Evaluate Arguments and Recognize Irrelevant Evidence - 8th Grade Reading
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What is a logical fallacy?
What is a logical fallacy?
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A flawed pattern of reasoning that weakens an argument. Errors in logic that undermine credibility.
A flawed pattern of reasoning that weakens an argument. Errors in logic that undermine credibility.
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Which sentence is evidence (not a reason): “Studies show teens need 8–10 hours of sleep.”
Which sentence is evidence (not a reason): “Studies show teens need 8–10 hours of sleep.”
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“Studies show teens need 8–10 hours of sleep.”. Research data serves as concrete evidence.
“Studies show teens need 8–10 hours of sleep.”. Research data serves as concrete evidence.
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What is a counterclaim?
What is a counterclaim?
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An opposing claim that challenges the author’s main claim. Acknowledges opposing viewpoints in the debate.
An opposing claim that challenges the author’s main claim. Acknowledges opposing viewpoints in the debate.
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Identify the evidence type: “A 2022 survey of 500 students found fewer dress-code conflicts.”
Identify the evidence type: “A 2022 survey of 500 students found fewer dress-code conflicts.”
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Statistic (survey data). Numerical data provides concrete support.
Statistic (survey data). Numerical data provides concrete support.
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Which evidence is most relevant to “Later start times improve teen alertness”: “Teens need sleep” or “The bus is loud”?
Which evidence is most relevant to “Later start times improve teen alertness”: “Teens need sleep” or “The bus is loud”?
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“Teens need sleep”. Sleep directly relates to alertness; buses don't.
“Teens need sleep”. Sleep directly relates to alertness; buses don't.
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Identify the irrelevant evidence: “Recycling reduces landfill waste; my favorite color is green.”
Identify the irrelevant evidence: “Recycling reduces landfill waste; my favorite color is green.”
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“My favorite color is green.”. Personal preference doesn't support recycling benefits.
“My favorite color is green.”. Personal preference doesn't support recycling benefits.
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What is a rebuttal?
What is a rebuttal?
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A response that refutes a counterclaim with reasons and evidence. Defends against counterclaims with proof.
A response that refutes a counterclaim with reasons and evidence. Defends against counterclaims with proof.
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Which best signals a counterclaim: “For example” or “Some argue that”?
Which best signals a counterclaim: “For example” or “Some argue that”?
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“Some argue that”. This phrase introduces opposing viewpoints.
“Some argue that”. This phrase introduces opposing viewpoints.
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Identify the fallacy: “Either we ban phones at school or no one will learn anything.”
Identify the fallacy: “Either we ban phones at school or no one will learn anything.”
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False dilemma (either-or). Presents only two extreme options, ignoring middle ground.
False dilemma (either-or). Presents only two extreme options, ignoring middle ground.
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Identify the fallacy: “A celebrity says this diet works, so it must be true.”
Identify the fallacy: “A celebrity says this diet works, so it must be true.”
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Appeal to authority. Fame doesn't equal expertise in health/nutrition.
Appeal to authority. Fame doesn't equal expertise in health/nutrition.
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What is the difference between a claim and evidence?
What is the difference between a claim and evidence?
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A claim is an assertion; evidence is support such as facts or data. Claims state what's true; evidence proves it.
A claim is an assertion; evidence is support such as facts or data. Claims state what's true; evidence proves it.
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What is a specific claim within an argument?
What is a specific claim within an argument?
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A focused statement that supports the author’s overall argument. A sub-point that helps build the main argument.
A focused statement that supports the author’s overall argument. A sub-point that helps build the main argument.
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What is an author’s argument in an informational text?
What is an author’s argument in an informational text?
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The overall position or claim the author is trying to prove. The main thesis the author wants readers to accept.
The overall position or claim the author is trying to prove. The main thesis the author wants readers to accept.
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Which question best tests evidence relevance: “Does this support the claim?” or “Is this interesting?”
Which question best tests evidence relevance: “Does this support the claim?” or “Is this interesting?”
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“Does this support the claim?”. Relevance means direct connection to the claim.
“Does this support the claim?”. Relevance means direct connection to the claim.
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Identify the claim: “School uniforms should be required because they reduce distractions.”
Identify the claim: “School uniforms should be required because they reduce distractions.”
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School uniforms should be required. The main assertion the author wants to prove.
School uniforms should be required. The main assertion the author wants to prove.
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Identify the reason: “School uniforms should be required because they reduce distractions.”
Identify the reason: “School uniforms should be required because they reduce distractions.”
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They reduce distractions. The 'because' part explains why the claim is true.
They reduce distractions. The 'because' part explains why the claim is true.
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What does it mean for evidence to be sufficient?
What does it mean for evidence to be sufficient?
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There is enough credible support to justify the claim. Enough quality evidence to prove the point.
There is enough credible support to justify the claim. Enough quality evidence to prove the point.
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What does it mean for evidence to be relevant?
What does it mean for evidence to be relevant?
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It directly relates to and supports the specific claim. Evidence must connect to the claim being made.
It directly relates to and supports the specific claim. Evidence must connect to the claim being made.
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What does it mean for reasoning to be sound?
What does it mean for reasoning to be sound?
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It is logical, consistent, and free of major fallacies. Valid logic without errors in thinking.
It is logical, consistent, and free of major fallacies. Valid logic without errors in thinking.
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What does it mean to delineate an argument?
What does it mean to delineate an argument?
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To identify the claim, reasons, and evidence and how they connect. Breaking down the argument's structure and components.
To identify the claim, reasons, and evidence and how they connect. Breaking down the argument's structure and components.
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What does relevant evidence mean in an argument?
What does relevant evidence mean in an argument?
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Evidence that directly supports the specific claim. It must connect to and prove the claim.
Evidence that directly supports the specific claim. It must connect to and prove the claim.
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What does sufficient evidence mean in an argument?
What does sufficient evidence mean in an argument?
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Enough credible support to justify accepting the claim. Quality and quantity matter for proof.
Enough credible support to justify accepting the claim. Quality and quantity matter for proof.
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What is a claim in an argument (as used in RI.8.8)?
What is a claim in an argument (as used in RI.8.8)?
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A specific statement the author asserts is true. Claims are debatable points that need evidence.
A specific statement the author asserts is true. Claims are debatable points that need evidence.
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What does it mean to delineate an argument in a text?
What does it mean to delineate an argument in a text?
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Identify the main claim, reasons, and supporting evidence. Break down the argument into its components.
Identify the main claim, reasons, and supporting evidence. Break down the argument into its components.
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What is an irrelevant piece of evidence?
What is an irrelevant piece of evidence?
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Information that does not support the claim being argued. It's unrelated to proving the point.
Information that does not support the claim being argued. It's unrelated to proving the point.
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