Author's Argument

The statement that the author is trying to prove is true.

• Evidence

• Claim

• Counterclaim

• Reason

IDENTIFY THE CLAIM.

Students should have to pay fees in order to play high school sports because school

budgets are decreasing. Schools across the country have lost money in their budgets and have eliminated some extracurricular activities. Critics argue that students who come from lower-income families might not be able to participate because of these fees. Fees, though, will allow schools to offer students the activities they want. 

• Schools across the country have lost money in their budgets and have eliminated some extracurricular activities.

• Fees, though, will allow schools to offer students the activities they want.

• Critics argue that students who come from lower-income families might not be able to participate because of these fees.

• Students should have to pay fees in order to play high school sports.

An argument is when an author wants to convince you of their position.

• True

• False

What is the first thing the readers need to identify?

• Evidence

• Counterclaim

• Reasons

• Claim

how the author feels about the situation or topic

• Formal Style

• Reasoning

• Refute

• Author's Point of View

I think all students should go to school year round (all year). As an educator, I see many students lose knowledge they have gained from the previous year over the summer. I also see that many students have a hard time getting back into a school routine when it begins again in the fall. I feel school should continue year round with more short breaks for students in between.

• School should be held year round (all year).

• The school year should be shorter.

• Kids should have a longer summer break.

• Students should have to come to school on the weekends.

Landfills are overflowing with the garbage 
created by fast food restaurants and individuals too lazy to wash their dishes.  The earth is 
becoming polluted.  Wouldn't it be nice if people would go back to eating at home and washing 
dishes?
Which statement do you think the author would agree with?

• People should not use disposable products

• People should never wash dishes

• People should only use disposable products

The discovery of a wild coyote in late 1997 in the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building in downtown Seattle should come as a wake-up call. The United States has a serious coyote problem! From their traditional enclaves in the western desert, these opportunistic canines have now invaded the entire continental United States. They have taken over parks, farms, vacant lots, and now perhaps the downtown areas of major cities. Homeowners report losing cats and dogs to the beasts, and young children are under attack. Enough is enough. Since humans are the only natural enemy of coyotes, we demand that state and federal agencies institute coyote trapping programs. That is the only way to decrease the number of coyotes to a manageable level. WHAT IS THE AUTHOR'S POINT OF VIEW?

• The author loves coyotes and thinks everyone should adopt one.

• The author feels coyotes are dangerous and should be exterminated (eliminated).

• The author feels that humans are the problem, since coyotes are a natural part of creation.

• The author is neutral/ Has no opinion

Which statement best captures the author's argument?

• A

• B

• C

• D

Which statement best captures the author's argument?

• A

• B

• C

• D