Daily Reading Practice

Day 8 of 10
Grade 3 ELA | Author's Claim | Part A/Part B Format
FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.3.R.2.4 - Identify an author's claim and explain how the author uses evidence to support the claim.
IXL Skills: Identify claims and evidence; Distinguish facts from opinions
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Directions: Read the informational passage below carefully. Then answer the questions that follow. Look for the author's main claim and the evidence used to support it.
The Best Pet for Families

If your family is thinking about getting a pet, you should consider adopting a cat. Cats make wonderful family pets for many important reasons.

First, cats are easy to care for. They do not need to be walked outside like dogs. Cats use a litter box, which makes cleanup simple. They also groom themselves by licking their fur, so they rarely need baths.

Second, cats are perfect for families who are busy. While dogs often feel lonely and bark when left alone, cats are happy to nap and play by themselves during the day. This makes them ideal for families where parents work and children go to school.

Third, cats are gentle and loving companions. Studies show that petting a cat can help people feel calm and happy. Many cats enjoy sitting on laps and purring, which children find comforting.

Finally, cats live a long time. The average house cat lives for 15 years or more. This means your family can enjoy many years of companionship with your furry friend.

For all these reasons, cats are the best choice for a family pet.

Questions 1-2: Author's Claim
This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
Part A
What is the author's MAIN CLAIM in this passage?
A
Cats are the best pets for families.
B
Dogs are better pets than cats.
C
All families should have a pet.
D
Cats live longer than most other pets.
Part B
Which sentence from the passage states the author's claim?
A
"They do not need to be walked outside like dogs."
B
"The average house cat lives for 15 years or more."
C
"For all these reasons, cats are the best choice for a family pet."
D
"Studies show that petting a cat can help people feel calm."
Practice this skill on IXL: Identify the claim in a text
Questions 3-4: Supporting Evidence
This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
Part A
Which reason does the author give for why cats are good for busy families?
A
Cats need to be walked every day.
B
Cats are happy to be alone during the day.
C
Cats need a lot of attention from their owners.
D
Cats require many baths each week.
Part B
Which detail from the passage supports the idea that cats are loving companions?
A
"Cats use a litter box, which makes cleanup simple."
B
"They also groom themselves by licking their fur."
C
"This makes them ideal for families where parents work."
D
"Many cats enjoy sitting on laps and purring, which children find comforting."
Practice this skill on IXL: Identify evidence that supports a claim
FAST Success Kit | Grade 3 Daily Reading Practice | Day 8
FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.3.R.2.4 | Lexile: 530L-650L
Practice questions mirror Florida FAST assessment Part A/Part B format
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Answer Key (Teacher Reference)

Question 1 Part A: A - Cats are the best pets for families.
The entire passage argues that cats make the best family pets.
Question 1 Part B: C - "For all these reasons, cats are the best choice for a family pet."
This sentence directly states the author's claim.
Question 2 Part A: B - Cats are happy to be alone during the day.
The passage states cats are "happy to nap and play by themselves during the day."
Question 2 Part B: D - "Many cats enjoy sitting on laps and purring, which children find comforting."
This detail shows how cats demonstrate affection and provide comfort.