Finding Textual Evidence to Support a Claim

What is the strongest evidence to support this claim: "Contrary to what some may say, bike-sharing programs are safe"?

• A caller to a radio program about bike-sharing programs said, "Bike-sharing programs allow people who may not own bicycles a transportation option that lets them get physical exercise while reducing carbon emissions."

• One study found that only thirty percent of riders participating in a bike-share program in Washington D.C., wore helmets, as compared with seventy percent of riders who owned their own bikes.

• A team of Seattle-based researchers found that cities that adopted bike-sharing programs saw cyclist injuries decrease by twenty-eight percent.

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What is the strongest evidence to support this claim: "Tablets should not replace textbooks because overuse of tablets can cause health problems for students"?

• Many educators have found that tablets in the classroom, which are usually equipped with a web browser and a variety of applications, can be a source of distraction.

• "Many of my students complain about headaches, which I believe are caused by too much time spent on their tablets." said eighth-grade Science teacher David Carroll.

• Some studies have found that usage of portable electronic devices is associated with increased rates of musculoskeletal disorders.

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What is the strong evidence to support this claim: "Daylight savings time should be abolished"?

• A study from the National Bureau of Economic research found that turning the clocks forward in the Spring increased energy consumption, contradicting the popular belief that daylight savings time saves energy.

• An economics professor noted that his students often seem less alert in class during the week following daylight savings time because the time change throws off their sleep schedule.

• Turning the clocks forward in the Spring means an extra hour of daylight in the evenings, which might motivate people to do more active outdoor activities after work instead of sitting around inside.

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What is the strongest evidence to support this claim: "Cheerleading, which requires great skill, is a legitimate sport"?

• A high school senior told the school newspaper, "My brother is a football player, and as a cheerleader, I train just as hard, take just as many risks, and compete just as seriously as he does."

• The American Medical Association, the nation's largest physician's group, officially recognizes cheerleading as a sport.

• Researchers have concluded that cheerleading is now the leading cause of catastrophic injuries for all high school and college females.

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What is the strongest evidence to support this claim: "Government-funded preschool programs are a wide use of taxpayer dollars"?

• The Head Start program is a federally funded program that provides early childhood education to low-income families.

• One report found that more than half of three and four year olds were not enrolled in a preschool program.

• Several studies have found that children who attend preschool experience long-term benefits, including an increased likelihood of graduating high school.

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What is the strongest evidence to support this claim: "Multigenerational households benefit families"?

• "When I retire, I want to be close to my children and grandchildren. In fact, I've begun a conversation with my son about moving in with him and his family," said Tim Solomon.

• Sociologist Sophia Perry says, "When a grandparent lives in their home, parents feel less pressure because there's another adult to cover childcare and other domestic responsibilities."

• According to a survey conducted by the Pew Research center, eighteen percent of Americans live in multigenerational households.

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What is the strongest evidence to support this claim: "College is worth the cost of tuition because graduates experience greater financial success"?

• The lifetime earnings of a college graduate are about half a million dollars more than those of someone with only a high school diploma.

• College graduates are more likely than those who don't have college degrees to report being in excellent health.

• A prominent financial blogger writes, "My father dropped out of college in his senior year, and he always regretted it. I was determined to not make the same mistake."

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What is the strongest evidence to support this claim: "Rather than being promoted as art, graffiti should be condemned and prohibited"?

• Calling graffiti "art" encourages its creation, which in turn leads to a costly community expense. For instance, the Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department spent approximately $130,000 in 2012 to remove graffiti.

• Studies have demonstrated that the majority of people who make graffiti are males between the ages of twelve and twenty-one years old, whereas only about 15 percent of graffiti taggers are female.

• Graffiti Hurts, a grassroots community education program in the United States, cites fame, rebellion, self-expression, and power as the four motivating factors for graffiti vandalism.

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What is the strongest evidence to support this claim: "For the benefit of all citizens, fluoride should be added to drinking water"?

• Some experts say that fluoridation of water may threaten people who suffer from kidney disease.

• More than half of Americans have fluoride in their drinking water.

• Many experts agree that the fluoridation of water helps to prevent tooth decay.

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What is the strongest evidence to support this claim: "People should avoid getting tattoos because of the associated health risks"?

• One member of an online tattoo forum reported, "I acquired a serious infection after getting my tattoo and needed to take antibiotics."

• According to U.S. News & World Report, infections can occur even when tattoo parlors sterilize their needles because bacteria can contaminate the tattoo ink.

• One survey found that one in six people ultimately come to regret their tattoos.

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