Claims, Evidence, and Reasoning

What is the difference between evidence from reasoning?

• Evidence is based on personal beliefs, while reasoning is not

• Evidence provides data and facts, while reasoning explains how or why the evidence connects to the claim

• Reasoning is the same as making a claim

• Evidence and reasoning are essentially the same in scientific writing

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a strong claim?

• It is specific

• It is testable

• It is based on personal opinion

• It is clear

Which of the following is an example of reasoning in argumentative writing?

• "The experiment was conducted three times."

• "The data shows a 20% increase in growth."

• " To clarify this increase in growth is likely due to the added nutrients."

• "Nutrients were added to the soil."

Which of the following best illustrates the use of evidence to support a claim?

• Stating that plants need water without conducting any experiment

• The data showed while observing the plants who had more sunlight grew better. We concluded that sunlight is beneficial for plant growth

• Believing that all plants grow at the same rate

• Describing the parts of a plant without linking it to plant growth

Why is it important for an author to use reliable evidence to support their claim?

• It makes the text longer.

• It convinces the reader that the claim is valid.

• It makes the claim more interesting.

• It helps the author remember the claim.

A strong argument should have (Hint pick ALL the right answers.)

• a clear claim

• sufficient evidence

• good reasoning

• a works cited section

reasons are

• explanations of why the claim is correct

• evidence from the text to support the claim

• conclusions

• citations

The phrase "develop the argument" probably means...

• Adding more evidence and reasoning in each paragraph of the essay.

• Working on the essay over a series of weeks

• Paying a developer to create the argument essay

• Arguing that your argument is well developed

Evidence

• facts and information

• reasons that support an argument

• the author's main claim

• a cliche

When the teacher says, "Use text evidence in your explanation," you should....

• Pick a line from the text and explain how it helps your answer.

• Pick a line from the text

• Write about the text you read

• Send a text to your friend about the evidence