15 Questions
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 ninjas in the passage?
Ninjas are definitively superior to pirates
What is the purpose of the author's discussion about ninjas' hygiene in the passage?
To provide evidence that ninjas are more hygienic than pirates
What is the topic of the passage about games?
Games as a valuable way to spend time
What is the author's argument about children's games in the passage?
Games are useful and can teach children valuable lessons
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
What do test questions often ask about the author's argument?
The evidence or reasons the author provides to support their argument
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
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.
What is another term for the argument of a passage?
Main claim or thesis
What is true about passages on the same topic?
They may have different arguments.
Why is it important to distinguish between the topic and the argument?
To become a better reader and answer questions on standardized tests
What is a characteristic of an argument in a passage?
It is debatable.
What is the topic of the imaginary passage about pirates and ninjas?
Which is cooler, pirates or ninjas?
What is the purpose of identifying the topic and the argument in a passage?
To answer questions on standardized tests.
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.
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.
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