RI 3.8 Trace and Evaluate an argument

"Peer Pressure: A Dangerous Trend" As you go through your middle school years, you may find that sometimes other children may ask you to say or do things that you are not sure you really want to do. For example, a friend may say something mean about another student, and ask you if you agree. A student in your class may even ask you to try drugs, alcohol, or other dangerous things. You must work hard to resist these pressures from your friends. When someone pressures you to do something that you know is wrong, you may have a hard time saying no. Everyone wants to fit in and be cool. In addition, it may appear that the people pressuring you are the kids who make up the “popular crowd.” When you say “no,” they may make fun of you or say untrue things about you. But it is never a smart idea to make your decisions based on fear. When someone pressures you in this way, it is often because they know that what they are suggesting is wrong. They are afraid to do it themselves, so they are looking for company. In addition, some kids believe that if they do things that grown-ups do (such as drinking alcohol), it will make them more grown-up themselves. But when a kid does something meant only for adults, that kid does not look mature at all. Peer pressure is a fact of life. I am now in eleventh grade, and I deal with it almost every day. The best way to fight it is to make sure you get to know some good friends who will not do this to you. Also, get to know some supportive teachers. These people, along with your family, will help you do the right thing. In addition, if someone suggests doing something that doesn’t sound like a good idea to you, trust your instincts. Then ask your good friends, teachers, and family if your instincts were correct. This will show them that you trust them and that they can trust you.

Which of the following sentences supports the author's belief that people may dislike you if you won't do something they want you to do?

• "When you say 'no,' they may make fun of you or say untrue things about you."

• "In addition, it may appear that the people pressuring you are the kids who make up the 'popular crowd.'"

• "But when a kid does something meant only for adults, that kid does not look mature at all."

• "These people, along with your family, will help you do the right thing."

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.6

CCSS.RI.7.9

CCSS.RI.8.9

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

Which of the following sentences supports the author's belief that there are people who can help you to avoid peer pressure?

• "This will show them that you trust them and that they can trust you."

• "The best way to fight it is to make sure you get to know some good friends who will not do this to you."

• "In addition, some kids believe that if they do things that grown-ups do...it will make them more grown-up themselves."

• "But it is never a smart idea to make your decisions based on fear."

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.6.1

CCSS.RI.7.8

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

Which of the following sentences supports the author's claim that doing grown-up things doesn't make you a grown-up?

• "You must work hard to resist these pressures from your friends."

• "They are afraid to do it themselves, so they are looking for company."

• "But when a kid does something meant only for adults, that kid does not look mature at all."

• "In addition, if someone suggests doing something that doesn’t sound like a good idea to you, trust your instincts."

Identify which sentence contains the claim in the following paragraph. 
¹At first, in junior high everything feels difficult. ²However, once students have the time to adjust to the new routine, they begin to look forward to senior high. ³Though junior high prepares students for high school, the change from 9th to 10th grade can be a challenge. ⁴High school is more difficult than junior high because there are more people, the teachers are more strict, and the work is much harder. 

• Sentence 2
• Sentence 3
• Sentence 4

A carefully stated claim supported by reasons and evidence

• Argument

• Claim

• Counterargument

• Support

The writer's position/opinion on a problem or issue

• Argument

• Claim

• Counterargument

• Evidence

The reasons and evidence that help prove the claim

• Argument

• Claim

• Counterargument

• Support

Statements made to explain a belief

• Claim

• Support

• Reasons

• Evidence

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.6.8

CCSS.RI.7.8

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

A specific reference that is used to support a claim

• Reasons

• Evidence

• Support

• Counterargument

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.6.1

CCSS.RI.6.8

CCSS.RI.7.8

CCSS.RL.6.1

Which of these would be considered reliable evidence?

• Facts

• Statistics

• Quotations

• All of the above

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.6.8

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.8.1