Language Arts: Nonfiction Argument and Evidence Worksheet

Question 1

Read this claim: "Schools should start later in the morning because teenagers need more sleep to learn effectively." What is the author's main argument?

Accepted Answer

The author's main argument is that schools should begin later because teenagers learn better when they get enough sleep.

Question 2

Read this statement: "In a survey of 600 students, 72 percent said they felt more alert in classes that began after 8:30 a.m." Explain how this detail could support an argument about later school start times.

Accepted Answer

This detail supports the argument by providing survey evidence that many students feel more alert when school starts later. It helps show that later start times may improve student attention and readiness to learn.

Question 3

A writer states, "Plastic bags should be banned because they harm wildlife, create litter, and take many years to break down." Identify one claim and two reasons from this sentence.

Accepted Answer

The claim is that plastic bags should be banned. Two reasons are that they harm wildlife and create litter. Another valid reason is that they take many years to break down.

Question 4

Read this evidence: "According to the city health department, asthma-related emergency visits dropped by 18 percent after air quality rules were strengthened." Explain why this is stronger than saying, "People seem healthier now."

Accepted Answer

This evidence is stronger because it uses a specific statistic from a named source. It is more precise, more measurable, and more reliable than a vague opinion such as saying people seem healthier.

Question 5

Read this sentence: "Everyone knows homework is useless." Evaluate whether this is strong evidence for an argument. Explain your reasoning.

Accepted Answer

This is not strong evidence because it is a broad opinion with no facts, examples, or source. A strong argument needs support such as research findings, expert testimony, or clear examples.

Question 6

A student writes, "Our town needs more trees. Trees provide shade, improve air quality, and make neighborhoods more attractive." What is the student's claim, and what evidence or reasons are used to support it?

Accepted Answer

The student's claim is that the town needs more trees. The supporting reasons are that trees provide shade, improve air quality, and make neighborhoods more attractive.

Question 7

Read this short passage: "Some people argue that public libraries are no longer necessary. However, libraries still offer free internet access, research help, and community programs for people of all ages." What position is the writer taking, and what evidence supports that position?

Accepted Answer

The writer's position is that public libraries are still necessary. The evidence supporting that position is that libraries provide free internet access, research assistance, and community programs for many different age groups.

Question 8

A nonfiction article includes this sentence: "Dr. Elena Ruiz, a nutrition researcher at State University, found that students who ate breakfast scored higher on memory tasks than those who skipped it." Explain why naming the expert and institution strengthens the evidence.

Accepted Answer

Naming the expert and institution strengthens the evidence because it shows that the information comes from a qualified source. It helps readers trust that the claim is based on research rather than personal opinion.

Question 9

Read this claim: "City buses should be free for students." Write one piece of factual evidence that could support this claim.

Accepted Answer

One piece of factual evidence could be that a district report found student attendance increased after transportation costs were reduced. This would support the claim by showing that free buses may help students get to school more regularly.

Question 10

A writer says, "The school cafeteria should offer more fresh food because students deserve better lunches." What part of this statement is a reason, and what makes it weak or strong?

Accepted Answer

The reason is that students deserve better lunches. This reason is somewhat weak by itself because it expresses a value but does not include concrete evidence. It would be stronger if the writer added facts about nutrition, health, or student performance.

Question 11

Read these two pieces of support for the same claim. A: "My cousin likes recycling." B: "The county recycling program kept 12,000 pounds of waste out of landfills last year." Which is stronger evidence, and why?

Accepted Answer

Evidence B is stronger because it provides a specific fact that can be measured and checked. Evidence A is only one person's preference and does not prove that recycling has a broad impact.

Question 12

Read this passage: "Volunteering can benefit teenagers in many ways. Students who volunteer often build communication skills, gain work experience, and develop a stronger sense of responsibility." Explain how the evidence connects to the claim.

Accepted Answer

The claim is that volunteering benefits teenagers, and the evidence connects by listing specific ways those benefits appear. Communication skills, work experience, and responsibility are clear examples that support the overall claim.

Language Arts: Nonfiction Argument and Evidence

Language Arts: Nonfiction Argument and Evidence

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