Vocabulary
This is the author's opinion or attitude about a topic.
What is point of view?
An article explaining how tornadoes form is written primarily to...
What is inform?
If an author believes recycling should be required by law, what is the author's point of view?
Recycling should be mandatory.
Why do authors include opposing viewpoints?
To strengthen their argument and show they considered other opinions.
Which vocabulary word means the author's main argument?
What is a claim?
This is the reason an author writes a text.
What is purpose?
A commercial encouraging you to buy a new phone is trying to...
What is persuade?
If an author says,
"Video games can improve problem-solving skills," what is the author's point of view?
Video games can have positive educational benefits.
An author writes,
"Some people think homework is unnecessary, but research shows moderate homework improves learning."
Which part is the counterclaim?
"Some people think homework is unnecessary."
What is the first step when analyzing an author's argument?
Identify the topic.
Facts, examples, statistics, or quotations that support an author's claim are called...
What is evidence?
A funny short story written to make readers laugh has the purpose to...
What is entertain?
True or False:
Two authors can write about the same topic but have different points of view.
True.
What is the evidence in this sentence?
"Studies show students who sleep eight hours score higher on tests."
The studies showing students score higher after getting enough sleep.
An article gives both sides of an issue without choosing one side.
The author's purpose is most likely to...
Inform.
An opposing opinion that disagrees with the author's claim is called a...
What is a counterclaim?
A recipe teaches readers how to cook a meal. Its purpose is to...
What is explain/instruct?
An author writes about healthy eating by listing only the benefits and ignoring unhealthy habits. This may show...
What is bias?
How does an author usually respond to a counterclaim?
By providing evidence, explaining limitations, or refuting the opposing viewpoint.
A student writes,
"School uniforms reduce distractions. Some people disagree because they limit self-expression, but research shows schools with uniforms have fewer discipline problems."
What is the rebuttal?
Research shows schools with uniforms have fewer discipline problems.
When an author explains why the opposing viewpoint is weaker, this is called a...
What is a rebuttal?
An editorial argues schools should require financial literacy classes. The author's purpose is...
What is persuade?
What should you identify FIRST before determining an author's point of view?
The topic of the text.
True or False
Ignoring opposing viewpoints usually makes an argument stronger.
False.
An author presents evidence from experts, statistics, and research after mentioning an opposing opinion.
What is the author trying to accomplish?
Strengthen the argument by supporting the claim with credible evidence.