Claims and Evidence in Argument Development

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of evidence in an argument?

To provide support for the claim (correct)

To assert the author's position

To summarize the main idea

To distract the audience from the claim

What is the main difference between a supported claim and an unsupported claim?

The presence of evidence (correct)

The author's credentials

The tone of the author

The complexity of the issue

What is the purpose of a claim in an argument?

To provide evidence

To assert the author's position (correct)

To distract the audience

To summarize the main idea

What is the analogy used to describe the relationship between claims and evidence?

A door and its hinges Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of an unsupported claim?

The claim remains unproven Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to distinguish between claims and evidence?

To understand the argument's validity Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of developing an argument?

To convince the audience of a particular perspective Signup and view all the answers

What is an unsupported claim?

A claim without evidence to support it Signup and view all the answers

What is the key word that reminds us to look for evidence in a claim?

Because Signup and view all the answers

What makes the claim 'Alcohol is a much more dangerous drug than marijuana' supported?

A recent Harvard study Signup and view all the answers

Why was the corner grocery store shut down?

For denying workers any breaks during their ten-hour shifts Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason Michael is not a trustworthy person?

He was recently arrested and convicted of auto theft Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a supported and an unsupported claim?

A supported claim has evidence, while an unsupported claim lacks evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of an unsupported claim?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to determine the difference between a supported and an unsupported claim?

To critically evaluate the evidence behind a claim Signup and view all the answers

What is the main topic of the passage about pirates and ninjas?

The competition for cool points between pirates and ninjas Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's argument about children's games?

Games are a valuable way to teach children important life skills Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's main point about ninjas in the passage?

Ninjas are superior to pirates in all aspects Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of identifying the author's evidence in an argument?

To understand the reasons behind the author's argument Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the author's argument and evidence?

The argument is the main point and the evidence is the supporting details Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of identifying the topic of a passage?

To get a general idea of what the passage is about Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's main reason for saying that games are valuable?

Games teach children important life skills and protect against childhood obesity Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

What is the topic of a passage about?

What the passage is about Signup and view all the answers

What is the argument of a passage?

The author's point of view about the topic Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of an argument in a passage?

It is a debatable issue Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of different arguments on the same topic?

Passages on global warming with different arguments, such as existence and causes Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of distinguishing between the topic and argument of a passage?

To improve reading comprehension and answer questions accurately Signup and view all the answers

What is another term for the argument of a passage?

Main claim or thesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the topic of the imaginary passage?

Which is cooler: pirates or ninjas Signup and view all the answers

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]"

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Description

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.