Trace and Evaluate Arguments - 6th Grade Reading

Which option best describes a supported claim: one with evidence or one with only opinions?

A claim supported with relevant evidence. Evidence makes claims credible, not mere opinions.
Which option is a reason (not evidence): A) "Because it improves safety" B) "A study found fewer injuries"?

A) "Because it improves safety". Reasons explain why; evidence shows specific proof.
Which statement is a claim (not evidence)? A) "Experts say..." B) "Recycling helps the planet."

B) "Recycling helps the planet.". Claims state positions; evidence provides proof.
Identify the evidence: "In a 2023 study, grades rose after later start times."

"In a 2023 study, grades rose after later start times.". This provides specific data supporting the argument.
What is evidence in an argument?

Facts or details that support a reason or claim. Evidence provides concrete proof for reasons and claims.
Identify the unsupported claim: "This plan will definitely work for everyone."

Unsupported claim (absolute, no evidence given). Absolute claims need evidence, which isn't provided.
Which option is the strongest type of evidence for a factual claim: a statistic, a rumor, or a guess?

A statistic (verifiable data). Numbers provide objective, measurable proof.
Which statement is evidence rather than opinion: "Many people love uniforms" or "A survey found 68% support uniforms"?

"A survey found 68% support uniforms.". Surveys provide measurable data, not just feelings.
Identify the reason: "Later start times give students more sleep, improving focus."

Later start times give students more sleep, improving focus. This explains why the claim should be accepted.
Identify the counterclaim: "Some argue uniforms limit self-expression."

Uniforms limit self-expression. "Some argue" introduces an opposing viewpoint.
Which question best checks if a claim is supported?

What reasons and evidence does the author provide. This directly examines the support structure of arguments.
Which statement is a claim (not evidence): A) "The program works" B) "Scores rose by $15$ %"?

A) "The program works". Claims state positions; evidence provides proof.
Identify the evidence: "A study found teens learn better with $8$ to $10$ hours of sleep."

A study found teens learn better with $8$ to $10$ hours of sleep. Research data provides concrete proof for the argument.
What is a logical fallacy?

A flaw in reasoning that weakens an argument. Fallacies make arguments seem valid when they're not.
Identify the claim: "School should start later because teens need more sleep."

School should start later. This is the author's position to be proven.
Identify the reason: "School should start later because teens need more sleep."

Teens need more sleep. The "because" clause explains why the claim is true.
What is the author's argument in an informational text?

The overall position supported by claims, reasons, and evidence. The central thesis built from interconnected elements.
What is the best definition of a counterclaim?

A claim that opposes the author's main claim. It challenges or contradicts the main argument.
Which evidence is most relevant to the claim "Helmets reduce injuries": helmet sales numbers or injury-rate data?

Injury-rate data. Injury data directly relates to safety claims.
Identify the counterclaim: "Some argue homework should be banned because it causes stress."

Homework should be banned because it causes stress. "Some argue" signals an opposing viewpoint.
What is evidence in an informational argument?

Specific facts, examples, data, or quotations supporting a reason. Concrete proof that backs up reasoning.
Which claim is NOT supported as written: "Recycling helps" or "Recycling reduces landfill waste by 20% in our city"?

"Recycling helps.". Too vague—lacks specific reasons or proof.
Identify the claim in this sentence: "School should start later to help students."

School should start later to help students. This states what should happen—a position to prove.
Identify the evidence in this sentence: "In a survey, 70% of students reported more sleep."

"In a survey, 70% of students reported more sleep". Survey data provides measurable support for claims.
What is the difference between a fact and an opinion in an argument?

A fact is verifiable; an opinion is a belief or judgment. Facts can be proven true/false; opinions cannot.
Which option best signals a claim is being supported: A) "for example" B) "maybe"?

A) "for example". "For example" introduces supporting evidence.
Which option is least relevant evidence for "Bike lanes reduce traffic"?

A description of bike colors and styles. Bike appearance doesn't relate to traffic reduction.
Identify the unsupported claim: A) "A survey of $500$ students shows..." B) "Everyone agrees this works."

B) "Everyone agrees this works.". No data or facts support this sweeping generalization.
Which option is the strongest evidence: A) one example B) expert study C) personal feeling?

B) Expert study. Expert research carries more weight than anecdotes.
What is the difference between a fact and an opinion?

A fact is verifiable; an opinion is a belief or judgment. Facts can be proven true or false; opinions cannot.
Which sentence shows bias: A) "This foolish rule" B) "This rule"?

A) "This foolish rule". "Foolish" shows the author's negative judgment.
What is the central argument of a text?

The main position the author supports with reasons and evidence. This is the thesis that all other points work to prove.
Which sentence is evidence (not a reason)? A) "It is unfair." B) "Test scores rose $10\%$ ."

B) "Test scores rose $10\%$ .". Statistics are concrete facts; opinions are reasons.
What is the difference between a reason and evidence?

Reason = why; evidence = proof that the why is true. Reasons explain logic; evidence provides concrete support.
Which option is the strongest evidence for "Reading improves vocabulary"?

Data showing vocabulary growth in frequent readers. Research data directly proves vocabulary improvement.
What does it mean to evaluate a claim in a text?

Judge whether reasons and evidence support the claim. Assess if the support logically proves the claim.
What does it mean to evaluate a claim in a text?

Judge whether it is supported by strong, relevant evidence. Assessing if the proof adequately backs the claim.
Identify the logical gap: Claim: "Homework should be banned." Reason: "It is boring."

The reason does not prove the policy should change. Personal preference isn't logical justification for policy.
Which sentence is evidence rather than opinion: A) "It is terrible" B) "The cost is $10$ "?

B) "The cost is $10$ ". Cost is a verifiable fact; "terrible" is subjective.
What is a claim in an argumentative informational text?

A statement the author wants the reader to accept as true. Claims are assertions that need support to be convincing.
Which sentence is a reason (not evidence): "It saves money" or "The bill dropped by $30 last month"?

"It saves money.". Reasons explain why; evidence shows specific facts.
What is an argument in informational text?

A claim supported by reasons and evidence. Combines a position with logical support to persuade readers.
Identify the claim: "School should start later to improve student learning."

School should start later to improve student learning. This states what should happen and why.
Which statement is unsupported: A) "Research shows" B) "Everyone knows it is best"?

B) "Everyone knows it is best". "Everyone knows" lacks concrete proof or data.
What is a reason in an argument?

A statement that explains why the claim should be believed. Reasons provide the logical basis for accepting claims.
Choose the best evaluation: If evidence is unrelated to the claim, is the claim well supported?

No; unrelated evidence does not support the claim. Evidence must connect to the claim to support it.
What is the bandwagon fallacy?

Claiming something is true because many people believe it. Popularity doesn't determine truth or validity.

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