Worked example
The library should add a quiet room. People need a place to concentrate.
In this argument, what role does “The library should add a quiet room.” play?
Answer & why
Answer: claim
This sentence states the proposal being argued for.
Grade 8 · Reading & language
Distinguish parts of an argument
Distinguish a position, its reason, observational evidence and an opposing position.
8 authored questions + worked example
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All questions
All 8 authored questions for this skill.
Question 1
In three timed walks, the new route took 12, 13 and 12 minutes.
In this argument, what role does “In three timed walks, the new route took 12, 13 and 12 minutes.” play?
- claim
- evidence
- counterclaim
- reason
A hint
A claim takes a position; a reason explains it; evidence supplies supporting observations; a counterclaim takes an opposing position.
Answer & why
Answer: evidence
These are specific recorded observations.
Question 2
The team proposes moving meetings online. A member argues that meetings should remain in person.
In this argument, what role does “Meetings should remain in person.” play?
- evidence
- claim
- reason
- counterclaim
A hint
A claim takes a position; a reason explains it; evidence supplies supporting observations; a counterclaim takes an opposing position.
Answer & why
Answer: counterclaim
This position opposes moving the meetings online.
Question 3
The library should add a quiet room. People need a place to concentrate.
In this argument, what role does “The library should add a quiet room.” play?
- claim
- counterclaim
- evidence
- reason
A hint
A claim takes a position; a reason explains it; evidence supplies supporting observations; a counterclaim takes an opposing position.
Answer & why
Answer: claim
This sentence states the proposal being argued for.
Question 4
The library should add a quiet room because people need a place to concentrate.
In this argument, what role does “People need a place to concentrate.” play?
- reason
- evidence
- counterclaim
- claim
A hint
A claim takes a position; a reason explains it; evidence supplies supporting observations; a counterclaim takes an opposing position.
Answer & why
Answer: reason
It explains why the proposal is desirable.
Question 5
We counted 18 requests for a quiet room during the trial. This supports adding one.
In this argument, what role does “We counted 18 requests for a quiet room during the trial.” play?
- counterclaim
- claim
- evidence
- reason
A hint
A claim takes a position; a reason explains it; evidence supplies supporting observations; a counterclaim takes an opposing position.
Answer & why
Answer: evidence
A recorded count provides observed support.
Question 6
One group proposes a quiet room. Another argues that the same space should remain available for group work.
In this argument, what role does “The same space should remain available for group work.” play?
- evidence
- claim
- counterclaim
- reason
A hint
A claim takes a position; a reason explains it; evidence supplies supporting observations; a counterclaim takes an opposing position.
Answer & why
Answer: counterclaim
It takes a position opposing the proposed use of the room.
Question 7
The class should test the new route before adopting it permanently.
In this argument, what role does “The class should test the new route before adopting it permanently.” play?
- claim
- reason
- evidence
- counterclaim
A hint
A claim takes a position; a reason explains it; evidence supplies supporting observations; a counterclaim takes an opposing position.
Answer & why
Answer: claim
This is the position the writer proposes.
Question 8
We should test the route first because a trial may reveal access problems.
In this argument, what role does “A trial may reveal access problems.” play?
- evidence
- claim
- reason
- counterclaim
A hint
A claim takes a position; a reason explains it; evidence supplies supporting observations; a counterclaim takes an opposing position.
Answer & why
Answer: reason
The sentence explains the value of the proposed trial.