Delineate Speaker's Argument and Claims Practice Test

In an oral editorial for the school news show, a student argues that the school should keep arts classes (music and art) every year instead of cutting them.

Main argument/thesis: The school should not cut arts classes.

Claim 1: Arts classes help academic skills. Support: The speaker mentions a district report showing students who took at least one arts class had higher average attendance than students who took none.

Claim 2: Arts classes build confidence. Support: The speaker gives an example of three students who felt more comfortable presenting after performing in a concert.

Claim 3: “If we cut art, the school will stop being a real school.” Support: The speaker does not explain what “real school” means or provide evidence.

Claim 4: Cutting arts would save less money than people think. Support: The speaker cites the proposed budget showing arts supplies are $1,200 for the year, which is less than 1% of the total activity budget.

Which claim is supported by specific budget numbers?

In a class debate about homework, Jordan argues that the school should limit homework to 60 minutes per night for middle school students.

Main argument/thesis: Homework should be capped at 60 minutes each night.

Claim 1: Too much homework reduces sleep. Support: Jordan cites the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation that kids ages 11–14 need 9–12 hours of sleep and says many students stay up late finishing assignments.

Claim 2: A cap would still allow practice. Support: He reasons that focused practice is more effective than long, tired work because tired students make more mistakes and learn less.

Claim 3: “All homework is pointless.” Support: He offers no examples, research, or explanation—just the statement.

Claim 4: Students would have more time for activities. Support: He gives one anecdote about his cousin joining soccer after switching to a school with less homework.

Which claim is supported mainly by logical reasoning (a cause-and-effect explanation) rather than statistics or an anecdote?