Identifying Claims
What is the claim in the following passage?
Schools should not have a dress code. Most schools do have one, but most students disapprove of them. Does your school have one?
ANSWER: Schools should not have a dress code.
What are the reasons the author uses to support their claim in the following sentence?
According to Time Magazine, more households have dogs than cats. However, cats make a much better pet than dogs. They are low maintenance, don't need to go outside, and keep to themselves.
ANSWER: They are low maintenance, don't need to go outside, and keep to themselves.
What is the evidence the author uses to support their argument in the following passage?
California is the best state in the country! We have oceans, warm weather, and lots of national parks.
ANSWER: The author gives reasons: "We have oceans, warm weather, and lots of national parks."
If we are reading an argumentative text, what is most likely the author's purpose?
ANSWER: The author's purpose is most likely to persuade.
What is the claim in the following passage?
According to Time Magazine, more households have dogs than cats. However, cats make a much better pet than dogs. They are low maintenance, don't need to go outside, and keep to themselves.
ANSWER: However, cats make a much better pet than dogs.
What are the reasons the author uses to support their claim in the following passage?
Students should not have homework because they spend enough time working in school, need time for friends, and most likely won't do their homework anyways. Homework needs to go!
ANSWER: Students spend enough time working in school, need time for friends, and most likely won't do their homework anyways.
Does this passage contain any evidence?
Cheddar Ball is the best cat in the world...no cat can compare!
ANSWER: There is no evidence in the passage.
Fill in the blank.
In argumentative writing, you must have ____ to support your claims so that the reader is convinced to agree with what you are saying.
ANSWER: You must have EVIDENCE to support your claims.
Is the author for or against Hydroflasks?
Have you ever been outside when it's 110 degrees? If you have, you know you could probably cook an egg on the sidewalk. Also, you know it's almost impossible to keep ice from melting...or so you thought! Hydroflasks make a great alternative to traditional waterbottles and are perfect for 110 degree weather. Rush to the store and get one now!
ANSWER: The author is for Hydroflasks.
What are the reasons why the author believes Hydroflasks are better than plastic water bottles?
Who doesn't have a Hydroflask these days? They are very beneficial for people who live in hot temperatures. They are better than plastic water bottles because they keep your drink cold for 24 hours. Also, water bottles are bad for the environment if people don't recycle them. Lastly, Hydroflasks can last years, and won't break very easily.
ANSWER: Hydroflasks are beneficial for people who live in hot temperatures, they keep your drink cold for 24 hours, they are better for the environment, and they won't break easily.
Desktop computers are a thing of the past. They take up too much space and are not easy to transport. According to a survey conducted in 2018, "90% of households have a laptop, but not a desktop computer" (Microsoft). This just shows desktop computers are a thing of the past!
ANSWER: "According to a survey conducted in 2018, '90% of households have a laptop, but not a desktop computer' (Microsoft). "
True or False?
Claims and arguments are basically the same thing...an author's claim is the same thing as their argument.
ANSWER: True. Claims and Arguments are the same things, and can be used interchangeably.
Identify the claim in the following passage.
Have you seen the show "Toddlers & Tiaras"? It follows the lives of parents who decide to put their young children in beauty pageants. The toddlers often wear makeup and have a really disrespectful attitude. Toddlers should not be in beauty pageants because it can be dangerous, is not age appropriate, and does not teach them any valuable life skills.
ANSWER: Toddlers should not be in beauty pageants because it can be dangerous, is not age appropriate, and does not teach them any valuable life skills.
What are the reasons the author believes video games are good for preteens?
Video games are valuable to preteens. Some games teach preteens how to work on a team. Also, some video games are educational...how can educational games be harmful?? Lastly, video games are valuable because they give preteens a break from schoolwork.
ANSWER: Video games are valuable to preteens because they teach them how to work on a team, are sometimes educational, and give preteens a break from schoolwork.
Does the following passage contain any evidence?
Ridiculousness is the best show on TV! I watch it every weekend and never stop laughing. You have to check it out!
ANSWER: The passage does not contain any evidence.
True or False?
The process steps for writing a counterargument are:
1)Refute
2)Counterargument
3)Rebuttal
4)Conclude
ANSWER: False. Refute comes after counterargument.
What is the author's argument in the passage below?
Social media places outrageous expectations on preteens. Seeing posts from celebrities makes them feel as if they have to be perfect and "have it all together". Also, social media makes preteens want to grow up too quickly. They want to look and act a certain age, just like their favorite Tik-Tok or Youtube stars. Social media is not good for preteens!
ANSWER: Social media is not good for preteens - it provides them with outrageous expectations and makes them want to grow up too quickly.
Are the reasons provided by the author enough to persuade the reader?
Hot Cheetos are the best! Sure, they make your fingers red, but they're so good! Do you know why they're the best? I'll tell you. They are better than any other chip. Also, they come in different size bags, so that's cool. If you don't like Hot Cheetos, we can't be friends.
ANSWER: No, the reasons are not enough to persuade the reader because they are not solid evidence. It's just the author's opinions.
What evidence does the author use to support their claim?
Masks are beneficial to students at school. My partner in Science caught Covid two weeks ago, which forced me to quaratine for 10 days. Although I sat right next to her everyday, I never caught the virus. I'm very relieved!
ANSWER: The author uses a personal story to support their argument.
What could be a possible counterargument for the following claim?
School should only be 2 hours long each day.
ANSWER: Answers will vary, but it must disagree with the claim. "Some people might say school should be longer than 2 hours because ________".