Debate Quiz

In the paragraph below, which of the sentences is the author's CLAIM?

(1) Is your computer acting up? (2) Have your efforts to fix it been useless? (3) Are you unsure of who to call? (4) Well, we're here to help. (5) Kayser Computer Care is the best choice to fix your computer woes. (6) Our technicians are incredibly experienced, and our rates are astoundingly reasonable.

• Sentence 1

• Sentence 3

• Sentence 5

• Sentence 6

Which of the following is NOT a claim?

• Traveling is an important way to learn about American culture.

• Students should be allowed access to snack machines during the school day.

• The school year began in August and will end in May.

• Middle school students should have recess.

When the author gives three reasons and specific evidence supporting each, the reasoning is considered

• a claim

• relevant

• sufficient

• persuasive

The claim is that students should have homework. Which is irrelevant to the argument?

• Homework increases achievement on standardized tests

• I play softball on Thursday nights and have no time for homework.

• Students who do homework score 20% higher on standardized tests.

• Without homework, time on games would increase 40% resulting in even more wasted intelligence.

Which is NOT evidence?

• 10% of students polled believe homework is needed

• In one study, students with homework showed greater mastery of information in 25/30 kids as measured by a post-test.

• One college athlete said, "I grew up doing homework, and I believe that it helped me learn. I became a more disciplined person by practicing what I learned in school.

• Staying up late to complete homework is not healthy.

If my claim is that post offices are no longer needed, which is the counterclaim?

• Post offices are essential.

• Mail is not necessary due to e-mail and texting

• 75% of companies use mail as a primary way to reach customers

• Too many workers would be out of a job if we closed post offices.

What does EVIDENCE mean?

• A statement you believe to be true

• An opinion

• An argument

• Proof that supports your reasons

What does the REASON do?

• Explains evidence

• Gives statistics

• A statement to be proven

• Tells why you think what you think

What is a CLAIM?

• A fact

• Backs up a statement by telling why

• A belief statement

• Evidence that proves something is right

Which of these would be an example of a credible author for the following claim: Smart phones are making us smarter.

• A cell phone sales representative

• A student trying to convince their parents to get him a phone

• A scientific researcher who has data to support his claim

• A professor of English from Harvard University