Topic vs. Argument in a Passage

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Questions and Answers

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

The competition for cool points between pirates and ninjas (correct)

Comparison of the historical significance of pirates and ninjas

The cultural impact of ninjas on society

The advantages of being a pirate over a ninja

What is the author's argument about ninjas in the passage?

Ninjas are more hygienic than pirates

Ninjas are more fashionable than pirates

Ninjas are more historically significant than pirates

Ninjas are definitively superior to pirates (correct)

What is the purpose of the author's discussion about ninjas' hygiene in the passage?

To argue that pirates are more fashionable than ninjas

To prove that ninjas are more fashionable than pirates

To provide evidence that ninjas are more hygienic than pirates (correct)

To compare the historical significance of ninjas and pirates

What is the topic of the passage about games?

Games as a valuable way to spend time Signup and view all the answers

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

Games are useful and can teach children valuable lessons Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the author's discussion about active games in the passage?

To provide evidence that games can help protect against childhood obesity Signup and view all the answers

What do test questions often ask about the author's argument?

The evidence or reasons the author provides to support their argument Signup and view all the answers

What can be added to the sentence 'In his discussion of pirates and ninjas, the author argues that…' to identify the evidence or proof?

because Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between the topic and the argument of a passage?

The topic is what the passage is about, while the argument is the author's point of view. 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 true about passages on the same topic?

They may have different arguments. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to distinguish between the topic and the argument?

To become a better reader and answer questions on standardized tests Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of an argument in a passage?

It is debatable. Signup and view all the answers

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

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

What is the purpose of identifying the topic and the argument in a passage?

To answer questions on standardized tests. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Topic vs. 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 called the main claim or thesis.
The argument is debatable, and someone else could argue the opposite.

Examples

Passage 1: Pirates vs. Ninjas
- Topic: Pirates vs. Ninjas
- Argument: Ninjas are superior to pirates
Passage 2: The Value of Games
- Topic: Games
- Argument: Games are useful and not a waste of time

Identifying Topic and Argument

To identify the topic, fill in the blank: "This passage is about..."
To identify the argument, fill in the blank: "In his/her discussion of [topic], the author argues that..."
The argument is the author's point of view, which may be disagreed with by others.

Identifying Support for the Argument

The author provides evidence or reasons to support their argument.
To identify the evidence, add "because..." to the argument sentence.
Examples:
- Passage 1: Ninjas are superior to pirates because they are more hygienic and fashionable.
- Passage 2: Games are useful and not a waste of time because they teach social cooperation, following rules, and fairness, and can help prevent childhood obesity.

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Description

Learn the difference between the topic and argument of a passage to improve your reading skills and excel in standardized tests. Understand the author's point of view and main claim to better comprehend the passage.