignments on time. This suggests that structured schedules may improve organization.
Part A: Which sentence is evidence?
A. Sentence 1 introduces a general idea.
B. Sentence 2 presents findings from a survey.
C. Sentence 3 explains what the findings may mean.
D. Sentence 1 and 3 both support the claim.
Part B: Why is Sentence 3 NOT evidence?
A. It repeats information already stated earlier.
B. It introduces a new and unrelated topic.
C. It interprets the data instead of presenting it directly.
D. It provides an example instead of a statistic.
B. Sentence 2 presents findings from a survey.
C. It interprets the data instead of presenting it directly.
Which sentence functions as a counterclaim?
A. Homework helps reinforce skills learned in class.
B. Many teachers assign homework to students daily.
C. Some believe homework places unnecessary pressure on students.
D. Homework is often used to review important concepts.
C. Some believe homework places unnecessary pressure on students.
Which transition BEST signals a shift to a counterclaim?
A. In addition
B. For example
C. On the other hand
D. As a result
C. On the other hand
Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
A. The author said “students should read daily”.
B. The author said, “students should read daily.”
C. The author said “students should read daily.”
D. The author said, “students should read daily”.
B. The author said, “students should read daily.”
Original: Phones are bad for students.
Choose the revision that represents the strongest claim.
A. Phones distract students during learning activities.
B. Phones are sometimes a problem in classrooms.
C. Phones affect students in a variety of ways.
D. Phones should be limited because they interrupt student focus.
D. Phones should be limited because they interrupt student focus.
Which sentence BEST supports the claim: “Reading improves academic performance”?
A. Students who read often enjoy different types of books.
B. A report found frequent readers scored higher across subjects.
C. Reading is a skill students use in many classes.
D. Many teachers encourage students to read daily.
B. A report found frequent readers scored higher across subjects.
Which rebuttal is MOST effective?
A. That idea is not always correct in every situation.
B. Many people have different opinions about homework.
C. Research shows moderate homework improves learning without increasing stress.
D. Homework is still assigned in many schools today.
C. Research shows moderate homework improves learning without increasing stress.
Students benefit from exercise. ______, it improves both physical health and concentration.
A. However
B. For example
C. In contrast
D. Meanwhile
B. For example
Which sentence is correct?
A. My teacher, who assigns homework every day is strict.
B. My teacher who assigns homework every day, is strict.
C. My teacher, who assigns homework every day, is strict.
D. My teacher who assigns homework every day is strict.
C. My teacher, who assigns homework every day, is strict.
Which TWO sentences are clear, arguable claims?
A. School lunches include many different food options.
B. Schools should offer healthier food choices for students.
C. Lunch is served at scheduled times each day.
D. Schools need to improve the overall quality of meals.
B. Schools should offer healthier food choices for students.
D. Schools need to improve the overall quality of meals.
Which TWO sentences are evidence (not explanation)?
A. This shows that students benefit from practice over time.
B. Researchers found students improved after daily reading sessions.
C. This suggests that reading helps build stronger skills.
D. Data indicates students who read more score higher on tests.
B. Researchers found students improved after daily reading sessions.
D. Data indicates students who read more score higher on tests.
Some argue that homework should be eliminated. ______, research shows it can improve retention when used appropriately.
A.However
B. Similarly
C.For example
D. In addition
A. However
Which sentence uses a transition INCORRECTLY?
A. Students should read daily. In addition, it improves vocabulary.
B. Many students enjoy reading. For example, they choose books often.
C. Students should read daily. However, it improves vocabulary.
D. Reading builds skills. As a result, students perform better.
C. Students should read daily. However, it improves vocabulary.
Original: Students should read more it helps them improve.
A. Students should read more. It helps them improve.
B. Students should read more, it helps them improve.
C. Students should read more because it helps them improve.
D. Students should read more it helps them improve
C. Students should read more because it helps them improve.
Which sentence is NOT a claim?
A. Schools should limit homework to improve student health.
B. Homework policies need to be updated in many districts.
C. A study found that students with less homework reported less stress.
D. Students should have more time for rest and activities.
C. A study found that students with less homework reported less stress.
Which evidence is LEAST effective in supporting a claim?
A. A study showing test score improvements after intervention
B. Data collected from multiple schools over several years
C. Expert opinion from a certified education researcher
D. A single student’s personal experience with homework
D. A single student’s personal experience with homework
Read the paragraph:
Some people believe technology improves learning. Others argue it creates distractions in the classroom. However, studies show that structured technology use can increase engagement.
Part A: Which sentence is the counterclaim?
A. Sentence 1 presents the main claim.
B. Sentence 2 introduces an opposing viewpoint.
C. Sentence 3 provides research-based support.
D. Sentence 1 and 3 both support the argument.
Part B: Why is Sentence 3 a rebuttal?
A. It introduces a new idea unrelated to the topic.
B. It repeats the counterclaim using different words.
C. It uses evidence to respond to the opposing viewpoint.
D. It explains why technology is always effective.
B. Sentence 2 introduces an opposing viewpoint.
C. It uses evidence to respond to the opposing viewpoint.
Which revision BEST improves logical flow?
A. Students should read daily however it improves vocabulary.
B. Students should read daily, for example it improves vocabulary.
C. Students should read daily. Meanwhile it improves vocabulary.
D. Students should read daily because it improves vocabulary.
D. Students should read daily because it improves vocabulary.
A. Students should exercise, it improves health.
B. Students should exercise however it improves health.
C. Students should exercise. Improving health.
D. Students should exercise because it improves health.
D. Students should exercise because it improves health.
Original: Homework is not good sometimes.
Which revision BEST improves clarity and precision?
A. Homework is not always helpful for students.
B. Homework can negatively affect students when it causes stress.
C. Homework is bad for students in many cases.
D. Homework is something students complete at home.
B. Homework can negatively affect students when it causes stress.
Read the paragraph:
Some argue that school uniforms improve focus. A study found that schools with uniforms reported fewer distractions. However, other researchers found no significant difference in academic performance.
Which sentence BEST supports the claim that uniforms improve focus?
A. Sentence 1 introduces differing viewpoints.
B. Sentence 3 presents conflicting research findings.
C. Sentence 2 provides research related to distractions.
D. Sentence 2 and 3 both equally support the claim.
C. Sentence 2 provides research related to distractions.
Which rebuttal is LEAST effective?
A. However, studies show benefits when homework is balanced.
B. Research suggests moderate homework supports learning.
C. Evidence shows structured homework improves outcomes.
D. Some people disagree with that opinion about homework.
D. Some people disagree with that opinion about homework.
Which TWO transitions would BEST strengthen this argument?
Students should eat breakfast. ______, it improves focus. ______, studies show better academic performance.
A. For example
B. In addition
C. However
D. Furthermore
B. In addition
D. Furthermore
Original: Many students say homework is stressful however it helps them learn
Which TWO revisions are correct?
A. Many students say homework is stressful; however, it helps them learn.
B. Many students say homework is stressful however, it helps them learn.
C. Many students say homework is stressful. However, it helps them learn.
D. Many students say homework is stressful, however it helps them learn.
A. Many students say homework is stressful; however, it helps them learn.
C. Many students say homework is stressful. However, it helps them learn.