Trace an Argument

Which of the following is the best example of an argument?

• How monkeys survive in the jungle: Five Surprising Facts

• If you are not playing Fortnite, you should be, because it is the greatest game on the market today.

• Have you ever wondered why the Egyptians built the pyramids?

• I love nachos!!!!!

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?
A growing number of researchers are learning the benefits of bamboo. It can be used instead of wood for paper. Beautiful green stalks set this plant apart from others. Bamboo is the perfect alternative to traditional wood. New laws should be created to enforce the use of bamboo instead of wood in paper products.

• Yes
• No

Claim: All high schools students should be required to take a foreign language to make them more competitive. 

Which piece of evidence BEST supports the claim above?

• You will learn another language. 
• Learning another foreign language is a waste of time.
• There is little evidence that many students achieve much fluencey in high school. 
• Learning another language improves students' vocabulary and grammar skills. 

Claim: In the United States, we still need a post office. Which of the following is NOT a good piece of evidence to support this claim?

• The post office is needed for the delivery of packages.

• Nearly 90% of mail is junk mail and throwing it away is bad for the environment.

• The post office serves Americans throughout the country

Evidence: Zoos cannot perfectly copy the animal's natural habitat. Zoos don't allow animals to think and problem solve like they would in their natural habitat. Which claim best matches the evidence?

• Zoos are harmful to the well-being of the animals.

• Zoos only exist as entertainment for humans.

• Zoos are good for animals because many of the animals were endangered in their original habitats.

What is a specific opinion or idea expressed to convey an argument

• Evidence
• Argument
• Claim
• Inference

What is reasoning?

• the process by which we figure out what to believe

• doubt

• a judgement based on known facts

• significant, important

The main argument of an essay. All of the reasons and evidence support this

• Claim

• Evidence

• Counterclaim

• Argument

A point made by the opposing side in an argument

• Counterclaim

• Claim

• Argument

• Evidence

A genre of writing where the author states their claim and backs it with evidence

• Argument

• Claim

• Evidence

• Counterclaim