Evaluating Arguments

Which sentence from the article is the author’s claim?

• a. “Many people have strong opinions about when you should start listening to Christmas music.”

• b. “In my opinion, people should listen to Christmas music whenever they want.”

• c. “This is because we need to respect differences and allow others to make their own choices.”

• d. “Many Americans think that you should wait until after Thanksgiving so that you are only celebrating one holiday at a time.”

Which sentence from the article contains the author’s supporting reasons?

• a. “Many people have strong opinions about when you should start listening to Christmas music.”

• b. “In my opinion, people should listen to Christmas music whenever they want.”

• c. “This is because we need to respect differences and allow others to make their own choices.”

• d. “Many Americans think that you should wait until after Thanksgiving so that you are only celebrating one holiday at a time.”

Which of the following does the author do that makes their argument stronger?

• a. Provide evidence that supports the other side

• b. Use evidence from a reliable outside source

• c. Use mainly personal examples as evidence

• d. Explain why the other side is wrong or weak

Which of the following does the author do that makes their argument weaker?

• a. Provide evidence that supports the other side

• b. Use evidence from a reliable outside source

• c. Use mainly personal examples as evidence

• d. Explain why the other side is wrong or weak

Which words could be removed to make the argument stronger?

• a. “Many people” (sentence 1)

• b. “In my opinion” (sentence 2)

• c. “people should” (sentence 2)

• d. “For example” (sentence 6)