Name That Type
“Typically 95% of all participants fail to capture a championship.”
What is statistical evidence?
Claim: Participation trophies send the wrong message.
What is “Not everyone is a winner, and awarding trophies to every participant may send the wrong message”?
Claim: Not everyone deserves a trophy. Evidence: In real life, not everyone gets rewarded.
What is: Sports should prepare kids for real-world competition and fairness.
“95% of all participants fail to capture a championship.” Strong or weak?
What is strong, because it uses a specific statistic to show most kids don’t win.
Does the article give a balanced view? How?
What is: Yes, it gives both pros and cons with different types of evidence.
"Not everyone is a winner, and awarding trophies to every participant mat send the wrong message."
What is logical reasoning?
Claim: Losing is an important part of development.
What is “Learning how to lose—and how to bounce back—is an important life skill”?
Claim: Giving trophies motivates kids to stay in sports. Evidence: It gives them something to look forward to.
What is: Tangible rewards can keep kids engaged until they find internal motivation.
“Some people think participation trophies make kids soft.” Strong or weak?
“Some people think participation trophies make kids soft.” Strong or weak?
If someone said “every child deserves a trophy,” how would Armideo respond?
What is: He might argue that rewarding everyone can dilute the meaning of success.
A coach tells the story of a child who stopped trying hard because he knew he’d get a trophy anyway.
What is anecdotal (based on personal accounts) evidence?
Claim: Giving every kid a trophy encourages them to continue playing.
What is “It helps kids feel included and may increase their interest in continuing sports”?
Claim: Participation trophies can be harmful. Evidence: They may lead to entitlement.
What is: Kids might expect rewards without working hard, which sets unrealistic expectations.
A parent shares a story about their child quitting after not getting a trophy. Strong or weak?
What is moderate, because it’s anecdotal—useful but not widely applicable.
How does the article address the idea that failure is good for kids?
What is: It says learning to lose is essential for building resilience.
A youth sports psychologist says children need to face failure to build resilience.
What is expert testimony (sworn opinion of a qualified expert—someone with specialized knowledge, skill, or experience—in)?
Claim: Participation trophies may reward lack of effort.
What is “Some kids don’t try their hardest because they know they’ll get a trophy anyway”?
Claim: Losing builds resilience. Evidence: Not getting a trophy teaches kids to try harder.
What is: It helps kids understand that success takes effort, and failure is part of growth.
“We’ve always done it this way in youth sports.” Strong or weak?
What is weak, because tradition alone isn’t strong evidence.
What is one argument for participation trophies?
What is: They help build confidence and encourage continued participation.
“For example, some leagues have begun giving out medals simply for showing up.”
What is example evidence?
Claim: Kids should be recognized for effort, not just wins.
What is “Rewarding proper effort is just as valuable as rewarding success”?
Claim: Participation trophies increase confidence. Evidence: Kids are proud to receive something for their efforts.
What is: It makes kids feel seen and appreciated, which encourages self-esteem.
A sports psychologist explains that failure builds mental toughness. Strong or weak?
What is strong, because it comes from an expert source.
What is one argument against participation trophies?
What is: They may reduce motivation or reward minimal effort.