Trace and Evaluate Arguments - 7th Grade Reading

1. Which option is the strongest evidence type for a factual claim: anecdote, statistic, or personal opinion?

   Statistic. Statistics offer objective, measurable proof.

2. What is a supporting claim in an argument?

   A smaller point that helps prove the central claim. Specific reasons that build toward the main argument.

3. What is a supporting claim in an informational text argument?

   A smaller point that helps prove the central claim. These sub-arguments build toward the main thesis.

4. Identify the evidence type: "In a 2023 survey of 2,000 students, 62% preferred later start times."

   Statistic from a survey. Numbers from research provide factual support.

5. What is the central claim in an argument?

   The main point the author wants the reader to accept. Central claims unify all supporting points in the text.

6. Which option best defines reasoning in an argument: evidence, logic, topic, or tone?

   Logic. The thinking process that connects evidence to claims.

7. What is a rebuttal?

   A response that refutes a counterclaim. Rebuttals defend the original claim against opposition.

8. Which flaw is present: "After the new principal arrived, test scores fell; the principal caused it"?

   False cause (post hoc). Assumes correlation equals causation without proof.

9. What is a central claim in an argumentative informational text?

   The main position the author argues for. The thesis or main idea the author wants readers to accept.

10. Which option best signals a reason supporting a claim: "however" or "because"?

    because. This word introduces cause-and-effect reasoning.

11. Which option is the best evaluation of sound reasoning: valid logic or strong feelings?

    Valid logic. Sound reasoning requires logical connections, not emotions.

12. Identify whether this reasoning is sound: "Later starts increase sleep; more sleep improves focus; focus helps learning."

    Sound. Each step logically follows from the previous one.

13. What is sound reasoning?

    Logical thinking that validly connects evidence to claims. Uses valid logic without gaps or fallacies.

14. Identify the logical fallacy: using one story to prove a general rule.

    Anecdotal evidence (hasty generalization). One example can't prove a universal truth.

15. What is an irrelevant piece of evidence?

    A detail that does not help prove the claim. Off-topic information that doesn't support the argument.

16. Which term names a statement expressing beliefs or judgments?

    Opinion. Opinions reflect personal views, not objective truth.

17. Identify the claim in this sentence: "School should start later to improve learning."

    School should start later to improve learning. States the author's position on school schedules.

18. What is an irrelevant detail when evaluating evidence?

    Information that does not help prove the claim. It's off-topic and doesn't support the argument.

19. Which flaw is present: "Do not trust her plan; she is lazy"?

    Ad hominem attack. Attacks the person instead of addressing the argument.

20. Identify whether this evidence is relevant to later start times: "Many students like pizza."

    Irrelevant. Pizza preferences don't relate to start time benefits.

21. Identify the evidence type: "Dr. Lee, a pediatrician, states that teens need more sleep."

    Expert opinion. Credentialed professionals provide authoritative support.

22. Which question best checks sufficiency of evidence: Is it interesting, or is it enough to prove the claim?

    Is it enough to prove the claim. Sufficiency means having adequate proof, not just appeal.

23. Identify the flaw: "Either we ban phones at school or students will never learn."

    False dilemma (either-or fallacy). Presents only two extreme options, ignoring middle ground.

24. Which flaw is present: "It worked for my friend, so it will work for everyone"?

    Hasty generalization. One example cannot prove a universal truth.

25. What is a claim in an informational text's argument?

    A statement the author asserts as true. Claims form the foundation of arguments that authors defend.

26. Identify the best label for this evidence: "Dr. Lee, a cardiologist, states…"

    Expert testimony. Credentials establish the source's authority on the topic.

27. Which option best signals a counterclaim: "on the other hand" or "for example"?

    on the other hand. This phrase introduces contrasting viewpoints.

28. What is a counterclaim in an argument?

    An opposing position to the author's claim. It challenges the author's main argument.

29. Identify the best label for this evidence: "A 2023 study found a 15% drop."

    Statistic (data-based evidence). Numerical data provides measurable, objective support.

30. Identify the flaw: "I know one person who got sick after a vaccine, so vaccines are unsafe."

    Hasty generalization. Makes broad claims from insufficient examples.

31. Which term names a statement that can be proven true or false?

    Verifiable fact. Facts can be verified through objective evidence.

32. Which flaw is present: "Either we ban phones at school or nobody will learn"?

    False dilemma (either-or reasoning). This fallacy ignores other possible solutions.

33. Identify the flaw: "Either we ban homework or students will fail at life."

    False dilemma. Presents only two extreme options incorrectly.

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

    Follow claims, reasons, and evidence in order. Map how the author builds their case step by step.

35. Identify the purpose of tracing an argument while reading.

    To follow how claims, reasons, and evidence connect. Tracing reveals the argument's structure and logic.

36. Identify the flaw: "This policy is best because it is popular with most people."

    Bandwagon (appeal to popularity). Assumes popularity equals correctness.

37. What is an author's central claim in an argument?

    The main position the author tries to prove. It's the thesis the author wants readers to accept.

38. What is reasoning in an argument?

    The explanation linking evidence to the claim. Reasoning shows why the evidence proves the claim.

39. Which evaluation fits: Evidence about recycling rates used to prove "school lunches are healthier"?

    Irrelevant evidence. The evidence doesn't connect to the claim about lunches.

40. What is a counterclaim?

    An opposing claim to the author's position. Acknowledges what critics might argue against the thesis.

41. Identify the logical fallacy: attacking the person instead of the argument.

    Ad hominem. Latin for "to the person" - targets character, not ideas.

42. What is evidence in an argument, as used in informational texts?

    Facts, data, examples, or quotes used to support a claim. These concrete details prove claims are true.

43. What is reasoning in an argument?

    The logical explanation linking evidence to a claim. It shows how evidence proves the claim.

44. Which option is the strongest evidence for a factual claim: opinion, rumor, data, or insult?

    Data. Objective facts beat subjective opinions for proof.

45. What does sound reasoning mean in an argument?

    The logic is valid and the conclusion follows from support. Sound reasoning avoids logical fallacies and gaps.

46. Identify the evidence type: "A 2023 study of 5,000 students found higher grades with later start times."

    Research study / statistics. Numerical data from formal research supports claims.

47. What is a rebuttal in an argument?

    A response that refutes a counterclaim. Shows why the counterclaim is wrong or weak.

48. Identify the flaw: "You cannot trust her plan because she is annoying."

    Ad hominem attack. Attacks the person, not their argument.

49. What does it mean for evidence to be relevant?

    It directly relates to the claim being supported. Must connect to and help prove the specific claim.

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