Dogs vs. Cats — Reasons and Evidence

Answer the questions below. Which of these best describes the author’s point?

• The author is responding to criticism.

• The author is commenting on how something should be.

• The author is trying to convince people why one thing is better than another.

• The author is calling for people to change a behavior.

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CCSS.RI.7.9

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CCSS.RI.8.9

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Answer the questions below. What are the author’s main reasons to support the overall point?

• Dogs bring more joy and cause less misery than cats.

• Dogs are cheaper to buy and live longer than cats.

• Dogs are smaller and easier to carry than cats.

• Dogs learn tricks faster and bark less than cats.

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CCSS.RL.8.1

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Answer the questions below. Complete the web with supporting details for the two reasons provided: Reason 1—dogs bring more joy than cats. Which details from the passage support Reason 1?

• Dogs greet you excitedly when you get home.

• Dogs love to get outside and exercise with their owners.

• Dogs can be boarded when you go on vacation.

• Cats sharpen their claws on furniture.

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CCSS.RI.8.8

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Answer the questions below. Complete the web with supporting details for the two reasons provided: Reason 2—dogs cause less misery than cats. Which details from the passage support Reason 2?

• Dogs don’t need kitty litter that can stink up the house.

• You can let a dog outside to do its business.

• Cats scratching furniture can cause worse damage.

• Dogs like to socialize with other dogs.

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CCSS.RI.8.8

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Answer the questions below. What language shows that the author uses personal experience to support the point? Select all that apply.

• “I’ve owned them both.”

• “My cats always stayed indoors.”

• “When I go away, I never have trouble finding a dog-sitter.”

• “Dogs are generally more active and social than cats.”

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CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RI.7.8

CCSS.RI.7.5

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Answer the questions below. What reasons or evidence could someone use to show why they disagree with the author’s point? Select all that apply.

• Cats are more independent and don’t need daily walks.

• Cats are quieter and may be better for small apartments.

• Many dogs are hypoallergenic and never shed.

• Boarding dogs is always cheaper than boarding cats.

• Some people are afraid of dogs or have allergies to them.

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CCSS.RI.8.8

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CCSS.RI.7.1

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