Tracing Argument (Introduction)

What does reason mean in an argument?

• It explains why an author believes what they are saying.

• It lists all the facts an author knows.

• It describes how an author feels about the topic.

• It summarizes the main idea of the text.

Which examples show reason?

• "The sun is yellow."

• "Exercise is important because it keeps you healthy."

• "Apples are a type of fruit."

• "The sky is blue because it reflects the ocean."

What does it mean to "trace" an argument?

• To follow the points step by step to see how the author proves their claim.

• To rewrite the argument in your own words.

• To copy the author’s evidence word for word.

• To find flaws in the argument.

What should you look for when tracing an author’s argument?

• The author’s claim, reasoning, and evidence.

• The author’s tone and mood.

• The author’s biography.

• The conclusion only.

What question should you ask to find an author’s claim?

• "What is the author trying to convince me of?"

• "What examples did the author use?"

• "How long is the text?"

• "Who wrote the text?"

What is the author’s claim in this argument: “School uniforms improve focus because they remove distractions caused by clothing choices”?

• School uniforms are unnecessary.

• School uniforms improve focus.

• Clothing choices create distractions.

• School uniforms are expensive.

Which of the following is an example of a claim?

• "Exercise improves physical and mental health."

• "People often exercise outdoors."

• "Many individuals like going to the gym."

• "Running is a type of exercise."

Why is it important to identify an author’s evidence when tracing their argument?

• To ensure the evidence supports the reasoning and claim.

• To focus only on the author’s conclusion.

• To ignore the author’s reasoning.

• To memorize the argument.

The argument states: “Homework improves learning because it gives students extra practice.” What is the reason in this statement?

• Students like homework.

• Homework gives students extra practice, which improves learning.

• Homework is boring.

• Teachers assign too much homework.

The author argues: “Reading every day helps you improve vocabulary because you encounter new words in context.” Which part of this argument is a reason?

• Reading improves vocabulary.

• Encountering new words in context.

• Reading is important.

• People like to read.