Evaluating Arguments & Claims
"Schools should require all students to wear uniforms. Studies show that students who wear uniforms focus better in class. Plus, uniforms prevent bullying based on clothing choices."
What type of evidence does the author use to support the argument?
a) A personal opinion
b) A statistic from a study
c) A fictional story
d) A quote from a celebrity
b) A statistic from a study
"Lena shivered and pulled her jacket tighter around her shoulders as she hurried through the dark, empty street."
What can you infer about Lena?
a) She is cold and nervous.
b) She is excited to be outside.
c) She enjoys the dark.
d) She is not wearing a jacket.
a) She is cold and nervous.
Which sentence from a passage provides the BEST evidence that a character is scared?
a) "He whistled a tune as he walked along."
b) "Her hands trembled as she reached for the doorknob."
c) "She grinned and high-fived her friend."
d) "They eagerly unpacked their picnic basket."
b) "Her hands trembled as she reached for the doorknob."
3. What is the author’s purpose in the following passage?
"Did you know that eating vegetables every day can improve your health? Scientists have proven that a diet rich in greens helps people live longer. If you want to stay strong and healthy, make sure to eat your veggies!"
a) To entertain
b) To persuade
c) To inform
d) To describe
b) To persuade
How can an author show their point of view in a nonfiction text?
a) By including only facts and no opinions
b) By using words that show bias or emotion
c) By leaving out details
d) By writing in a boring way
b) By using words that show bias or emotion
Which of the following is an example of strong evidence to support an argument?
a) "I think dogs are better than cats."
b) "According to a study, dog owners tend to exercise more than cat owners."
c) "My friend has a dog, and she likes him a lot."
d) "Dogs are the best animals, in my opinion."
b) "According to a study, dog owners tend to exercise more than cat owners."
"James took a deep breath, wiped the sweat from his hands, and stepped onto the stage. The bright lights nearly blinded him, and his heart pounded in his chest."
Question: What can you infer about James’s feelings? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.
James is nervous. The text says his hands were sweaty, and his heart was pounding, which shows he might be anxious about performing on stage
Which sentence from a passage provides the BEST evidence that a character is feeling confident?
a) "She walked into the room, head held high, ready to present her project."
b) "He looked down at his feet, unsure of what to say."
c) "She hesitated before answering, afraid of getting it wrong."
d) "His hands shook as he reached for the microphone."
a) "She walked into the room, head held high, ready to present her project."
"Long ago, people thought the Earth was the center of the universe. However, scientists like Copernicus and Galileo proved that the Sun is actually at the center of our solar system. Thanks to them, we now understand how planets move in space."
What is the author’s purpose in this passage?
a) To inform readers about a scientific discovery
b) To persuade readers to become scientists
c) To entertain readers with a space story
d) To describe what it feels like to be in space
a) To inform readers about a scientific discovery
"Every summer, the park is filled with laughter and the smell of grilled food. Families set up picnic blankets, kids chase each other, and music plays from the bandstand. It’s the happiest place to be on a sunny afternoon."
What is the author’s point of view about the park?
a) The park is noisy and overcrowded.
b) The park is a fun and joyful place.
c) The park is boring and dull.
d) The park is only for families.
b) The park is a fun and joyful place.
"Video games improve problem-solving skills. In one study, students who played strategy-based games performed better on logic tests than those who did not."
How does the author support this claim?
a) By giving an expert opinion
b) By using a statistic or study
c) By sharing a personal story
d) By asking a question
b) By using a statistic or study
"As soon as Mia stepped into the room, she wrinkled her nose. The strong scent of vinegar and bleach filled the air. She backed away slowly, holding her breath."
What can you infer about the room Mia entered?
a) It is a bakery.
b) It has just been cleaned.
c) It is a flower shop.
d) It is a pet store
b) It has just been cleaned.
"As the thunder rumbled in the distance, Mia pulled the blanket tighter around her shoulders. She glanced at the window, watching the rain pound against the glass. Her fingers clutched the book she was reading, but she hadn’t turned the page in a while."
What can you infer about Mia’s feelings?
a) She is excited about the storm.
b) She is afraid or nervous.
c) She is too tired to read.
d) She is enjoying the book
b) She is afraid or nervous.
"Fast food restaurants should be required to offer healthier options. Many kids eat fast food every week, and it’s important that they have nutritious choices. If we want to reduce childhood obesity, we must take action!"
Question: What is the author’s purpose? How do you know?
The author’s purpose is to persuade. The text uses strong words like "should be required" and "we must take action" to convince the reader that fast food restaurants need healthier options
Which phrase shows that an author might be biased in an opinion article?
a) "Studies show that recycling helps the environment."
b) "I believe that summer is the best season of all."
c) "Scientists discovered a new species of fish."
d) "The Earth orbits the Sun once a year."
b) "I believe that summer is the best season of all."
Which of these is an example of weak evidence to support an argument?
a) "A survey of 500 teachers found that homework improves student learning."
b) "I believe students should not have homework because it takes up too much time."
c) "Studies show that students who do homework score higher on tests."
d) "Researchers found that 70% of students benefit from doing homework."
b) "I believe students should not have homework because it takes up too much time."
What is the best way to support an inference with textual evidence?
a) Guess the answer without reading the text.
b) Use words from the text that support your idea.
c) Pick a random sentence from the passage.
d) Write your own opinion, even if it’s not in the text.
b) Use words from the text that support your idea.
Which sentence provides the best textual evidence that a character is feeling embarrassed?
a) "She stared at the floor, her cheeks turning red as everyone laughed."
b) "She smiled and waved at her friends."
c) "She quickly raised her hand to answer the question."
d) "She laughed loudly and joined the conversation."
a) "She stared at the floor, her cheeks turning red as everyone laughed."
"The tropical rainforest is home to millions of plant and animal species. Many of these species cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Rainforests also help produce oxygen, which is essential for life on Earth."
Question: What is the author’s purpose? Is the passage meant to persuade, inform, or entertain?
The author’s purpose is to inform. The passage provides facts about rainforests and their importance without trying to convince the reader of an opinion
"After the long hike, Jake felt completely drained. He could barely lift his backpack as he trudged toward the campsite."
What does "drained" most likely mean in this sentence?
a) Tired or exhausted
b) Excited and energized
c) Bored and uninterested
d) Happy and cheerful
a) Tired or exhausted
"Some people argue that electric cars are too expensive. However, studies show that electric cars save drivers money over time because they don’t need gas and have lower maintenance costs."
What is the author trying to do in this passage?
a) Introduce a counterargument and refute it
b) Tell a personal story about electric cars
c) Entertain the reader with a funny story
d) Give instructions on how to buy an electric car
a) Introduce a counterargument and refute it
"Oliver flipped through the old book, carefully turning each fragile page. The faded ink and worn-out cover showed that it had been read many times before."
Question: What can you infer about the book? Use evidence from the text to support your answer
The book is very old and well-used. The text says the pages are "fragile" and the ink is "faded," which shows that the book has been handled many times.
"The old clock in the hallway had stopped ticking. Dust covered the shelves, and cobwebs hung from the ceiling. The house was silent except for the occasional creak of the wooden floor."
What can you infer about the house?
a) It is abandoned or not well cared for.
b) It is a brand-new house.
c) It is filled with people.
d) It is decorated for a party.
a) It is abandoned or not well cared for.
"Every year, thousands of plastic bottles end up in the ocean, harming marine life. If we all start using reusable water bottles, we can help reduce pollution and protect our planet. Do your part—choose reusable!"
What is the author’s purpose?
a) To inform
b) To entertain
c) To persuade
d) To describe
c) To persuade
"The detective examined the crime scene meticulously, looking for even the smallest clue."
What does "meticulously" most likely mean?
a) Quickly and carelessly
b) In a detailed and careful way
c) Without any effort
d) Loudly and excitedly
b) In a detailed and careful way