Supporting Arguments

What is the claim?

• Educators are fearful that grammar and punctuation rules will change.

• Punctuation is no longer necessary in formal, written English.

• Schools have been teaching punctuation incorrectly.

• People should be cautious when using punctuation in texts.

What is the reason the author uses to support the claim that we need to be careful when using punctuation?

• A period following a text can convey insincerity.

• Punctuation helps readers interpret a written message since we can't see facial expressions.

• Without punctuation, too many typos are made.

What two types of evidence are shown in this passage?

• Expert Opinion

• Anecdote

• Statistics

• Research study

What important background information does the author provide in this paragraph?

• The author describes the way modern technology has changed punctuation.

• The author relates the history of punctuation in writing.

• The author discussed the function of punctuation in modern languages.

How does providing information about the history of punctuation help support the author's claim?

• It shows that throughout human history use of punctuation has changed, so it supports the idea that it can change again.

• It gives a timeline of the history of the period which explains the punctuation mark to those unfamiliar with it.

• It compares the printing press to modern texting which supports the idea that technology changes.

What is the author's claim?

• Medication helps people control their thoughts and emotions.

• Schools should teach their students mindful meditation.

• People of all ages could benefit from mindfulness training.

What reason does the author give to support their claim?

• Mindfulness training may help students combat stress and anxiety.

• Mindfulness training can help students succeed in school.

• Mindfulness training can help teachers reach students.

What additional information could the author have provided in this paragraph to make her argument even better?

• Specific statistics of what attendance rates and grade point averages were before and after mindfulness training.

• A number of how many students attend schools with mindfulness training.

• An interview with a local doctor.

What reason does the author give to support her claim that schools should have mindfulness training?

• It provides fun and exciting opportunities for students.

• It can help students combat stress and anxiety.

• It is a trendy, new program to add to school curriculum.

Select two pieces of evidence the author provides to support her claim that mindfulness training may help students combat stress and anxiety.

• Students had lower levels of cortisol in their bodies after taking meditation classes.

• Most students reported feeling less stressed after completing a mindfulness program.

• The ability to reduce one's anxiety is an important skill for everyone.

• The Headstand program was a great success.