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 part is a fact you could check?
A pretend AI helper says: “The Moon is about 384,000 km from Earth. The Moon is the most beautiful thing in the sky.”
- A: The Moon is the most beautiful thing in the sky.
- B: Both parts are opinions.
- C: Neither part can be checked.
- D: The Moon is about 384,000 km from Earth. (the answer)
Why: A distance can be measured and looked up. “Most beautiful” is an opinion.
Your turn
Your turn 1 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 2 of 3
Which fact would most weaken the company's claim?
A juice company says: “Kids who drink our juice score higher on spelling tests, so our juice makes kids better spellers.”
Your turn 3 of 3
Which assumption does Jordan's argument depend on?
Jordan says: “Our team lost every game we played in the rain. Tomorrow it will rain, so we will lose.”
Keep practicing
Grown-ups: Discuss an ad: what is it claiming, and what's the evidence? Parent guide
Next lesson: Checking AI answers