Trace and Evaluate Arguments - 7th Grade Reading
Card 1 of 25
Identify the logical fallacy: attacking the person instead of the argument.
Identify the logical fallacy: attacking the person instead of the argument.
Tap to reveal answer
Ad hominem. Latin for "to the person" - targets character, not ideas.
Ad hominem. Latin for "to the person" - targets character, not ideas.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What is a rebuttal in an argument?
What is a rebuttal in an argument?
Tap to reveal answer
A response that refutes a counterclaim. Shows why the counterclaim is wrong or weak.
A response that refutes a counterclaim. Shows why the counterclaim is wrong or weak.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What is a counterclaim?
What is a counterclaim?
Tap to reveal answer
An opposing claim to the author’s position. Acknowledges what critics might argue against the thesis.
An opposing claim to the author’s position. Acknowledges what critics might argue against the thesis.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What is an irrelevant piece of evidence?
What is an irrelevant piece of evidence?
Tap to reveal answer
A detail that does not help prove the claim. Off-topic information that doesn't support the argument.
A detail that does not help prove the claim. Off-topic information that doesn't support the argument.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Identify the flaw: "Either we ban phones at school or students will never learn."
Identify the flaw: "Either we ban phones at school or students will never learn."
Tap to reveal answer
False dilemma (either-or fallacy). Presents only two extreme options, ignoring middle ground.
False dilemma (either-or fallacy). Presents only two extreme options, ignoring middle ground.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What is a central claim in an argumentative informational text?
What is a central claim in an argumentative informational text?
Tap to reveal answer
The main position the author argues for. The thesis or main idea the author wants readers to accept.
The main position the author argues for. The thesis or main idea the author wants readers to accept.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What does it mean to trace an argument in a text?
What does it mean to trace an argument in a text?
Tap to reveal answer
Follow claims, reasons, and evidence in order. Map how the author builds their case step by step.
Follow claims, reasons, and evidence in order. Map how the author builds their case step by step.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What is a supporting claim in an argument?
What is a supporting claim in an argument?
Tap to reveal answer
A smaller point that helps prove the central claim. Specific reasons that build toward the main argument.
A smaller point that helps prove the central claim. Specific reasons that build toward the main argument.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Identify whether this reasoning is sound: "Later starts increase sleep; more sleep improves focus; focus helps learning."
Identify whether this reasoning is sound: "Later starts increase sleep; more sleep improves focus; focus helps learning."
Tap to reveal answer
Sound. Each step logically follows from the previous one.
Sound. Each step logically follows from the previous one.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Identify whether this evidence is relevant to later start times: "Many students like pizza."
Identify whether this evidence is relevant to later start times: "Many students like pizza."
Tap to reveal answer
Irrelevant. Pizza preferences don't relate to start time benefits.
Irrelevant. Pizza preferences don't relate to start time benefits.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Which option best defines reasoning in an argument: evidence, logic, topic, or tone?
Which option best defines reasoning in an argument: evidence, logic, topic, or tone?
Tap to reveal answer
Logic. The thinking process that connects evidence to claims.
Logic. The thinking process that connects evidence to claims.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What is sound reasoning?
What is sound reasoning?
Tap to reveal answer
Logical thinking that validly connects evidence to claims. Uses valid logic without gaps or fallacies.
Logical thinking that validly connects evidence to claims. Uses valid logic without gaps or fallacies.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What does it mean for evidence to be relevant?
What does it mean for evidence to be relevant?
Tap to reveal answer
It directly relates to the claim being supported. Must connect to and help prove the specific claim.
It directly relates to the claim being supported. Must connect to and help prove the specific claim.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Identify the claim in this sentence: "School should start later to improve learning."
Identify the claim in this sentence: "School should start later to improve learning."
Tap to reveal answer
School should start later to improve learning. States the author's position on school schedules.
School should start later to improve learning. States the author's position on school schedules.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Which question best checks sufficiency of evidence: Is it interesting, or is it enough to prove the claim?
Which question best checks sufficiency of evidence: Is it interesting, or is it enough to prove the claim?
Tap to reveal answer
Is it enough to prove the claim. Sufficiency means having adequate proof, not just appeal.
Is it enough to prove the claim. Sufficiency means having adequate proof, not just appeal.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Identify the evidence type: "A 2023 study of 5,000 students found higher grades with later start times."
Identify the evidence type: "A 2023 study of 5,000 students found higher grades with later start times."
Tap to reveal answer
Research study / statistics. Numerical data from formal research supports claims.
Research study / statistics. Numerical data from formal research supports claims.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Which option is the strongest evidence for a factual claim: opinion, rumor, data, or insult?
Which option is the strongest evidence for a factual claim: opinion, rumor, data, or insult?
Tap to reveal answer
Data. Objective facts beat subjective opinions for proof.
Data. Objective facts beat subjective opinions for proof.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Identify the logical fallacy: using one story to prove a general rule.
Identify the logical fallacy: using one story to prove a general rule.
Tap to reveal answer
Anecdotal evidence (hasty generalization). One example can't prove a universal truth.
Anecdotal evidence (hasty generalization). One example can't prove a universal truth.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Which term names a statement expressing beliefs or judgments?
Which term names a statement expressing beliefs or judgments?
Tap to reveal answer
Opinion. Opinions reflect personal views, not objective truth.
Opinion. Opinions reflect personal views, not objective truth.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Which term names a statement that can be proven true or false?
Which term names a statement that can be proven true or false?
Tap to reveal answer
Verifiable fact. Facts can be verified through objective evidence.
Verifiable fact. Facts can be verified through objective evidence.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Identify the best label for this evidence: "A 2023 study found a 15% drop."
Identify the best label for this evidence: "A 2023 study found a 15% drop."
Tap to reveal answer
Statistic (data-based evidence). Numerical data provides measurable, objective support.
Statistic (data-based evidence). Numerical data provides measurable, objective support.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Identify the best label for this evidence: "Dr. Lee, a cardiologist, states…"
Identify the best label for this evidence: "Dr. Lee, a cardiologist, states…"
Tap to reveal answer
Expert testimony. Credentials establish the source's authority on the topic.
Expert testimony. Credentials establish the source's authority on the topic.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Which option is the strongest evidence type for a factual claim: anecdote, statistic, or personal opinion?
Which option is the strongest evidence type for a factual claim: anecdote, statistic, or personal opinion?
Tap to reveal answer
Statistic. Statistics offer objective, measurable proof.
Statistic. Statistics offer objective, measurable proof.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Which flaw is present: "It worked for my friend, so it will work for everyone"?
Which flaw is present: "It worked for my friend, so it will work for everyone"?
Tap to reveal answer
Hasty generalization. One example cannot prove a universal truth.
Hasty generalization. One example cannot prove a universal truth.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Which evaluation fits: Evidence about recycling rates used to prove "school lunches are healthier"?
Which evaluation fits: Evidence about recycling rates used to prove "school lunches are healthier"?
Tap to reveal answer
Irrelevant evidence. The evidence doesn't connect to the claim about lunches.
Irrelevant evidence. The evidence doesn't connect to the claim about lunches.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →