EVALUATING AN ARGUMENT ARGUMENTATIVE VOCABULARY 1 argument the

EVALUATING AN ARGUMENT

ARGUMENTATIVE VOCABULARY • 1. argument: the author’s stance or view point on a particular topic. • • 2. claim: statement of what the author believes. • • 3. reasons: further explanations to support the claim that an author is trying to make. • • 4. evidence: a quote or information that supports the reasons. • • 5. fact: a statement that can be proven true • • 6. opinion: personal feelings/beliefs

FACT VS OPINION Part 1 Instructions: For the examples below you will… �UNDERLINE the facts �CIRCLE the opinions

PART 1 • 1. Math is the most challenging academic subject. • • 2. Ohio is the best state in the United States. • • 3. The population of Ohio is 11, 590, 000 people. • • 4. All people should own dogs for company and protection. • • 5. The Cleveland Cavs are the best basketball team in the NBA. • • 6. The United States has 50 states. • • 7. The ocean that borders Florida is the Atlantic Ocean.

PART 2 • Part 2 Instructions: • For each option below you will identify it as either a FACT or OPINION. • For each opinion you will add a relevant fact about the topic. • For each fact you will add an opinion for the topic.

PART 2 1. Snakes make great pets. 2. Winter is the best out of the four seasons. 3. The first president of the United States was George Washington. 4. Football is more exciting to watch than basketball.

PART 3 • 1. Carefully read the paragraph below about year-round school. • 2. Highlight the opinions in the paragraph in yellow. • 3. Highlight the facts in the paragraph in blue. • 4. Put a star next to the main claim that provides the focus for the paragraph.

PART 3 Year-Round School: Bad Idea Year-round school is a terrible idea. Year-round school changes student’s schedule meaning that they would not get a 3 month summer break. For example, some year-round schools have a 60/15 calendar where they are in school for 60 days, then out of school for 15 days. This same schedule is repeated all year long, which means no summer vacation! Students need a long break from all the stress of tests, quizzes, homework, and studying. We deserve a summer to take time off from school and recharge our batteries. Summer is to be enjoyed, not spent in a classroom.