Analyzing an Argument

Read the claim and the supporting evidence.Claim: Spaying and neutering is the appropriate thing for pet owners to do.Evidence: Spayed and neutered pets don't produce offspring that may end up in shelters or become strays.Why does the evidence support the claim? Choose the analysis that better explains the connection.

• Pet  owners have a responsibility not to burden shelters or the community at large.

• On average, spayed and neutered pets live longer, healthier lives.

What would be a good reason to support this claim?

• Hamburgers have a bun.

• Hamburgers are made out of meat.

• Hamburgers come with cheese and hot dogs do not.

Claim: Nike is more popular than Adidas. What is good evidence to support this?

• Adidas sponsors the most soccer players.

• Nike and Adidas are the two biggest shoe companies.

• Adidas sponsors Kanye West.

• Nike reported that they sold 150 million sneakers last year and Adidas reported than they sold 80 million.

Schools should pay students for good grades because money can be a good motivator.

• Reason

• Evidence

Details the illustrate the claim; help readers understand or relate to the reasons 

• facts and statistics

• examples

• expert opinions

• anecdotes

The school tardiness policy needs to be revised. Students should not be punished for circumstances that are out of their control. For instance, the city buses tend to run late in the wintertime. Students should not be forced to wake up an hour early just to be sure that they're not five minutes late.
Which sentence gives a reason that supports the writer's claim?

• Sentence 1

• Sentence 2

• Sentence 3

• Sentence 4

Which of these is NOT part of an argument?

• claim

• counterclaim

• convince

• evidence

Which part of an argument presents "the other side of the argument"?

• claim

• counterclaim

• evidence

• reasoning

Which part of an argument presents supports your reasons with proof?

• claim

• counterclaim

• evidence

• reasoning

Which part of an argument is what you think is TRUE based on what you know and your research?

• claim

• counterclaim

• evidence

• reasoning