Evaluating Argument Assessment

Choose the CLAIM.

• I like Bojangles iced tea better than McDonald's iced tea.

• Bojangles ice tea is better than McDonald's iced tea.

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.

Choose the CLAIM.

• Bugs should be considered a sustainable protein for the future.

• Everyone who eats bugs likes them.

What is an author's claim?

• The author's attitude, bias, or beliefs about a topic

• A statement or point the author is trying to prove

What is a synonym for claim?

• problem

• reason

• argument or position

• evidence or proof

Boston

The city of Boston in Massachusetts has a charm that is hard to find elsewhere. It has a vibrant and lively atmosphere that makes a visitor feel at home. Boston officially became a city in 1822, which makes it one of the oldest cities in America. Today, it is the economic and cultural center of New England. Boston's coastal location ensures that it enjoys a temperate climate. Summers are warm and sunny, and there is no better feeling than to walk around the city on a summer day.

There's so much to do and see in Boston! The city has a rich, historic past, and is a treat for anyone who loves history. The Freedom Trail in Boston is one of America's first historic walking tours. The trail passes through 16 locations that have some significance in America's history. Some of these locations include Boston Common, the Old State House, and the Paul Revere House. The trail can be covered on foot or in a trolley. You can choose to see the trail by yourself or join one of the guided tours. However, the best way to experience the trail is by walking along it and taking the time to see and appreciate everything. If you are not a fan of history, Boston offers a lot of other options too. If you happen to visit Boston in the summer, there are numerous feasts and festivals happening all over the city, which will give you an opportunity to experience the local culture. Boston welcomes all its visitors with open arms and will make you want to stay forever!

Which statement from the passage best sums up the writer's main argument?

• A. The city has a rich, historic past, and is a treat for anyone who loves history.

• B. Boston officially became a city in 1822, which makes it one of the oldest cities in America.

• C. The Freedom Trail in Boston is one of America's first historic walking tours.

• D. Boston welcomes all its visitors with open arms and will make you want to stay forever!

True or false: A counterargument agrees with what the author is trying to convince the reader.

• True

• False

What does it mean to "evaluate" an argument?

• to disagree with the argument
• to respond to the argument
• to decide whether it makes sense and is convincing
• to provide a counterargument 

What is a counterclaim?

• The main point of an argument

• The "why" of an argument

• The factual support in an argument

• The potential objections to an argument

Select one of these sentences where the author uses relevant and sufficient evidence to support the argument.

• Romantic relationships can also be strengthened by binge-watching together.

• A study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships found that binge-watching can help long-distance relationships, too.

• While binge-watching, the viewer can feel the pleasure of full immersion — of being in "the zone." This is a satisfying feeling, similar to staying up all night to finish a really gripping book.

• If couples see fictional characters experiencing similar troubles, they may be able to better understand and deal with their real-life issues.