Unit 1 Lesson 2 Make-Up Mastery Check

What is the purpose of citing evidence in a text?

• To summarize the text

• To support a claim or argument

• To entertain the reader

• To introduce a new topic

Answer explanation

Citing evidence in a text serves to support a claim or argument, providing credibility and backing to the points being made. This strengthens the overall message and persuades the reader of its validity.

Which of the following is an example of a claim that is supported by evidence?

• "The sky is blue because it is my favorite color."

• "Dogs are better pets because they are loyal and protective."

• "Cats are mysterious creatures."

• "I believe summer is the best season."

Answer explanation

The correct choice, 'Dogs are better pets because they are loyal and protective,' presents a claim supported by evidence (loyalty and protectiveness), unlike the other options which lack supporting reasons.

Which statement best describes a claim that is not supported by evidence?

• "Plants need sunlight to grow because they use it to make food."

• "The earth is flat because I saw it in a movie."

• "Water boils at 100°C under normal conditions."

• "Exercise is beneficial for health as it improves mood and fitness."

Answer explanation

The statement 'The earth is flat because I saw it in a movie' lacks credible evidence and relies on a personal observation from a fictional source, making it unsupported. The other statements are based on scientific facts.

How can you tell if a claim is well-supported in a text?

• It matches your personal beliefs

• It is mentioned multiple times

• It is backed by facts, data, and logical reasoning

• It is written in a bold font

Answer explanation

A well-supported claim is backed by facts, data, and logical reasoning, which provide evidence and credibility. Personal beliefs, repetition, or formatting do not guarantee the validity of a claim.

How can you tell when a claim in a text is not supported by evidence?

• It is written in colored type

• It is found in a sidebar

• It lacks facts or examples

• It is always at the end of the paragraph

Answer explanation

A claim is not supported by evidence when it lacks facts or examples. This indicates that the statement is based on opinion rather than substantiated information, making it unreliable.

Which of the following is a key part of an informational essay?

• Fictional characters

• Clear and coherent (logical and consistent) writing

• Personal opinions

• Rhyming words

Answer explanation

Clear and coherent writing is essential in an informational essay as it ensures the ideas are presented logically and consistently, allowing readers to understand the information effectively. The other options do not apply.

How can you ensure the credibility (ability to be trusted and believed in) of a source when gathering information?

• Choose the first source you find

• Use only sources with colorful graphics

• Check the author's credentials (qualification, achievement, or aspect of a person's background) and the publication date of the information

• Select sources that agree with your opinion

Answer explanation

To ensure credibility, check the author's credentials and the publication date. This helps verify the source's trustworthiness and relevance, unlike choosing the first source or selecting based on graphics or personal bias.

What should you include in an essay to support your claims?

• Random stories

• Reasons and evidence

• Only your viewpoint

• Detailed descriptions of unrelated topics

Answer explanation

To effectively support your claims in an essay, you should include reasons and evidence. This provides a solid foundation for your arguments, making them more persuasive and credible, unlike random stories or unrelated topics.

What is an effective way to avoid plagiarism (the act of taking someone else's ideas, words, or work and passing them off as your own) in your writing?

• Copy text from sources directly without changes

• Use quotes and provide a bibliography

• Paraphrase without citing the original source

• Change only a few words from the original text

Answer explanation

Using quotes and providing a bibliography is effective in avoiding plagiarism, as it gives proper credit to the original authors and allows readers to trace the sources of information.

Which of the following best describes the purpose of an informational essay?

• To entertain with jokes

• To describe a personal experience

• To inform the reader about a specific topic

• To persuade the reader to take action

Answer explanation

The purpose of an informational essay is to inform the reader about a specific topic. Unlike other types of essays, it does not aim to entertain, describe personal experiences, or persuade the reader.