Evaluating an Author’s Argument by Examining Claims and Evidence

Every argument begins with one of these.

• claim
• reason
• evidence
• explanation

"Experts" are an authoritative source of information that can be used as what in an argument?

• evidence
• claim
• reason
• explanation

When is evidence relevant?

• it relates to and supports the claim
• it is a fact, not an opinion
• it is supported by experts or statistics
• it offers a believable example

__________is the opposing claim; the other side

• Counter-claim
• Rebuttal
• Conclusion
• Claim

Which of these is a well-written piece of evidence that proves students should be required to take a Foreign Language? 

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

What is the author's argument or claim? 

• Hip-hop should be taught as literature.
• Hip-Hop is a form of poetry.
• Hip-Hop is not appropriate in the classroom. 
• None of these

What is the second reason the author gives to support the claim that hip-hop should be taught in literature? 

• Hip-hop is more interesting than classic poetry.
• Lyrics for hip-hop songs can teach student life-lessons
• Teachers can better relate to their student's experiences
• Students can learn to write hip-hop lyrics. 

Which line below is the author's claim or argument? 

• A yearbook is a special collection of memories that will be treasured by students for decades.
• However some schools authorities insist on dictating what students can include in yearbooks. 
• Teachers often remove articles & images they feel are inappropriate. 
• Authorities should not ruin this treasure by censoring yearbooks....

Why does the author mention the First Amendment in the article? 

• to explain why yearbooks should be censored by school authorities
• to support the idea that students have a right to express themselves.
• to point out why yearbook censorship is a controversial topic
• to emphasize the importance of censoring all school materials.

Which of the following is NOT a claim?

• California is the best state in the USA.
• Twinkies taste better than other snack cakes because of their texture, their creamy filling, and their golden appearance.
• The school year began on August 18 and will end on June 4
• Christmas is the best holiday of the year.