Vocabulary 1
An opinion or idea that the author argues and supports with reasons and evidence
What is a Claim
Explains how and why the evidence proves the claim.
What is Logical Reasoning
Using reasons and evidence to prove a point.
What is an Argument
Which of the following is a claim?
A. School starts at 7:20 a.m.
B. Chocolate milk is served in the cafeteria
C. Schools should start later in the day
D. There are 180 school days in a year
What is C. Schools should start later in the day
“Everyone knows that homework is useless, so schools should get rid of it.”
What is the main problem with this reasoning?
A. It uses strong evidence
B. It relies on an unsupported assumption
C. It is too detailed
D. It uses statistics
What is B. It relies on an unsupported assumption
→ “Everyone knows” is not actual evidence.
What is the main purpose of an argument in writing? A. To tell a story
B. To describe a setting
C. To explain how something works
D. To convince the reader of a claim
What is D. To convince the reader of a claim
Which of the following BEST supports the claim:
“Schools should start later in the day.”
A. Some students like waking up early
B. Teenagers need more sleep for brain development
C. School buses are yellow
D. Teachers assign homework
What is B. Teenagers need more sleep for brain development
Claim: “Social media causes anxiety in teenagers.”
Which statement would STRENGTHEN this claim the most?
A. Many teens use social media
B. Anxiety has many causes
C. Studies show teens who use social media more report higher anxiety levels
D. Phones are popular
What is C. It assumes all lawbreakers are criminals.
→ Not all lawbreaking = criminal (example: minor rule-breaking vs serious crime).
Which statement is a counterclaim to: “School should start later”?
A. Students are tired
B. Later start times may interfere with after-school activities
C. Sleep is important
D. School begins early
What is B. Later start times may interfere with after-school activities
Which piece of evidence is STRONGEST for the claim:
“Video games can improve problem-solving skills.”
A. Video games are fun
B. Many students play video games
C. Studies show gamers solve puzzles faster than non-gamers
D. Some games have bright colors
What is C. Studies show gamers solve puzzles faster than non-gamers
“Students who play sports get better grades. Jordan plays sports, so Jordan must get good grades.”
What is the flaw in this reasoning?
A. It assumes all athletes have good grades
B. It gives too much evidence
C. It is based on fact
D. It uses expert opinion
What is A. It assumes all athletes have good grades.
→ Just because some athletes do well doesn’t mean every athlete does.
Which argument is STRONGER? A. “Phones are bad.”
B. “Phones should be limited in class because they distract students and reduce focus.”
C. “Phones exist in school.”
D. “Phones are popular.”
What is B. “Phones should be limited in class because they distract students and reduce focus.”
Explain Claim in your own words.
What is an opinion or idea that the author argues and supports with reasons and evidence.
Explain logical reasoning in your own words.
What is explains how and why the evidence proves the claim.
Explain argument in your own words.
What is using reasons and evidence to prove a point.