Authors Claim Evidence and Reasoning

“The best things in life are free,” they say, which is true for things like libraries. However, it is not true for many museums. The Philadelphia Museum of Art, for example, costs $20 to get in. Traveling exhibits, such as the work of a certain artist that is touring the country, almost always cost even more. People must pay to get into the museum and also pay for the special showing. That means people who don’t have much money cannot enjoy the art.

Which of the following is a claim the author supports?

• Museum fees make it difficult for poor people to enjoy art.

• Art museums should not charge extra fees.

• Traveling exhibits should always be free.

• Art museums need more traveling shows.

Most museums have “free days,” but these are usually only one or two days a month. If you’ve ever attended one of these, you know they are jam packed with people. It is hard to even see the exhibits when crammed into a room like sardines in a can! The thing is, people already pay enough for the privilege of living in a city. In addition, museums are supported by arts organizations and individual donors. They do not need to charge the public a hefty sum as well. They should be free for everyone, all the time.

Which of the following evidence would support the author’s claim that“ people already pay enough for the privilege of living in a city”?

• A comparison showing which cities are the most expensive

• Examples of the fees people who live in cities must pay

• Testimony from someone who cannot afford museum admission

• An interview with someone who thinks museums should be free

The 750-mile long area from Northern California to British Columbia is called the Cascadia “subduction zone.” That means it’s an area where one plate in the Earth’s crust slips underneath another. The “stress” or pressure on such places makes it likely that big earthquakes will occur. Scientists have figured out that the northern part of this zone “ruptures” about every 480 years. The southern part, in Oregon and California, does so about every 230 years. In 1700, both parts of the zone had major earthquakes. That means a portion of the West Coast is overdue for a major quake. There is no question that such an event is coming; the question is when and where. Scientists warn that people should always have emergency supplies on hand, to be prepared when the “Big One” hits.

How does the author help the reader understand the threat of a West Coast major earthquake?

• By describing personal experience

• By providing scientific evidence

• By quoting specific science experts

• By appealing to the reader’s emotions

Many kids think that uniforms are stuffy. However, many adults believe uniforms have benefits and that students should be required to wear school uniforms. Wearing uniforms would create a sense of unity among students and promote togetherness. Furthermore, it would help students save time because they wouldn't have to spend so much time picking out their clothes each morning.

What additional evidence would further support the author's claim about school uniforms?

• Uniforms are very expensive costing hundreds of dollars. Most families can't afford them.

• Uniforms act as equalizers. No matter how much money you have, everyone is dressed the same.

• As individuals, kids should have the right to chose what they want to wear.

• Most uniform fabrics are itchy and uncomfortable to wear.

Which piece of evidence could be used to BEST support this claim:

High school students should be required to wear uniforms.

• When adding everything up, a school uniform could end up costing more than $200.

• A student reported, "Allowing us to wear our own clothes gives us a chance to show our unique style and independence."

• At one school that recently required students to wear uniforms, attendence rates went up, and behavior incidents went down.

• School uniforms can be ordered online .

Most people know fast food isn’t good for them. According to a 2013 Gallup poll, out of the 2,027 adults surveyed, 76% said fast food is “not too good” or “not good at all for you.”

But as that same Gallup poll showed, 8 out of 10 Americans eat fast food at least once a month, and 47% of Americans eat fast food once a week or more. Fast food is appealing — it’s cheap, convenient, tasty, and in many circles, socially acceptable. But the health concerns are dramatic. So why do so many people continue to make choices they know are not in their long-term best interests?

What evidence does the author cite as a reason people eat fast food when they know it is unhealthy?

• Most people know fast food isn't good for them.

• 76% of adults surveyed said fast food is “not too good” or “not good at all for you.”

• 8 out of 10 Americans eat fast food at least once a month, and 47% of Americans eat fast food once a week or more.

• Fast food is appealing — it’s cheap, convenient, tasty, and in many circles, socially acceptable.

At the airport snack bar, strangers would stare when our daughter bypassed a counter full of sugary treats and high-fat foods kids are supposed to crave and reached for a serving of bell peppers and hummus. Often, parents would ask us how we managed to get a strong-willed child to eat the foods that were best for her body and brain, instead of such supposed kid favorites as pizza, Pop-Tarts and juice. The answer is simple: We don’t keep junk food in our house and we’ve taught Chloe to make healthy decisions for herself by helping her understand how various foods would affect her body and how she’d feel after eating them. Which statement would the author most likely support?

• Kids should eat pizza, Pop-Tarts, and juice.

• Parents should keep a variety of healthy food in the house.

• Airports offer only unhealthy snacks like sugary treats and high fat foods.

• Kids should be forced to make healthy decisions.