Evaluating an Argument #2

     One of the most common questions asked of veterinarians is, “Why does my dog eat grass?” The truth is that there is no single answer; different dogs may eat grass for different reasons. But in most cases the behavior is both normal and harmless. 
Does the author make a clear claim in the introduction paragraph?

• Yes
• No

     According to Dr. Melvin Furland, of Good Pets, Happy Pets veterinary clinic, “Your dog will eat anything that tastes good, and . . . grass does.” Because dogs are natural scavengers, they are driven by instinct to look for food everywhere. If your dog likes the taste of grass, then he may just be going outside for a little snack.  
What type of evidence does the author use in the paragraph?

• Story/Example
• Statistics/Numbers
• Expert Opinion

     According to Dr. Melvin Furland, of Good Pets, Happy Pets veterinary clinic, “Your dog will eat anything that tastes good, and . . . grass does.” Because dogs are natural scavengers, they are driven by instinct to look for food everywhere. If your dog likes the taste of grass, then he may just be going outside for a little snack.  
Is the opinion from a reliable source?

• Yes
• No

     Dr. Cindy McGuire, though, of the Fuller Animal Hospital, thinks differently. “Eating grass is a sign of stomach distress,” she says. “When dogs eat grass, they are self‐medicating. If your dog vomits after eating grass, it isn’t because the grass is harmful; but it may be because there is some other problem that needs to be checked out by your vet.” 
What does this evidence suggest?

• Eating grass is a safe and normal behavior for dogs
• Eating grass is a concerning behavior for dogs.
• Dog owners should not let their dogs walk in neighbor's yards.

     Nine out of the ten veterinarians surveyed while writing this article agreed that eating grass was both normal and harmless behavior for a dog. The tenth vet, however, brought up a very good point: “Eating grass can be harmful to your pet if your lawn is treated with dangerous fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides.” 
What type of evidence is being used?

• Story/Example 
• Expert Opinion
• Number/Statistic

    Nine out of the ten veterinarians surveyed while writing this article agreed that eating grass was both normal and harmless behavior for a dog. The tenth vet, however, brought up a very good point: “Eating grass can be harmful to your pet if your lawn is treated with dangerous fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides.” 
Which claim would the evidence support?

• Dogs eating grass is a concerning behavior and means something is wrong.
• Eating grass is a harmless and normal behavior for dogs.
• Bad neighbors let their dogs eat grass.