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 sentence best states the main idea?
Bees carry pollen from flower to flower. Without this, many fruit plants could not make fruit. Farmers sometimes rent beehives during the blooming season for this reason.
- A: Bees play an important role in helping many plants make fruit. (the answer)
- B: Bees make honey in hives.
- C: Flowers bloom in the spring.
- D: Farmers like to rent things.
Why: Each sentence supports the idea that bees help fruit plants by moving pollen.
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 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.”
Your turn 3 of 3
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.”
Keep practicing
Grown-ups: Discuss an ad: what is it claiming, and what's the evidence? Parent guide
Next lesson: Checking AI answers