Context Clues
The room was immaculate after we finished cleaning; not a single crumb or piece of dust could be found anywhere.
Spotless or perfectly clean
Lightning split the sky, rain hammered the sidewalk, and the air smelled like wet concrete.
Describe the intensity of a storm using sensory language
What is the main goal of argumentative writing?
To convince the reader to agree with your point of view using logic and reasoning.
Elena stared at her essay covered in red ink. She quietly folded it and slipped it into her backpack without saying a word.
Question:
What can you infer about how Elena feels?
She likely feels disappointed or embarrassed about her essay grade.
Claim: The main character is nervous about performing on stage.
Which sentence best supports this claim?
A. “He smiled proudly at the audience.”
B. “His hands shook as he stepped into the spotlight.”
C. “He thanked his teacher for helping him practice.”
B. “His hands shook as he stepped into the spotlight.”
Even though Maya tried to hide her disappointment, her demeanor gave it away.
A person’s outward behavior or attitude
The heart pumps blood through arteries and veins, delivering oxygen to cells so the body can function.
Inform the reader about how the heart works
What is a claim in an argumentative essay?
The main opinion or position the writer is trying to prove.
The cafeteria went silent when Coach Ramirez walked in. Even the usual chatter from the football table stopped immediately.
Question:
What can you infer about Coach Ramirez?
He is probably a strict or respected authority figure.
Claim: The storm caused serious damage to the town.
Which sentence best proves the claim?
A. “The thunder rumbled in the distance.”
B. “People watched the clouds gather from their porches.”
C. “Several trees had fallen, and the power was out across the neighborhood.”
C. “Several trees had fallen, and the power was out across the neighborhood.”
The coach’s meticulous notes covered every play, mistake, and improvement from the last game.
Extremely careful and detailed.
First, click “Settings.” Next, select “Wi-Fi,” choose your network, and enter the password to connect.
to explain the steps for connecting to Wi-Fi.
What is a counterargument in argumentative writing?
The opposing viewpoint or idea that disagrees with the writer’s claim.
Every time the group argued, Jay stayed quiet until the very end, then suggested one calm idea that solved everything.
Question:
What can you infer about Jay’s personality?
He is thoughtful, patient, and a natural problem-solver.
Some people say technology isolates us, but I disagree. My closest friendships began through online study groups, where we shared ideas and supported each other.
Question:
Which sentence best supports the claim that technology can bring people together?
“My closest friendships began through online study groups, where we shared ideas and supported each other.”
When the teacher announced a pop quiz, a groan of exasperation spread across the room
Frustration or annoyance.
I gripped the bat, the crowd fell silent, and the pitcher’s glare locked on me. One pitch. One chance.
to entertain the reader with a tense moment in a baseball game.
What is a rebuttal, and why is it important?
A rebuttal is the writer’s response that proves the counterargument wrong or weak, showing why their claim is stronger.
The old sign at the park read “No Trespassing,” but the fence was broken and the path was worn down from footprints.
Question:
What can you infer about what people in the area do?
People ignore the rule and continue using the park despite the sign.
Excerpt:
Maria frowned at her test paper. She had studied for hours, but the red marks covered every page. Still, she flipped to the back, picked up her pencil, and began rewriting the answers.
Question:
Which sentence best supports the claim that Maria doesn’t give up easily?
A. “She had studied for hours.”
B. “The red marks covered every page.”
C. “She picked up her pencil and began rewriting the answers.”
C. “She picked up her pencil and began rewriting the answers.”
Unlike her outgoing sister, Lila was reticent, rarely speaking unless someone directly asked her a question
Quiet or reserved; not willing to speak freely
Schools should adopt later start times. Research shows more sleep boosts focus, grades, and mental health.
to persuade the reader that schools should start later to help students succeed.
Some people believe students shouldn’t have homework because it causes stress. However, homework teaches responsibility and helps students review what they learned in class. Without it, many students might forget important material.
What is the counterargument and rebuttal?
Counterargument: Some people believe students shouldn’t have homework because it causes stress
Rebuttal: Without homework, students might forget important material.
After hearing Mr. Auld forbid his wife from teaching him to read, Frederick Douglass wrote that a “new light broke upon me.”
It symbolizes his realization that knowledge leads to power and freedom.
Some people argue that social media distracts teens, but I believe it helps us stay informed. I learn about community events, scholarships, and volunteer opportunities every week online.
Question:
Which sentence best supports the claim that social media can be positive for students?
A. “I learn about community events, scholarships, and volunteer opportunities every week online.”
B. “Some people argue that social media distracts teens.”
C. “Social media is popular with most teenagers.”
A. “I learn about community events, scholarships, and volunteer opportunities every week online.”