Argument Review

What is a claim?

• an opinion about something

• a question about a topic

• a debatable statement that begins an argument

• information a reader needs to understand an argument?

What is background information?

• a sentence that describes what the argument is about

• relevant and necessary info that the reader needs to understand the point being made

• the argument being made

• evidence that supports the claim

A strong claim must have

• an overview of an argument

• opinions

• a counterargument

• details

Which of the following is a strong claim?

• California is the best state in the USA.

• Twinkies taste better than other snack cakes because of their texture, their creamy filling, and their golden appearance.

• The school year began on August 18 and will end on June 4

• Christmas is the best holiday of the year.

Is this a good claim? Summer is the season that is the best.

• Yes

• No

Rewrite the claim above.

What comes after a claim?

• Details

• Background information

• Reasons

• Restating the claim in different words.

Which of the following could be used as background information for an argument against fossil fuels?

• Fossil fuels are hurting the environment

• A fossil fuel can be coal or gas, which is formed from the carbon stored in the earth.

• A fossil fuel is a fuel we use a lot.

• Fossil fuels are our best option.

What provides support for an argument? Choose all that apply.

• Reasons

• Evidence

• Background Information

• Common sense

Which of the following best defines a reason?

• An author's opinions

• A general statement about the topic

• An explanation of why the claim is correct

• A quote from somewhere