Claims, Counterclaims, Reasons, and Evidence

The writer's position on an issue or problem is called:

• claim

• evidence

• counterargument

• reasons

Which of the following definitions of counterclaim is correct?

• An opposing claim
• Something that can be supported by reasons, and evidence
• Facts that support reasons
• The introduction to an argument

Which of the following would be considered evidence?

• The Civil War was more important than the American Revolution
• What was the time period of the WWI?
• Germans surrendered from World War I on May 7, 1945
• Everyone has heard about the Gulf War

Why is it important to have reasons and evidence to support an argument?

• To make your argument believable
• To make the reader disagree with you
• To make everyone agree with you

Why is it important for an author to include a counterclaim?

• They don't need to include one because then someone might agree more with the otherside

• So they can disprove it and say theirs is the only right answer

• It makes their writing more interesting

• So they can briefly preview the other side, and disprove it.

Why is it important to include reasons for your claims?

• To make your essay longer

• In order to better support your claim

• Because you want to sound smarter

• In order to better support your counterclaim

Which is NOT an example of the importance of including claims in your writing?

• To make others feel bad about their opinion
• To persuade others to agree with your side
• To express your opinions

What is the difference between an opinion and a claim?

• A claim includes thought out reasons, while an opinion doesn't
• An opinion includes thought out reasons, while a claim doesn't
• Opinions are more interesting, claims are boring
• There isn't a difference between an opinion and claim

Which of these correctly defines evidence as it relates to arguments and claims?

• Proof used to support the reasons
• Something police use to solve a crime
• It doesn't relate to arguments and claims
• Proof used to support the claim, reasons support the evidence

The claim: Video games are helpful.

An example of a counterargument would be:

• Video games improve coordination.

• Video games might also help improve visual skills.

• Although video games can be used to simulate trainings for soldiers, they are bad according to most teachers and parents.

• Some doctors believe violent video games increase your heart rate in a negative way.