08/07/2025 Structure of an Argument: Dec of Independence

Open Ended

Why is it important to understand how authors use claims and rebuttals to persuade their readers, especially in historical documents like the Declaration of Independence?

Open Ended

How did the colonists use arguments to convince people that breaking away from Britain was the right thing to do?

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes a 'claim' in the context of an argument?

• A statement of fact that cannot be argued

• A statement or assertion that a writer defends and supports with evidence

• A summary of the opposing viewpoint

• A list of reasons without evidence

Drag and Drop

A writer can address a counterclaim through rebuttal or

Placeholder

Drag these tiles and drop them in the correct blank above

concession

distraction

thesis statement

Multiple Select

Which of the following are steps in the basic structure of an argument as described in the lesson?

• Introduction of the claim with supporting evidence

• Ignoring counterclaims

• Presentation of counterclaim and response

• Restatement of the claim with supporting evidence

Multiple Choice

In the passage about the traffic light, what is the main claim made by the writer?

• The city should install more stop signs.

• The city needs a traffic light at the corner of Elm and Main streets.

Multiple Choice

What, if any, evidence is presented to support the claim?

• In the last year, three accidents have occurred there.

• Some might say that 4-way stop signs would help.

Multiple Choice

What, if any, counterclaim is presented?

• In the last year, three accidents have occurred there.

• Some might say that 4-way stop signs would help.

Open Ended

Based on the passage about teenagers and social media, what evidence does the writer use to support the claim that teenagers who spend too much time on social media are unhealthy?

Multiple Choice

What, if any, counterclaim is presented?

• There isn't one.

• Teenagers who spend too much time on social media are unhealthy.

• Teenagers would rather spend time on social media than spend time, face to face, with their friends.

Multiple Select

Select the ways in which the writer could improve their argument, if necessary.

• The argument is strong.

• They can repeat their arguments so people know they feel strongly about the topic.

• They can include a clear counterclaim.

• They can include a clear concession.

Multiple Choice

What is the writer’s claim in this argument?

• At Westpark High school, students should be allowed to bring their phones into classrooms.

• Phones can be used for educational purposes.

• While having a phone in class might allow a student to cheat, proper regulations, such as collecting phones on test days, would allow phones to be used for educational purposes, while avoiding misuse.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence provides reasons to support the claim?

• They allow students to look up information, watch educational videos, and verify facts.

• Some will argue that having phones in class is a distraction and would provide students the opportunity to cheat on tests.

• While having a phone in class might allow a student to cheat, proper regulations, such as collecting phones on test days, would allow phones to be used for educational purposes, while avoiding misuse.

Multiple Choice

In which sentence is a counterclaim presented?

• They allow students to look up information, watch educational videos, and verify facts.

• Some will argue that having phones in class is a distraction and would provide students the opportunity to cheat on tests.

• While having a phone in class might allow a student to cheat, proper regulations, such as collecting phones on test days, would allow phones to be used for educational purposes, while avoiding misuse.

Multiple Choice

In which sentence does the writer provide a rebuttal or concession?

• They allow students to look up information, watch educational videos, and verify facts.

• Some will argue that having phones in class is a distraction and would provide students the opportunity to cheat on tests.

• While having a phone in class might allow a student to cheat, proper regulations, such as collecting phones on test days, would allow phones to be used for educational purposes, while avoiding misuse.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence provides a conclusion that restates the claim?

• Letting students have their phones in class would be helping their education.

• At Westpark High school, students should be allowed to bring their phones into classrooms, not forced to leave them in their lockers during school hours.

• Phones can be used for educational purposes.