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.

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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?

  1. The team should test the new schedule for one month.
  2. The library should stay open later on Wednesdays.
  3. The class should share its project notes.
  4. 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.

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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?

  1. The park needs more shaded seating.
  2. Reusable stage props are a sensible investment.
  3. The class should share its project notes.
  4. 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.

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Question 3

The park needs more shaded seating. Many visitors must stand in direct sun during summer events.

Which sentence is the main claim?

  1. The park needs more shaded seating.
  2. Reusable stage props are a sensible investment.
  3. The school should publish a clearer walking map.
  4. 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.

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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?

  1. The school should publish a clearer walking map.
  2. The library should stay open later on Wednesdays.
  3. The garden club should collect rainwater.
  4. 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.

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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?

  1. The museum should add labels at a lower height.
  2. The garden club should collect rainwater.
  3. Reusable stage props are a sensible investment.
  4. 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.

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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?

  1. The garden club should collect rainwater.
  2. The school should publish a clearer walking map.
  3. The museum should add labels at a lower height.
  4. 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.

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Question 7

The garden club should collect rainwater. Stored water could reduce demand on the outdoor tap.

Which sentence is the main claim?

  1. The team should test the new schedule for one month.
  2. The garden club should collect rainwater.
  3. The class should share its project notes.
  4. 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?

  1. The park needs more shaded seating.
  2. The museum should add labels at a lower height.
  3. The team should test the new schedule for one month.
  4. 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