Claim and Evidence

Claim

The claim sums up the argument that the writer is defending. It is typically at the start of the paragraph or passage. To find the claim, ask yourself, "What sentence most conscisely conveys the point the author is trying to defend?"

Claims don't just state a fact. They share the writer's viewpoint or position.

A strong claim is not

• Just an opinion

• Written in first person

• A sentence with because in it

• Vague

Evidence

A piece of evidence is a fact that supports the claim. Think: "What sentence or sentences give facts to support the author's point or claim?

Strong evidence must:

• be a fact

• come from a credible source

• be relevant to the claim (not just random)

Multiple Choice

Is the following sentence an example of a claim or evidence?

Two out of three high school students fail to get enough sleep.

• Claim

• Evidence

Multiple Choice

The following sentence is an example of...?

More school districts should wake up to the benefits of starting school later in the morning.

• Reasoning

• Evidence

• Claim

• Opinion

Multiple Choice

Is the following sentence an example of a claim or evidence?

According to the American Health Association, peanut butter is a great source of protein.

• Claim

• Evidence

Multiple Choice

Is the following sentence an example of a claim or evidence?

Two out of three high school students fail to get enough sleep.

• Claim

• Evidence

Multiple Choice

What is the claim in the following argument?

In our experiment, the blocks had different masses: 20 g., 30 g., 44 g., 123 g. and 142 g. but the time for all five blocks to fall was about the same. It took between 1.5 and 1.8 seconds for them to fall. No, mass does not affect how quickly an object falls. Since the blocks had different masses but took about the same time, I know that mass does not affect how quickly something falls.

• In our experiment, the blocks had different masses, 20 g., 30 g., 44 g., 123 g and 142 g but the time for all five blocks to fall was about the same. It took between 1.5 and 1.8 seconds for them to fall.

• No, mass does not affect how quickly an object falls.

• Since the blocks had different masses but took about the same time, I know that mass does not affect how quickly something falls.

Multiple Choice

Evidence is ___________________

• a statement or conclusion that answers a question

• information that tends to prove or disprove a claim

• a justification that connects the claim to the evidence

• Not vital when using an argument

Multiple Choice

A claim is ______________________________.

• examples, data, facts, and information.

• a fact.

• a debatable statement that can be supported with evidence.

• an answer to a question.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT a claim?

• California is the best state in the USA.

• Twinkies taste better than other snack cakes because of their texture, their creamy filling, and their golden appearance.

• The school year began on August 18 and will end on June 4

• Christmas is the best holiday of the year.

Multiple Choice

The statement that the writer is trying to prove

• Claims

• Evidence

• Reasons

• Argument

Multiple Choice

Which statement is relevant evidence?

• My family has a computer at home.
• My son loves Star Wars.
• In a recent study, 78% of students like community service.
• I believe that the steelers are the best football team in the NFL

Multiple Choice

What is the CLAIM (or main idea) of this paragraph?

Everyone should download emoji's on their electronic devices. Emojis are a newer addition to texting and there are a total of 845 emojis that have different expressions. After all, they are free, expressive, and add a little something to any text!

• Emojis are a newer addition to texting.

• There are a total of 845 emojis that have different expressions.

• Everyone should download emoji's on their electronic device.

• After all, they are free, expressive, and add a little something to any text!

Multiple Choice

What is the CLAIM (or main idea) of this paragraph?

It is important to buy books for the library. Kids will have more opportunities to read. They can save money by checking out books. Plus, the school will not have to wait as long to read our favorite book!

• It is important to buy books for the library.

• Kids will have more opportunities to read.

• They can save money by checking out books.

• Plus, the school will not have to wait as long to read our favorite book!

Multiple Choice

What is the CLAIM (or main idea) of this paragraph?

Social media is ruining many friendships today, and this needs to change. Over 75% of today's teens have a social media account and are more comfortable interacting over the internet rather than face-to-face. As a result, many teens say and post things online that they wouldn't normally do in person. These types of posts can have a negative effect on friendships and relationships.

• Over 75% of today's teens have a social media account and are more comfortable interacting over the internet rather than face-to-face.

• These types of posts can have a negative effect on friendships and relationships.

• Social media is ruining many friendships today, and this needs to change.

• As a result, many teens say and post things online that they wouldn't normally do in person.

Multiple Choice

Does the evidence support the claim?

Claim: Crinkle cut fries are more popular than any other French fry.

Evidence: Waffle fries are the best-selling fries in the world.

• Yes

• No

Multiple Choice

Does the evidence support the claim?

Claim: snapchat is dangerous for young people."

Evidence: Snapchat is an app that allows users to add filters to photos

• Yes

• No

Multiple Choice

Does the evidence support the claim?

Claim: Sparkling water is disgusting.

Evidence: It is painful to drink, and it tastes like someone just waved a piece of fruit over water, and it made the water angry.

• Yes

• No