Parts of an Argument

Which sentence in this paragraph is the CLAIM?

Every day, millions of teenagers spend between six and eight hours in America’s high schools (1). They sit at their desks, listen to their teachers, and do their school work (2). In some of these schools, however, they are also forced to dress in school uniforms (3). This restriction is really too much (4). In America’s high schools, students should not be forced to wear uniforms because they take away a student’s sense of individuality and they absolutely do not save families any money (5).

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Which sentence in this paragraph is the TOPIC SENTENCE?

First of all, students should not wear uniforms because they take away a student’s sense of individuality (6).This idea is supported by testimony from a 17-year-old student forced to wear uniforms (7). Her story was reported in National Catholic Reporter of March, 2002, and she said, "Everyone hated it (8). It completely killed any sense of individuality any one of us had. Everyone looked the same (9). It was sad to watch" (10) . Clearly, students with experience in wearing uniforms feel that they take away a sense of individuality (11).

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Which of the following sentence(s) is an example of EVIDENCE? (choose all correct answers)

First of all, students should not wear uniforms because they take away a student’s sense of individuality (6).This idea is supported by testimony from a 17-year-old student forced to wear uniforms (7). Her story was reported in National Catholic Reporter of March, 2002, and she said, "Everyone hated it (8). It completely killed any sense of individuality any one of us had. Everyone looked the same (9). It was sad to watch" (10) . Clearly, students with experience in wearing uniforms feel that they take away a sense of individuality (11).

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• 8-10

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Which of the following sentences is an example of ELABORATION?

First of all, students should not wear uniforms because they take away a student’s sense of individuality (6).This idea is supported by testimony from a 17-year-old student forced to wear uniforms (7). Her story was reported in National Catholic Reporter of March, 2002, and she said, "Everyone hated it (8). It completely killed any sense of individuality any one of us had. Everyone looked the same (9). It was sad to watch" (10) . This reflects a widespread feeling among students, indicating that the uniform policy was met with strong opposition and dissatisfaction (11). This widespread dislike suggests that uniform policies may not effectively serve their intended purpose and can instead breed resentment among students (12).

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• 8-10

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Which is the TOPIC SENTENCE of this paragraph?

Finally, some schools tell parents that uniforms are a good idea because they save families money (12). In the United Kingdom, 70% of teenagers say they prefer to wear their own clothes rather than a school uniform (13). This means that parents would still have to provide their children with clothes that fit current trends, plus they would have to buy a separate set of clothes for their children to wear to school each day (14). While it is possible that some teenagers may not want designer clothes in addition to their school uniforms, it is very unlikely (15).

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Which sentence or sentences are an example of EVIDENCE? (Check all that are correct.)

Finally, some schools tell parents that uniforms are a good idea because they save families money (12). In the United Kingdom, 70% of teenagers say they prefer to wear their own clothes rather than a school uniform (13). This means that parents would still have to provide their children with clothes that fit current trends, plus they would have to buy a separate set of clothes for their children to wear to school each day (14). While it is possible that some teenagers may not want designer clothes in addition to their school uniforms, it is very unlikely (15).

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Which sentence or sentences are an example of ELABORATION?

Finally, some schools tell parents that uniforms are a good idea because they save families money (12). In the United Kingdom, 70% of teenagers say they prefer to wear their own clothes rather than a school uniform (13). This means that parents would still have to provide their children with clothes that fit current trends, plus they would have to buy a separate set of clothes for their children to wear to school each day (14). While it is possible that some teenagers may not want designer clothes in addition to their school uniforms, it is very unlikely (15).

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• 14-15