Apply Reading Standards to Literary Nonfiction - 6th Grade Writing

What does it mean to trace an argument in a text?

Follow the main claim and how each reason and evidence supports it. Tracing means tracking the logical progression of ideas.
Identify what is missing: Claim: "Recycling should be required." Support: "Because it is good."

Specific evidence (facts, examples, or data) to support the reason. The reason lacks concrete proof to be convincing.
What is an author's claim in a literary nonfiction argument?

A statement the author asserts is true and wants the reader to accept. The central position the author defends throughout the text.
Identify the evidence type: "According to the CDC, $30\%$ of teens report…"

Statistic from a credible source. Uses authoritative data to support the argument.
What is the best test to evaluate a claim's support in a text?

Check whether credible reasons and evidence are provided for it. Strong claims need logical reasons and factual evidence.
What is an argument in literary nonfiction, as used in grade 6 reading and writing?

A position supported by reasons and evidence. Arguments require logical support, not just opinions.
Which detail is irrelevant to the claim "School lunches should be healthier": "More vegetables" or "The mascot is a tiger"?

"The mascot is a tiger". Mascots don't relate to lunch nutrition arguments.
What is the difference between a reason and evidence in an argument?

Reason explains why; evidence proves or supports. Reasons give logic; evidence provides concrete proof.
What does it mean to trace an argument in a literary nonfiction text?

Follow the claim and track how reasons and evidence build support. Analyzing the logical progression from claim to conclusion.
What is the difference between fact and opinion?

Fact is provable; opinion is a belief or judgment. Facts can be verified; opinions express personal views.
Identify the rebuttal: "Some say homework is useless; however, practice improves skills."

Practice improves skills. Counters the criticism with a benefit of homework.
Identify the unsupported claim: "I saw three deer" or "Everyone in town loves deer"?

"Everyone in town loves deer". "Everyone" claims lack evidence and are unprovable.
Choose the best evaluation: If evidence is from an anonymous blog, is it more or less credible?

Less credible. Anonymous sources lack authority and verification.
Which is irrelevant evidence for "Dogs make good pets": "They can be trained" or "Some dogs are brown"?

"Some dogs are brown". Color doesn't relate to being a good pet.
What is evidence in literary nonfiction (choose the best definition)?

Facts, examples, data, or quotations supporting a claim. Evidence must be verifiable and factual.
Which is a logical reason (not evidence) for "Libraries matter": "They provide free access" or " $1{,}200$ books were borrowed"?

They provide free access. Explains why libraries matter; the number is evidence.
Identify the strongest evidence for "Helmets reduce injuries": "Helmets look cool" or "Injury rates drop when helmets are used"?

"Injury rates drop when helmets are used". Statistical data provides stronger support than opinions.
What does it mean to evaluate a claim in a literary nonfiction text?

Judge whether reasons and evidence support it well. Evaluation checks if support is adequate.
Which is stronger evidence for a claim: "I think it works" or "A study found it works"?

"A study found it works". Research provides objective proof versus personal belief.
What is the difference between relevant evidence and irrelevant evidence?

Relevant directly supports the claim; irrelevant does not connect to it. Relevant evidence must logically relate to the claim.
What is sufficient evidence, and how does it affect an argument?

Enough strong support to justify the claim; it increases credibility. Quality and quantity must adequately prove the point.
What is an argument in literary nonfiction?

A position the author tries to prove using reasons and evidence. Arguments combine claims with supporting reasons and evidence.
Which sentence is a reason rather than evidence: "Because it saves time" or "A study found it saves 10 minutes"?

"Because it saves time". Reasons explain why; evidence shows what happened.
What is the difference between a fact and an opinion in literary nonfiction?

Fact is verifiable; opinion is a belief or judgment not provable as true. Facts can be proven true or false; opinions cannot.
Identify the claim in this sentence: "School should start later because teens need more sleep."

School should start later. The claim states what should happen.
Identify the best definition of opinion in literary nonfiction.

A belief or judgment that cannot be proven true. Opinions are subjective and unprovable.
Which statement is a reason rather than evidence: "It is harmful" or "Doctors reported injuries"?

"It is harmful". Reasons explain; evidence shows specific facts.
What is a claim in an argument?

A statement the author says is true and wants the reader to accept. Claims are assertions requiring support to be convincing.
Identify the counterclaim: "Some argue uniforms limit self-expression, but they reduce distractions."

Uniforms limit self-expression. Presents the opposing view before refuting it.
Which sentence is an opinion rather than a fact: "The law passed in 2019" or "The law is unfair"?

"The law is unfair". Expresses a value judgment that cannot be proven.
Which sentence is a counterclaim to "Uniforms improve focus": "Uniforms cost money" or "Uniforms help"?

Uniforms cost money. It opposes the benefit with a drawback.
Which option is the strongest evidence type for a historical claim: personal preference or a verified document?

A verified document. Documents provide concrete, verifiable proof.
Identify the evidence type: "In 2023, 62% of students reported reading daily."

Statistic. Percentages provide measurable, factual evidence.
What is evidence in an argument, and what does it usually include?

Support for a reason, often facts, data, examples, or quotations. Concrete proof that validates the reasons given.
Which option is a claim: "The river is 300 miles long" or "The river is beautiful"?

"The river is beautiful". Beauty is subjective opinion, not provable fact.
Identify the author's purpose signaled by "This shows that…" in an argument.

To explain how evidence supports a claim. "This shows that" connects evidence to claims.
What is a rebuttal in an argument, and what is its purpose?

A response that refutes a counterclaim to strengthen the main claim. Defends against counterclaims by disproving them.
Which option is a rebuttal: "Some disagree" or "However, their point ignores the data"?

"However, their point ignores the data". Rebuttals actively challenge opposing arguments.
Which choice is verifiable evidence: "It feels unfair" or "The law was passed in 1965"?

"The law was passed in 1965". Dates and laws can be fact-checked.
Choose the best signal word for evidence in an argument: "for example" or "maybe".

For example. This phrase introduces specific evidence.
Which phrase signals a counterclaim: "On the other hand" or "For example"?

"On the other hand". This transition introduces contrasting viewpoints.
Identify the reason in this sentence: "School should start later because teens need more sleep."

Teens need more sleep. The reason explains why the claim is valid.
What is a counterclaim?

A claim that disagrees with the author's claim. Counterclaims present opposing viewpoints.
What counts as evidence in literary nonfiction?

Facts, statistics, examples, quotations, or observations supporting a claim. Evidence provides concrete support from various sources.
Which part is evidence: "Teens need more sleep; a study found most get under 8 hours"?

A study found most get under 8 hours. Study results are concrete, measurable proof.
What is a counterclaim in an argument found in literary nonfiction?

A claim that disagrees with the author's main claim. Counterclaims oppose the main argument.
What is a reason in an argument in literary nonfiction?

A statement that explains why the claim should be believed. Provides logical support to make the claim convincing.
Which term names the author's main position: central claim or supporting detail?

Central claim. The central claim is the author's primary argument.
What is a rebuttal in a literary nonfiction argument?

The author's response that refutes a counterclaim. Rebuttals defend against opposing views.
What is the difference between a claim and a reason?

Claim = what is believed; reason = why it should be believed. Claims state positions; reasons justify those positions.
Which word best names a statement that is supported by proof rather than belief: fact or opinion?

Fact. Facts can be verified; opinions cannot.
Identify the unsupported claim: "This is the best book ever" or "It won a national award"?

"This is the best book ever". "Best ever" is subjective, not provable.
What is a counterclaim in an argumentative literary nonfiction text?

An opposing claim that challenges the author's main claim. Acknowledges alternative viewpoints to address objections.
Identify the claim in this sentence: "School should start later to help students."

School should start later to help students. States a position that school start times should change.
What does it mean to trace an argument in a literary nonfiction text?

Follow claims, reasons, and evidence from start to end. Tracing means tracking the logical progression.
What is a rebuttal?

The author's response that refutes a counterclaim. Rebuttals defend against opposing arguments.
Identify the logical problem: "It is true because I believe it" is best labeled as what?

Unsupported claim (no evidence). Personal belief alone doesn't prove truth.
What is a claim in an argumentative literary nonfiction text?

A statement the author asserts is true. Claims are debatable statements that need proof.

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