30 Questions
What is the primary function of evidence in an argument?
To provide support for the claim
What is the main difference between a supported claim and an unsupported claim?
The presence of evidence
What is the purpose of a claim in an argument?
To assert the author's position
What is the analogy used to describe the relationship between claims and evidence?
A door and its hinges
What is the outcome of an unsupported claim?
The claim remains unproven
Why is it important to distinguish between claims and evidence?
To understand the argument's validity
What is the main goal of developing an argument?
To convince the audience of a particular perspective
What is an unsupported claim?
A claim without evidence to support it
What is the key word that reminds us to look for evidence in a claim?
Because
What makes the claim 'Alcohol is a much more dangerous drug than marijuana' supported?
A recent Harvard study
Why was the corner grocery store shut down?
For denying workers any breaks during their ten-hour shifts
What is the reason Michael is not a trustworthy person?
He was recently arrested and convicted of auto theft
What is the difference between a supported and an unsupported claim?
A supported claim has evidence, while an unsupported claim lacks evidence
What is an example of an unsupported claim?
All of the above
Why is it important to determine the difference between a supported and an unsupported claim?
To critically evaluate the evidence behind a claim
What is the main topic of the passage about pirates and ninjas?
The competition for cool points between pirates and ninjas
What is the author's argument about children's games?
Games are a valuable way to teach children important life skills
What is the author's main point about ninjas in the passage?
Ninjas are superior to pirates in all aspects
What is the purpose of identifying the author's evidence in an argument?
To understand the reasons behind the author's argument
What is the relationship between the author's argument and evidence?
The argument is the main point and the evidence is the supporting details
What is the purpose of identifying the topic of a passage?
To get a general idea of what the passage is about
What is the author's main reason for saying that games are valuable?
Games teach children important life skills and protect against childhood obesity
What is the difference between the topic and the argument of a passage?
The topic is the general idea and the argument is the author's opinion
What is the topic of a passage about?
What the passage is about
What is the argument of a passage?
The author's point of view about the topic
What is a characteristic of an argument in a passage?
It is a debatable issue
What is an example of different arguments on the same topic?
Passages on global warming with different arguments, such as existence and causes
What is the purpose of distinguishing between the topic and argument of a passage?
To improve reading comprehension and answer questions accurately
What is another term for the argument of a passage?
Main claim or thesis
What is the topic of the imaginary passage?
Which is cooler: pirates or ninjas
Study Notes
Understanding Topic and Argument
- The topic of a passage is what the passage is about
- The argument of a passage is the author's point of view about the topic
- The argument is also known as the main claim or thesis
- The argument is something debatable, and if it's not debatable, it's not an argument
- Passages on the same topic can make different arguments
Examples of Topic and Argument
- Example 1: Pirates vs. Ninjas passage
- Topic: competition for cool points between pirates and ninjas
- Argument: ninjas are cooler than pirates
- Example 2: The Value of Games passage
- Topic: games
- Argument: games are a valuable way to spend time and are not just a waste of time
Identifying Argument and Evidence
- Finding the argument of a passage is useful, but many test questions ask for more
- Test questions may ask for the kinds of information or evidence the author brings up in support of the argument
- The support or evidence is part of the argument, and authors typically provide reasons to prove their point
- To identify the evidence or proof, complete the sentence: "In [author's discussion of topic], the author argues that [argument] because [evidence]"
Learn how authors develop arguments by using claims and evidence to support their positions. Understand the importance of evidence in validating claims and making a strong argument.
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