Claim/ Counterclaim
What is the sentence called that tells the main position or opinion an author is arguing for?
What do we call facts, examples, or quotes used to support a claim?
What is
Evidence (supporting details like facts, examples, statistics, or quotes).
Name two essential parts of an argument (one answer: claim; another answer: __________).
What is:
Claim and evidence (or claim and reasons; also acceptable: claim and counterclaim/rebuttal).
What are the three classic rhetorical appeals? (list all three)
What is
Logos, Ethos, and Pathos.
What are context clues?
What are
Context clues are hints in surrounding text that help the reader figure out the meaning of an unfamiliar word.
What is a counterclaim?
What is
A counterclaim is an opposing view or argument that challenges the original claim
What is reasoning in an argument?
What is
Reasoning is the explanation that connects the evidence to the claim — it shows why the evidence supports the claim.
What is a thesis statement in an argumentative text?
What is
A thesis statement is a sentence that clearly states the main claim and previews the reasons that will support it.
Which appeal focuses on emotions and tries to make the audience feel something?
What is
Pathos
Use context clues to define the italicized word in this sentence: "The student's argument was concise, getting straight to the point without extra details." What does "concise" mean?
What is
"Concise" means short and to the point; brief
Read this short example: "School should start later because research shows teenagers sleep better. Some say it won't work because bus schedules would change." Which part is the counterclaim?
What is
"Some say it won't work because bus schedules would change."
Identify which of these is reasoning:
(A) "Most students like recess."
(B) "Because recess gives students a break, they return to class more focused, so learning improves."
What is
(B)
What role does a conclusion play in an argument?
What is
A conclusion summarizes the main claim and reasons, reinforces the argument, and often offers a final thought or call to action. (mic drop/ land the plan)
Give a short example (one sentence) of an ethos appeal a student might use when writing about school safety.
(Answers will vary)
What is
"As a school counselor with ten years of experience, I have seen how improved safety plans protect students." — this appeals to the writer's credibility (ethos).
Identify the meaning of the italicized word using clues: "Her rebuttal was compelling; every fact she used made the idea more believable."
What does "compelling" mean here?
What is
"Compelling" means convincing or persuasive.
How can a writer effectively respond to a counterclaim in a paragraph?
What is
A writer should acknowledge the counterclaim, then refute it with stronger evidence or reasoning (state the counterclaim, explain its limits, and provide evidence supporting the original claim).
Explain why using weak or unrelated evidence can weaken an argument.
What is
Weak or unrelated evidence fails to support the claim, makes the argument less believable, and gives readers reason to doubt the author's conclusion.
Define "audience" and explain why knowing the audience matters when writing an argument
What is
Audience is the group of readers or listeners the author addresses. Knowing the audience matters because it helps the writer choose tone, language, and types of evidence that will persuade that group.
Read this example and identify the appeal: "Studies from the National Sleep Foundation show teenagers need at least eight hours of sleep."
Which appeal is being used and why?
What is
Logos — it uses factual evidence (a study/statistic) to support the claim
Use context clues to define the italicized word in the sentence below. Write the meaning in one or two words.
"The detective was meticulous, checking every tiny detail of the room to make sure nothing was missed."
What is
Meticulous means careful / precise
Read the short paragraph and identify the claim, the counterclaim, and write one sentence that effectively rebuts the counterclaim using evidence or reasoning.
"The school district should build a new playground because students need safe, modern equipment that supports physical activity and social play. Some parents argue that the money would be better spent on textbooks and technology."
Read the claim below. List two pieces of evidence (choose from: a statistic, a short expert quote, or a real-life example) you could use to support the claim. For each piece of evidence, write one sentence that explains how it supports the claim.
Claim: "A short daily mindfulness practice can help students concentrate better in class."
What is (answers will vary)
Evidence 1 (Statistic): "A study found that students who practiced mindfulness for five minutes a day improved their attention scores by 15%."
Reasoning sentence: This statistic shows a measurable improvement in attention after mindfulness practice, which supports the claim that it helps students concentrate.
Evidence 2 (Example): "At Pacetti Bay Middle School, teachers noticed students completed warm-up tasks faster after starting a daily mindfulness routine."
Reasoning sentence: This real-life example shows that regular mindfulness can lead to quicker task completion, suggesting students are concentrating better in class.
Read the short claim below. Identify the claim, list two reasons that could support it, and name one piece of evidence you might use for each reason (keep each answer to one short sentence).
Claim: "Recess should be longer at our school."
What is
Explain how an author might combine logos and pathos in a single sentence to strengthen an argument (give a one-sentence example).
What is
"Nearly 60% of students report feeling exhausted each morning, leaving many too tired to enjoy childhood; we must start school later to protect their health."
(Combines a statistic (logos) with emotional language about students' well-being (pathos).)
Choose the best meaning of the italicized word from the options.
"Although the comedian's jokes were lighthearted, one remark was inadvertently insulting and offended several audience members."
A) planned on purpose
B) by accident / without meaning to
C) loudly and clearly
What is
B) By accident/ without meaning to