Arguments and evidence
Strategy card
Strong readers separate claims, evidence and assumptions.
- Step 1: Find the main claim.
- Step 2: Find the evidence given.
- Step 3: Ask what must also be true for the evidence to support the claim (the assumption).
- Step 4: Choose the answer the passage supports, not one that only sounds good.
Tip: Stay inside the passage: don't use outside facts.
Worked example
Which conclusion is best supported?
Every time Ava waters the plant on Monday, it looks healthy by Friday. This week she forgot. On Friday, its leaves were drooping.
- A: Ava never waters her plants.
- B: All plants need water only on Mondays.
- C: The plant probably needs regular water to stay healthy. (the answer)
- D: The plant will die by next week.
Why: The pattern supports a careful conclusion about water. The others go too far or contradict the story.
Your turn
Your turn 1 of 3
What is the best way to check this claim?
A pretend AI chatbot says: “Penguins live at the North Pole.”
Your turn 2 of 3
Which sentence gives a reason for the class's idea?
Our class should plant a garden. Gardens give us fresh vegetables, and caring for plants teaches us about science.
Your turn 3 of 3
What is the best way to check this claim?
A pretend AI chatbot says: “Penguins live at the North Pole.”
Keep practicing
Grown-ups: Discuss an ad: what is it claiming, and what's the evidence? Parent guide
Next lesson: Checking AI answers