Claims and Evidence in Argumentative Writing

The video tutorial explains the relationship between claims, reasons, and evidence in argumentative writing. It begins by defining each term and their interconnections. An activity is introduced to distinguish facts from opinions in a paragraph about year-round school. The tutorial then demonstrates how to construct an argument by identifying a main claim, supporting it with reasons, and backing those reasons with evidence. The example of year-round school is used to illustrate these concepts, showing how opinions and facts are highlighted and analyzed to form a coherent argument.

What does a claim in an argumentative paragraph do?

• It lists all the facts.

• It offers a counterargument.

• It states what the reader should believe.

• It provides the evidence.

What is the purpose of reasons in supporting a claim?

• To introduce new topics

• To explain why the claim is valid

• To provide a summary

• To contradict the claim

In the activity, how were opinions marked in the paragraph?

• Italicized

• Highlighted in yellow

• Highlighted in blue

• Underlined

What color was used to highlight facts in the paragraph about year-round school?

• Green

• Yellow

• Blue

• Red

Which statement represents the main claim of the paragraph discussed?

• Summer should be spent outside the classroom.

• Year-round school is not a good idea.

• Year-round school changes summer schedules.

• Students deserve a summer break.

What type of calendar do some year-round schools follow?

• 45-15 calendar

• 90-30 calendar

• 75-25 calendar

• 60-15 calendar

Why do students need a summer break according to the paragraph?

• To relax and recharge from school stress

• To travel with family

• To participate in sports

• To catch up on reading

What does evidence in an argumentative paragraph provide?

• A personal anecdote

• A humorous element

• Proof supporting the reasons

• A list of topics

According to the paragraph, what is one effect of the 60-15 school calendar?

• More frequent exams

• No summer vacation

• Increased school hours

• Shorter school days

What is the role of additional reasons in the paragraph?

• To strengthen the main claim

• To divert from the main topic

• To weaken the main claim

• To provide alternatives to the main claim