Grade 8 · Reading & language
Locate an argument’s claim
Distinguish a stated position from a supporting reason.
8 authored questions + worked example

Worked example
The park needs more shaded seating. Many visitors must stand in direct sun during summer events.
Which sentence is the main claim?
Answer & why
Answer: The park needs more shaded seating.
This sentence states the position the other sentence supports.
Add to plan ↗All questions
All 8 authored questions for this skill.
Question 1
The team should test the new schedule for one month. A trial would reveal practical problems before a permanent decision.
Which sentence is the main claim?
- The team should test the new schedule for one month.
- The library should stay open later on Wednesdays.
- The class should share its project notes.
- The park needs more shaded seating.
A hint
Find the sentence that takes a position, then identify which sentence gives a reason for it.
Answer & why
Answer: The team should test the new schedule for one month.
This sentence states the position the other sentence supports.
Add to plan ↗Question 2
The class should share its project notes. Other groups could learn from both its successes and mistakes.
Which sentence is the main claim?
- The park needs more shaded seating.
- Reusable stage props are a sensible investment.
- The class should share its project notes.
- The library should stay open later on Wednesdays.
A hint
Find the sentence that takes a position, then identify which sentence gives a reason for it.
Answer & why
Answer: The class should share its project notes.
This sentence states the position the other sentence supports.
Add to plan ↗Question 3
The park needs more shaded seating. Many visitors must stand in direct sun during summer events.
Which sentence is the main claim?
- The park needs more shaded seating.
- Reusable stage props are a sensible investment.
- The school should publish a clearer walking map.
- The library should stay open later on Wednesdays.
A hint
Find the sentence that takes a position, then identify which sentence gives a reason for it.
Answer & why
Answer: The park needs more shaded seating.
This sentence states the position the other sentence supports.
Add to plan ↗Question 4
The library should stay open later on Wednesdays. A survey found that many students finish clubs after its current closing time.
Which sentence is the main claim?
- The school should publish a clearer walking map.
- The library should stay open later on Wednesdays.
- The garden club should collect rainwater.
- Reusable stage props are a sensible investment.
A hint
Find the sentence that takes a position, then identify which sentence gives a reason for it.
Answer & why
Answer: The library should stay open later on Wednesdays.
This sentence states the position the other sentence supports.
Add to plan ↗Question 5
Reusable stage props are a sensible investment. They can serve several performances instead of being discarded after one.
Which sentence is the main claim?
- The museum should add labels at a lower height.
- The garden club should collect rainwater.
- Reusable stage props are a sensible investment.
- The school should publish a clearer walking map.
A hint
Find the sentence that takes a position, then identify which sentence gives a reason for it.
Answer & why
Answer: Reusable stage props are a sensible investment.
This sentence states the position the other sentence supports.
Add to plan ↗Question 6
The school should publish a clearer walking map. Several new families reported difficulty finding the pedestrian gate.
Which sentence is the main claim?
- The garden club should collect rainwater.
- The school should publish a clearer walking map.
- The museum should add labels at a lower height.
- The team should test the new schedule for one month.
A hint
Find the sentence that takes a position, then identify which sentence gives a reason for it.
Answer & why
Answer: The school should publish a clearer walking map.
This sentence states the position the other sentence supports.
Add to plan ↗Question 7
The garden club should collect rainwater. Stored water could reduce demand on the outdoor tap.
Which sentence is the main claim?
- The team should test the new schedule for one month.
- The garden club should collect rainwater.
- The class should share its project notes.
- The museum should add labels at a lower height.
A hint
Find the sentence that takes a position, then identify which sentence gives a reason for it.
Answer & why
Answer: The garden club should collect rainwater.
This sentence states the position the other sentence supports.
Add to plan ↗Question 8
The museum should add labels at a lower height. Younger visitors cannot comfortably read some current displays.
Which sentence is the main claim?
- The park needs more shaded seating.
- The museum should add labels at a lower height.
- The team should test the new schedule for one month.
- The class should share its project notes.
A hint
Find the sentence that takes a position, then identify which sentence gives a reason for it.
Answer & why
Answer: The museum should add labels at a lower height.
This sentence states the position the other sentence supports.
Add to plan ↗