Reading Argument Unit Practice

Which sentence from paragraphs 1 and 2 represents the main claim of Perry's argument?

• "Despite competition from natural gas and wind and solar energy, nuclear power has no equal."

• "It is the best way to produce carbon-free electric power, and is likely to remain so well into the future."

• "Carbon emissions are the main cause of the greenhouse effect that is producing global warming."

• "Over time, they have caused average global temperatures to rise, putting the planet at risk."

Answer explanation

Even though it uses the word "it", "it" is referencing nuclear power- and the reader knows this from the blurb at the top that reads Perry's claim- "PRO": Nuclear energy can cut our carbon emissions to zero." Because we know his specific argument is about carbon emissions, letter B is the best choice because it uses the term "carbon-free electric power."

In paragraph 2, Perry supports his claim with the conclusion that a carbon-free source of energy is a resource to fight climate change as evidence that

• carbon-containing gasses are remaining in the atmosphere and trapping heat, which makes the global temperature rise.

• climate change can be eliminated by using a carbon-free source of energy.

• natural gas, wind, solar energy, and nuclear energy are equally effective sources of carbon-free energy.

• nuclear energy does not emit greenhouse gasses, so it is better for the environment.

Answer explanation

This goes back to the claim he makes in the first sentence of the paragraph. Evidence is used to support claims...

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The text you are now evaluating is from the CON argument.

How does the author structure the section of Embracing Renewable Energy (par. 21-26) to support the idea that renewable energy is the answer to reduced emissions of greenhouse gases?

• by STATING that we need to increase no-carbon energy sources and EXPLAINING why nuclear power is not likely to be one of the energy sources increased.

• by DESCRIBING the different ways renewable energy is efficient and STATING that we need to increase no-carbon energy sources.

• by GIVING facts about how China has plans to double its nuclear power capacity and CONCLUDING that the U.S. should do the same.

• by EXPLAINING low-energy or no-carbon energy sources and DESCRIBING how nuclear energy will replace much of the fossil fuel use.

Answer explanation

B is incorrect because the text does NOT describe different ways renewable energy is efficient.

C is incorrect because this whole section is about renewables being better (embraced) rather than nuclear being doubled.

D is incorrect because paragraph 25 says nuclear power is unlikely to replace much fossil fuel use.

A is correct because the text indicates that nuclear power is important but too expensive and risky. Renewable energy is what the US should invest in.

Which of the following details support the author's main point (claim) in the section Embracing Renewable Energy?

(Hint: pay attention to the section's title!!)

• Fossil fuel is still used in the U. S. to provide over 80% of energy.

• Nuclear power will play an important role.

• Renewable energy sources include wind power and solar power.

• Nuclear power is expensive and risky.

Answer explanation

Choice A- This has nothing to do with embracing renewable energy.

Choice B- Nuclear power is not a renewable energy- even though it is a carbon free energy.

Choice C - This simply identifies renewable energy; it does not support WHY we should embrace it.

Choice D- This is saying that nuclear power is riskier and more expensive than renewable energy, so it is being used to explain why renewable energy should be embraced. (paragraphs 25-26)

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How does the organization of Nuclear Power is Very Expensive support the author's main argument for the entire passage? CON: Look to the sun and wind instead of nuclear plants.

• It states a key point for the argument and then provides evidence that does not support the argument.

• It identifies reasons to support the argument and then discusses additional solutions.

• It introduces an opposing viewpoint and then explains why that argument isn't valid (counter-argument).

• If finds a problem in its own argument and then discusses why the opposing view is correct.

Answer explanation

So the title of the piece is basically Nuclear Energy is not an option... Renewable is.

Choice A : you would never give evidence that does not support your argument.

Choice B: Talking about doubling nuclear energy plants is not what the author sees as a solution.

Choice D: No author would ever find a problem with his or her own argument and just agree with the OV.

Choice C is correct because it talks about China doubling down on nuclear energy but also investing in renewables- and the counter-arguing with we should do the same when it comes to renewables but NOT do the same when it comes to nuclear plants.

Is the following detail a fact, judgment, speculation, or opinion.

"Despite a reduction in the number of plants, the U.S. nuclear industry actually generated more electricity last year than it did in 2005."

• fact

• judgment

• speculation

• opinion

Answer explanation

This can be verified or proven, so it is a fact.

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Is the following detail a fact, judgment, speculation, or opinion.

"... a carbon-free source of energy is a valuable resource in the fight against planet-threatening climate change."

• fact

• judgment

• speculation

• opinion

Answer explanation

This can be debated or argued, so it is an opinion.

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Is the following detail a fact, judgment, speculation, or opinion.

"European energy experts say the results could be dramatic if the world were to build nuclear reactors at the same rate as the French and Swedish have."

• fact

• judgment

• speculation

• opinion

Answer explanation

This has key speculation words "could" and "if." It is a guess about the future.

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Which of the following text quotes would be considered evidence? Select 3

• "Nuclear power now accounts for more than 60% of the United States' zero-carbon electricity and a new generation of technologically advanced reactors is on the horizon."

• "'Nuclear is the only 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week source of power that does not result in the emission of greenhouse gases," says energy expert Eileen Claussen."

• "It is the best way to produce carbon-free electric power and is likely to remain so, well into the future."

• "Unless the use of zero-carbon nuclear power is greatly increased, it likely will be impossible to both meet future energy demand and prevent dangerous climate change."

• "... both France and Sweden have been able to greatly increase their use of carbon-free nuclear power..."

Answer explanation

Choice A- statistic

Choice B- expert opinion

Choice C- opinion

Choice D - speculation

Choice E- fact

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