- Which claim is an unsupported assumption?
Answer: Teachers assign homework only because they want to.
An unsupported assumption is a claim stated as if it were fact, with no proof behind it. The idea that teachers assign homework only because they want to guesses at teachers' reasons without any evidence, so it is the unsupported assumption. The claim that too much homework leaves no time for family, sports, or other hobbies is the reason Sofia gives to back up her position, so it is offered as support, not an unsupported guess. The claim that homework should be limited to 30 minutes a night is the position Sofia is arguing for, not a hidden assumption. The claim that cutting homework to 30 minutes would give students more free time simply restates the expected result of her position rather than making a claim about someone's unstated motives. Only the statement about teachers' reasons assumes something no one can prove.
- Read the argument: Jamal says tablets should replace textbooks. He says digital books cost less than printed ones, and a University of Michigan study reported a 15% test-score increase. He also claims students always learn better on screens. Which claim is NOT supported by evidence?
Answer: Students always learn better and faster when reading on screens.
The correct answer is the claim that students always learn better and faster when reading on screens. Jamal never gives any reasons, facts, or research to back this up—it is just an opinion stated with the word 'always.' To be supported, a claim needs evidence that shows HOW or WHY it is true, and this one has none.
The claim that digital books cost less to produce IS supported—Jamal gives a logical reason comparing digital and printed costs. The claim about the University of Michigan study IS supported by strong evidence: a named research study with a specific statistic (a 15% test-score increase). The claim that lighter tablets mean less backpack strain is not part of Jamal's argument at all—he never mentions weight or backpacks, so it cannot be the claim he leaves unsupported.
Remember: a supported claim has reasons or evidence connected to it, while an unsupported claim is just an assertion. Don't be tricked by the word 'always' alone—notice that other choices also use 'always' or 'definitely.' Judge each claim by whether Jamal actually provides proof for it in his argument.
- Which claim is supported by evidence?
Answer: Obesity rates among children have tripled in the past 30 years.
A claim is supported by evidence when it rests on a checkable fact, like a number you could look up. The statement that childhood obesity rates have tripled in the past 30 years names a specific, measurable figure, so it is backed by evidence. The claim that healthy food tastes worse than current meals is Sofia's personal opinion about taste, which she never proves. The claim that students would pick pizza over salad is a guess about what people prefer, with no data behind it. The claim that healthy meals give students more energy sounds reasonable, but Sofia offers no study, number, or source to back it up, so it stays an unsupported claim. Only the tripled obesity rate gives you a fact you can actually check.
- Which claim is supported by evidence?
Answer: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is larger than Texas.
A claim supported by evidence can be checked against facts, and the size comparison, that the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is larger than Texas, is a measurable fact. Choice B gives that claim, so it is correct. Choice A ("worst invention ever") is an opinion, and Choice C and Choice D are opinions or guesses Carlos does not back up, so none is supported by evidence the way the size claim is.
- Which claim is an unsupported generalization?
Answer: Almost everybody agrees that students feel happier when they get more recess.
An unsupported generalization is a sweeping claim that treats one big group as if they all feel or think the same, with no proof to back it up. The statement that almost everybody agrees students feel happier with more recess does exactly this—it claims what nearly everyone believes without any evidence, so it is the best answer. The claim that longer recess helps students return refreshed and ready to focus is one of Amir's actual reasons, offered as support rather than a wild generalization. The claim that regular exercise is an important part of staying healthy is a widely accepted fact, not a sweeping guess about how a whole group feels. The claim that recess is easily the best part of the whole school day is a personal opinion Amir never even makes, so it is not part of his argument at all. Only the statement about what almost everybody agrees on makes an unproven claim about an entire group.
- Read the argument: Chen argues we must reduce plastic use because plastic pollution damages ocean ecosystems. He gives several reasons to support his position. Which statement provides the strongest evidence for his claim?
Answer: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a floating mass of ocean plastic, is larger than Texas.
The strongest evidence is the statement that the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is larger than Texas. This is a specific, measurable fact that readers can picture, and it directly proves how huge the plastic problem really is—exactly the kind of concrete support that makes a claim convincing.
The statement that plastic-covered beaches look unpleasant is only an opinion about appearance. How something looks is a personal judgment, not a fact, so it cannot prove that we must reduce plastic use.
The statement that people everywhere should feel responsible is a broad generalization. It tells you what someone believes people ought to do, but it offers no fact, number, or example to back up the argument.
The statement that the ocean would be nicer without trash is a wish, not proof. Saying something would be 'nicer' expresses a feeling about what is desirable, without any measurable information.
Remember: real evidence is specific and verifiable—facts, statistics, and examples you can check—not opinions, wishes, or general statements about how people should feel.
- Which claim is NOT supported by evidence?
Answer: Everyone knows students are happier with more recess.
A claim not supported by evidence is a broad opinion with no proof, and "everyone knows students are happier with more recess" leans on "everyone knows" instead of facts. Choice C gives it, so it is correct. Choice A points to studies, Choice B gives a reason, and Choice D is not a claim Amir makes, so none is the unsupported claim the way the "everyone knows" statement is.
- Read the argument: Yuki argues tablets should replace textbooks because tablets weigh less and can prevent backpack strain. She also says tablets are more engaging than books, so learning will be better. Is the claim "learning will be better" well-supported?
Answer: No; it is a vague claim offered without research, data, or clear evidence to back it up.
The claim that "learning will be better" is not well-supported. A supported claim needs reasons and evidence—facts, research, data, or specific examples—that logically connect to it. Yuki only says tablets are "more engaging," which is a vague assertion. She never explains how engagement improves learning or what "better" even means (higher test scores? better memory?), and she offers no studies or data. So the best answer is that this is a vague claim offered without research or clear evidence.
The answer saying "more engaging" is enough to prove learning improves for everyone is wrong: an opinion word like "engaging" does not prove anything, and nothing supports the leap to "every student."
The answer claiming the learning point must be supported because the backpack reason is solid is wrong too: one good reason (weight) does not automatically make a separate claim true. Each claim needs its own evidence.
The answer calling the weight reason off-topic is wrong because reducing backpack strain is a reasonable, relevant benefit of lighter tablets—it just supports the weight point, not the learning point. Judging an argument means separating claims that have real evidence from claims that do not.
- Which claim is NOT supported by evidence?
Answer: Students learn better when they use technology instead of paper books.
The winning choice is the one Jamal states but never proves: he claims students learn better with technology, yet he gives no study, number, or reason to back it up. That makes it a claim without evidence. The choice about digital books costing less is a reason Jamal actually offers, so it is a supported claim, not the answer. The choice about the University of Michigan study is real evidence Jamal cites, complete with a source and a specific number, so it is supported too. The choice about digital books being updated faster sounds reasonable, but Jamal never mentions updating anywhere in his argument, so it is not even a claim he made. Only the 'learn better' statement is a claim Jamal makes and leaves completely unsupported.
- Read the argument: Emma argues we must reduce plastic use to protect the ocean. She says millions of tons of plastic enter the ocean each year and sea turtles can die after eating plastic bags. She adds plastic looks terrible on beaches. Which statement provides the strongest evidence for the argument?
Answer: Millions of tons of plastic enter the ocean each year.
The claim is that we must reduce plastic use to protect the ocean. The strongest evidence backs up that claim with a specific fact or number. Saying millions of tons of plastic enter the ocean each year gives an exact amount that shows how huge the problem is, so it strongly supports the need to cut plastic use. That makes it the best answer.
Saying plastic looks terrible when it washes up on beaches is an opinion about how things look, not proof of harm to the ocean, so it is weak support. Saying sea turtles sometimes swim near beaches where plastic collects sounds related, but it never states that plastic actually hurts them, so it does not prove the claim. Saying the ocean would look much nicer without plastic is just a personal preference about appearance, not a fact or number that shows real damage. Only the statement with a specific statistic gives strong evidence for reducing plastic use.
- Read the argument: Chen says middle schools should offer more after-school clubs. He claims students in clubs have better grades, and he adds research shows structured activities reduce risky behaviors. He also says his friend loved robotics club. Which claim is an unsupported opinion or weak support?
Answer: My friend loved robotics club.
Weak support is a single personal example that does not prove a general point, and "My friend loved robotics club" is one person's experience rather than evidence about all students. Choice C names it, so it is correct. Choice A points to research and Choice B is a general claim Chen backs with reasons, while Choice D is not one of the claims Chen actually makes, so none is the weak support that the friend anecdote provides.
- Which claim is supported by reasons?
Answer: Clubs are valuable because they build skills like leadership, teamwork, and time management.
The right answer is the claim that clubs are valuable because they build skills like leadership, teamwork, and time management. This is supported by reasons Maya actually gives: she names several specific skills that clubs teach, and those skills act as reasons that back up her point. The claim that after-school programs are fun rests only on an opinion—that kids enjoy time together—which is a feeling, not a reason that proves anything. The claim about robotics club leans on a single student's good experience; one person's story is an example, not a strong reason that supports a general point. The claim that sports teams are better than clubs adds a reason, but Maya never argues this in the passage, so it is not the claim her argument supports. Only the skills claim is both made by Maya and backed by clear reasons, so it is the best answer.
- Which statement is the strongest evidence for Marcus's argument?
Answer: A country that assigns little homework can still earn top rankings in education across the world.
The strongest evidence is a fact that other people can check, not just how someone feels. The statement that a country giving little homework can still earn top education rankings is a checkable fact, and it directly supports Marcus's claim that homework should be limited. The idea that many students feel homework takes up too much evening time is an opinion about feelings, not a fact you can verify. Saying homework can feel boring is also just a personal reaction, so it does not prove anything about how much homework students should have. Claiming students should get more free time each afternoon is a suggestion, not evidence, and it repeats the argument instead of backing it up. Only the statement about a country's education ranking gives outside proof, so it is the strongest evidence.
- Which claim is supported by evidence?
Answer: Obesity rates among children have tripled in 30 years.
A claim is supported by evidence when it rests on a fact you could actually check. The statement that childhood obesity has tripled over 30 years is a specific statistic Emma provides, so it can be verified—that makes it the correct answer. The claim that healthy food tastes bad to most people is just Emma's opinion; taste is personal and she gives no proof. Saying everyone prefers pizza to salad is also an opinion, and the word 'everyone' makes it a sweeping guess with no data behind it. The claim that healthy meals give students more energy sounds reasonable, but Emma only asserts it—she offers no study, number, or fact to back it up, so it stays an unsupported claim. Only the tripled obesity rate comes with checkable evidence.
- Which claim is supported by reasons and evidence?
Answer: Studies find that students in structured activities are less likely to take part in risky behaviors.
The strongest claim here is the one that points to studies finding students in structured activities are less likely to take part in risky behaviors. It names a source of proof (research findings), so it is backed by evidence, not just opinion. The claim that clubs are fun to attend only shares a feeling; Keisha never offers any proof that clubs are fun. The claim that clubs build leadership and teamwork skills does come from Keisha, but she just states it without any research or example to back it up, so it is a claim without evidence. The claim that joining a club is a smart choice is only Keisha's opinion about what students should do, and no study or reason is given to support it. Only the claim tied to research findings uses actual evidence, so it is the best answer.
- Read the argument: Maya argues schools should serve healthier lunches. She says the National School Lunch Program feeds 30 million students daily, so nutrition affects public health. She also says salads are boring. Which statement provides the strongest evidence for the argument?
Answer: The National School Lunch Program feeds 30 million students daily.
This question tests CCSS.RI.6.8: tracing and evaluating the argument and specific claims in a text by distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not, and assessing the quality and credibility of support. An argument consists of: (1) CLAIM—the position or statement the author wants to prove ('Schools should serve healthier lunches'); (2) REASONS—explanations of WHY the claim is true ('nutrition affects public health'); (3) EVIDENCE—facts, statistics, research, expert testimony, or specific examples supporting the claim ('The National School Lunch Program feeds 30 million students daily'). A SUPPORTED claim is backed by reasons and/or evidence that logically connect to it; an UNSUPPORTED claim is just an assertion, opinion, or assumption stated without proof. Strong support includes: specific research with sources ('University of Michigan research found 15% improvement'), statistics with context ('rates tripled over 30 years'), credible examples ('Finland ranks high in education globally'). Weak or no support includes: personal opinions ('I don't like'), generalizations without evidence ('everyone knows'), vague assertions ('students learn better' without explanation), assumptions ('teachers want to'), and opinions stated as facts ('healthy food tastes bad'). In this argument, Maya claims schools should serve healthier lunches. The author provides different types of support: strong evidence, logical reasoning, and personal opinion. The claim is supported by evidence: 'The National School Lunch Program feeds 30 million students daily' (specific statistic) and the reason 'nutrition affects public health' (logical connection). The statement 'salads are boring' is NOT support—it is a personal opinion that actually undermines the argument. Choice C is correct because it accurately identifies the strongest evidence for the argument. This statement IS supported because it provides a specific statistic: '30 million students daily' is concrete data showing the scale and importance of school lunch programs. This connects logically to the claim because if 30 million students eat school lunches daily, then improving nutrition would have a massive public health impact—this statistical evidence demonstrates why healthier lunches matter on a national scale. Evaluating arguments requires distinguishing between credible evidence (research, statistics, specific examples) and weak support (opinions, generalizations, assumptions). Choice A is incorrect because it identifies a vague assertion as strong evidence. While 'Healthy lunches are important' aligns with the argument's position, it's just a restatement of the claim without any evidence, statistics, or specific reasons—saying something is 'important' without explaining why or providing data is not evidence. Choice B would be strong evidence if it were in the argument, but it's not mentioned in Maya's argument at all. Choice D is incorrect because 'Most kids would rather eat fries than fruit' is a generalization without supporting data—it's an assumption about preferences that could actually weaken the argument for healthier lunches rather than support it. Strong arguments require credible, specific evidence—not just opinions, assumptions, or generalizations presented as facts. To help students trace and evaluate arguments: (1) Teach ARGUMENT STRUCTURE - CLAIM: The position/statement author wants to prove. Look for: 'should,' 'must,' 'need to,' or statements of position. REASONS: Explanations of WHY (because, since, due to). EVIDENCE: Facts, statistics, research, examples supporting claim. (2) Teach TYPES OF SUPPORT - STRONG EVIDENCE: Specific research/studies with sources ('University of X found...'), Statistics with context ('rates tripled over 30 years,' '15% improvement,' '30 million students'), Expert testimony or authoritative sources, Specific credible examples ('Finland ranks high globally'), Logical reasoning with clear connection ('digital costs less' → 'saves money'). MODERATE SUPPORT: General examples (sea turtles mistake plastic for jellyfish), Reasonable explanations without data. WEAK/NO SUPPORT: Personal opinion ('I don't like,' 'tastes bad'), Generalizations ('everyone knows,' 'everyone should,' 'always,' 'never'), Vague assertions ('learn better,' 'is good' without explanation), Assumptions about motives ('teachers want to'), Opinions stated as facts, Anecdotes ('my friend' single story), Irrelevant information (true but doesn't connect to claim). (3) Teach EVALUATION QUESTIONS - Is this claim supported? What evidence/reasons are provided? Is support credible and specific? Does reasoning logically connect to claim? Is this opinion or fact? Is this a generalization without evidence? Would this convince someone who disagrees? (4) Practice TRACING arguments - Underline or number claims. Circle evidence and reasons. Draw arrows connecting support to claims. Label: supported (S) or unsupported (U). (5) DISTINGUISH strong from weak - Compare: 'Obesity rates tripled in 30 years' (specific statistic) vs 'Healthy food tastes bad' (opinion). 'Research found 15% improvement' (specific study, data) vs 'Students learn better' (vague assertion). 'Finland ranks high in education with minimal homework' (specific example, outcome) vs 'Everyone knows homework is stressful' (generalization). (6) Identify WEAK SUPPORT red flags - Phrases like: 'Everyone knows,' 'Everyone should,' 'Obviously,' 'Clearly' (generalizations assuming agreement). 'I think,' 'I feel,' 'I don't like' (personal opinion). Vague terms without explanation: 'better,' 'good,' 'bad' (need specifics: better how? by what measure?). Statements about others' motives without evidence ('They want to...'). Single anecdotes ('My friend...' 'One time...'). Example evaluation practice: Claim: 'Schools should serve healthier lunches.' Support provided: 'Obesity rates tripled in 30 years' → STRONG (specific statistic). 'Nutritious meals provide energy for learning' → MODERATE (logical reason, but could use research support). 'Healthy food tastes bad' → WEAK (opinion, not fact). 'Everyone prefers pizza to salad' → WEAK (generalization without evidence). Evaluation: The argument has SOME strong support (obesity statistic) but also includes weak support (taste opinion, preference generalization) that should be replaced with credible evidence. Remember: SUPPORTED claims have REASONS and EVIDENCE (facts, research, statistics, specific examples); UNSUPPORTED claims are just assertions, opinions, generalizations, or assumptions without proof. Evaluate QUALITY of support—strong evidence is specific and credible.
- Is the claim "tablets are always more engaging than books" well-supported? Choose the best answer.
Answer: No, because it is a sweeping statement about every case, and Yuki offers no examples or reasons to back it up.
The claim says tablets are "always" more engaging, but Yuki never gives any proof for it—no examples, numbers, or reasons. A statement that covers every case yet offers no support is an unbacked overgeneralization, so it is not well-supported. That is why the best answer points out the missing examples and reasons. The first choice is wrong because Yuki never describes a survey or any study about engagement; that support does not exist in her argument. The second choice is wrong because being possible to test does not make a claim proven—without evidence it stays an unsupported opinion. The last choice is wrong because it uses cost, which has nothing to do with how engaging tablets are; a point about price cannot judge engagement.
- Which claim is an unsupported opinion or assumption?
Answer: Teachers assign homework only because they personally want to give it.
The claim that teachers assign homework only because they want to is an unsupported assumption: it guesses at teachers' private reasons and states that guess as if it were a fact, with no proof behind it. The claim about family, sports, and hobbies is Marcus's reason for his position; it explains his thinking, so it is not the assumption the question asks for. The claim about Finland is a checkable fact he offers as evidence, so it can be supported and is not an unsupported guess. The claim that homework should be limited to 30 minutes is Marcus's main position, the opinion he is arguing for and backing up—not a hidden assumption stated without support. Only the statement about teachers' motives assumes something no one can verify, so it is the best answer.
