R.1 Practice (Identifying the Stronger Evidence)

Handmade products are more meaningful and personal than machine-made items.

WHICH PIECE OF EVIDENCE BEST SUPPORTS THE CLAIM ABOVE?

• Evidence A: According to a recent Journal of Marketing study, people prefer handmade items because of their connection to the artist. The authors of the study state that people see handmade products as transmitting the artist's love for the product.

• Evidence B: In an interview in the regional craft fair, one shopper said that he prefers to buy handmade over machine-made gifts for friends and family, saying, "I feel that buying handmade gifts ensures that the items was carefully made using quality products.

Educators should incorporate computer games into their classroom instruction.

WHAT IS THE STRONGEST EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT THE CLAIM?

• A ninth-grade student at Middlefield High stated that playing computer games in her math class was the highlight of her day.

• A study published in an academic journal found that student engagement increased when a computer game about genetics was used in a high school classroom.

• In recent years, a number of tech companies have prioritized the development of computer games that are both appropriate and fun for students in a classroom environment.

Animals should be used for research because animal research saves human lives.

WHICH IS THE STRONGEST EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT THE CLAIM?

• Animals are used in research related to genetics, diagnosis, and development of new medicines and other products.

• Animal rights groups that are supported by millions of Americans have stated that animal lives are no less valuable and meaningful than human lives.

• Bacterial infections were once a major cause of death, but animal experiments led to the development of penicillin, which radically changed our ability to treat these infections and prevent death.

Independent of their meanings, some words have a more pleasing sound than others.

WHAT PIECE OF EVIDENCE BETTER SUPPORTS THIS CLAIM?

• Evidence A: A linguist analyzed lists of words that sound the most beautiful to English speakers. He noted sound-related trends among the "beautiful" words, such as having three syllables, having the accent on the first syllables, having the accent on the first syllable, and containing the sounds m and l.

• Evidence B: The British Council surveyed over forty thousand people worldwide about what the most beautiful word in the English language. Words with positive meanings dominated the list: mother, passion, smile, love, and eternity were the top five choices.

Watching a horror movie is an effective way to cope with anxiety.

• Evidence A: A researcher at a Danish university says that watching horror movies allows people with anxiety "to voluntarily--and under controlled circumstances--get experience with negative emotion." He explains that it can be helpful to experience manageable anxiety about something that isn't real.

• Evidence B: On an online forum for people with anxiety, one user explains why she encourages her friends to watch scary movies. "The rush of energy and excitement they give you can make you forget about your anxiety for a while,' she writes.

Your name could help determine your future profession.

WHICH PIECE OF EVIDENCE BETTER SUPPORTS THE CLAIM?

• Evidence A: A psychologist asserted that people often gravitate to things connected to the self. He ran a series of studies that showed that people tend to make life choices that reflect their names Dennis or Denise are more likely than others to become dentists.

• Evidence B: A sports website published an article about Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, known for his speed and multiple Olympic records. Underneath, several people commented that with the name "Bolt," he was destined to become the fastest man in the world.

Most people should not bathe or shower every single day.

WHICH PIECE OF EVIDENCE BETTER SUPPORTS THIS CLAIM?

• Evidence A: A Cleveland Clinic doctor who specializes in skin conditions recommends showering every two or three days. More than that, she warns, can strip the average person's body of its protective oils and cause itchy, dry skin.

• Evidence B: An article in a medical journal questions the wisdom of taking only hot showers and instead advocates for cold showers. The article points out numerous benefits of cold showers, including increasing brain activity and reducing stress.

Athletes who wear red are more likely to win competitions.

WHICH PIECE OF EVIDENCE BETTER SUPPORTS THIS CLAIM?

• Evidence A: Researchers analyzed certain Olympic Games events, like boxing and taw kwon do, where athletes were randomly assigned either blue or red uniforms. In games deemed evenly matched, competitors wearing red won sixty percent of the time.

• Evidence B: A study from a research institute in Japan revealed that color affects some people's perceptions of time. For example, participated who stared at a red screen thought more time had passed than participants who stared at a blue screen.

People who enjoy eating spicy food tend to like excitement.

WHICH PIECE OF EVIDENCE BETTER SUPPORTS THIS CLAIM.

• Evidence A: A series of studies by a leading doctor determined that there may be a number of health benefits to eating particularly spicy food. These include boosting your immune system and encouraging a healthy heart.

• Evidence B: Researchers at a top university compared people's personalities with their love for spicy food. They found that people who love the burning feeling that comes from eating chillies also enjoy thrilling experiences.

Learning a second language in early childhood offers many benefits.

WHICH PIEVE OF EVIDENCE BETTER SUPPORTS THIS CLAIM?

• Evidence A: A Dartmouth College study revealed that the brain changes as we get older, and it suggested that these changes make it difficult for an adult to learn a second language.

• Evidence B: Several Harvard University studies confirm that learning a second language as a young child improves creativity, thinking skills, and the ability to mentally adjust to different tasks and ideas.