Evaluating Arguments

Counterclaim is: 

• facts to support an argument

• the other side of the argument

What is the definition of bias? 

• Important information

• The author's reason for writing

• Having a preference of one thing over the other

If a student is writng an argumentative essay about why video games should be banned, what would be an example of irrevelant information?

• Video games can cause people to be more aggressive.

• Video games were invented in 1958.

• Some gamers tend to become anti-social in public.

• Video games can increase heart rate.

Directions: Read the following excerpt from an essay. Evaluate the evidence that the writer uses to support the claim. Does the author provide evidence to support the claim? Everyone likely wants to live in a clean environment. This is something that all humans and animals deserve. Therefore, everyone should recycle. All paper, plastic, and also bottles should be put into recycling bins. Anyone that does not do this should pay a fine.

• Yes

• No

Which piece of evidence could be used to BEST support this claim:
High school students should be required to wear uniforms.

• When adding everything up, a school uniform could end up costing more than $200.

• A student reported, "Allowing us to wear our own clothes gives us a chance to show our unique style and independence."

• At one school that recently required students to wear uniforms, attendence rates went up, and behavior incidents went down.

• School uniforms can be ordered online .

The claim: video games are helpful.

An example of a counterclaim would be:

• video games improve coordination

• video games might also help improve visual skills

• video games can be used to simulate trainings for soldiers

• violent video games increase your heart rate in a negative way

Facts, details, examples, or logical reasons (from outside sources) used in writing is known as...

• Claim/Theis

• Reason

• Evidence

Which of the following statements is an example of a Claim?

• Sports teach students how to work as a team and trust others to be supportive.

• The National Alliance for Youth Sports states, “Working as a team to reach a common goal helps children develop communication and problem solving skills that will benefit them on the field and off.”

• Every middle school student should be required to participate in a sport.

Which of the following statements is an example of Evidence?

• Sports teach students how to work as a team and trust others to be supportive.

• The National Alliance for Youth Sports states, “Working as a team to reach a common goal helps children develop communication and problem solving skills that will benefit them on the field and off.”

• Every middle school student should be required to participate in a sport.

Which one is an example of a counterclaim?

• My parents say I don't need more allowance, but they don't realize what my expenses are.

• I need a larger allowance.