Matching Evidence to Claims

Calico Cats

Calico cats are unique in their appearance and their cultural significance. Calico cats have white, orange, and black fur. They have several unique traits, like the fact that most are female. Veterinarians say that only 1 in 3,000 calico cats is born male!

Whether male or female, calico cats are attractive because of their color pattern. Calico cats can be American shorthair or Persian longhair. Calico cats are significant parts of certain cultures. For example, the Japanese believe that calico cats bring wealth and good luck. Some restaurants in Japan keep calico cat statues in their windows to welcome guests.

How does the author support the claim that calico cats are unique? Select all that apply.

• By including a statistic about the gender breakdown of calico cats

• By giving an example of their cultural significance

• By including research about why calico cats have certain hair patterns

• By giving details about a calico cat that the author once owned

Read the claim below.

Digital books are superior to print books.

Select the two pieces of evidence that best support this claim.

• For some readers, digital books often cause more eyestrain than print books.

• A vast library of digital books takes up only as much space as a single device.

• Digital books allow users to adjust the size and spacing of type for better readability.

• The first handheld digital books were developed during the 1990s.

The legal driving age should be raised to 18.

• Claim
• Evidence

Is the following sentence STRONG or WEAK evidence?

Claim: Pets help students become emotionally mature.

Evidence: According to doctor Sujatha Ramakrishna, parents "plant the seeds of empathy and compassion" when they teach children to interact with pets.

• Strong

• Weak

What is a counterclaim?

• a statement that supports a position

• argument against, an opposing viewpoint or claim

• having to do with the matter being considered; pertinent. When writers use claims and evidence that is irrelevant, or not relevant, they weaken their argument.

Does the evidence support the claim?

Claim: Sparkling water is disgusting.

Evidence: It is painful to drink, and it tastes like someone just waved a piece of fruit over water, and it made the water angry.

• Yes

• No

Shamwow is highly absorptive, washable, has different uses, made in Germany, and has a 10 year warranty.

• This is evidence.

• This is a claim

• This is reasoning.

The legal driving age should be raised to 18.

• Claim
• Evidence

Does the evidence support the claim?

Claim: Dogs are able to provide safety and protection for people.

Evidence: With a dog, you can play frisbee, tug-o-war, and a variety of other fun activities that you can't do with other pets.

• Yes

• No

What is a CLAIM?

• A statement you believe to be false

• An opinion on a topic

• An arguable statement that can be supported with evidence

• Evidence that proves something is right