Elements of an Argument Pre-Quiz

A "claim" is

• The insistence or assertion that something is true
• A cause, explanation, or justification for an action/event
• A thing accepted as or believed to be true without proof
• a brief statement or account of the main points of something

Claims are arguable. They can be disagreed with. Which of the following statements is a claim?

• Ricky is sitting next to Ryan.
• At the start of the school year Ricky and Ryan sat together.
• Ricky and Ryan want to sit together.
• Ricky should be allowed to sit next to Ryan.

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CCSS.W.7.1A

Which of the following is a claim?

• Overall, the world is getting warmer.
• The world is getting warmer because of the actions of humans.
• The world often goes through shifts in weather patterns.
• The last mini-ice age ended at the beginning of the 1900s.

What is a reason?

• An arguable point someone can disagree with
• Facts which support or prove a claim
• Logic which supports and strengthens a claim
• A belief or opinion

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The best kinds of reasons are:

• Kind
• Obvious
• General
• Clearly connected/related to the claim

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Remember Ricky and Ryan? They really want to sit together. What is an example of a reason why they should be allowed to sit together?

• Ryan can help Ricky stay on task and understand his assignments
• Ryan is a very good student
• Ryan doesn't like English class
• Ricky thinks math is more important than English

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CCSS.RI.8.8

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CCSS.RI.7.8

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

Remember "man-made climate change"? "Man-made climate change" is the claim that the world is experiencing a dramatic shift in weather patterns and it is our, humans', fault. Which of the following is a reason which supports that claim?

• 2015 was the warmest year on record.
• Humans are directly responsible for the increase in chemicals in the atmosphere which are responsible for the weather shifts.
• 2016 will probably be the warmest year on record when it is over.
• Humans use fossil fuels to power their entire lives.

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What is evidence?

• General information related to the claim
• Supports and explains the claim
• Applies the claim to a specific example
• Proof or facts which support your reasons

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The best evidence is:

• Specific
• General
• Obvious
• Entertaining

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Ricky should sit next to Ryan because Ryan can help Ricky with staying on task and understanding his assignments. Which evidence best supports this claim and reason?

• Ryan has gotten high scores on all of his assignments.
• Ricky likes to talk a lot.
• Ricky thinks math is more important than English.
• Ryan wants to sit next to Ricky. 

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CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RI.7.1

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CCSS.RL.9-10.1