Author's Argument | Student Worksheet

What is an Author's Argument?

When authors write to persuade or convince you of something, they make an argument. An argument has a claim (what they believe) and evidence (proof to support it). Good readers can identify claims, find evidence, and decide if the argument is strong!

Key Terms to Know

CLAIM

What the author believes or wants you to believe

Example: "Video games can improve problem-solving skills."

EVIDENCE

Facts, examples, or data that support the claim

Example: "A study showed gamers solved puzzles 20% faster."

FACT

Can be PROVEN true or false

You can check it!

Examples:
- Water boils at 212 degrees F
- Florida is a state in the USA
- Dogs are mammals

OPINION

A personal belief or feeling

Others might disagree!

Examples:
- Pizza is the best food
- Summer is the best season
- Dogs are cuter than cats

The "Prove It" Test

Ask yourself: "Can this statement be proven true or false?"

If YES = FACT | If NO (it's a belief or preference) = OPINION

Let's Analyze an Argument!

Students should be allowed to have cell phones in school. Research shows that 75% of parents feel safer when they can contact their children during the day. Additionally, many educational apps help students learn math and reading. Cell phones also teach responsibility when students follow rules about when to use them.

CLAIM: Students should be allowed to have cell phones in school

EVIDENCE:
- 75% of parents feel safer
- Educational apps help learning

How to Find the Author's Claim

Look for these clues:

Words like "should," "must," "need to," "best," "worst"
Phrases like "I believe," "In my opinion," "It is clear that"
Statements the author wants you to AGREE with
Often found in the introduction or conclusion

Evaluating Evidence: Is It Good Enough?

Not all evidence is equal! Ask these questions:

Is it RELEVANT? Does it actually connect to the claim?
Is it CREDIBLE? Does it come from a trustworthy source?
Is it SUFFICIENT? Is there enough evidence to be convincing?

Weak Evidence Example: "Video games are good because my friend likes them." (This is just one person's opinion, not proof!)

Strong Evidence Example: "A university study of 500 students found that those who played puzzle games improved their test scores by 15%."

Your Turn! Practice

1. Is this a FACT or OPINION? "Basketball is more exciting than baseball."

A. Fact - because it compares two sports B. Opinion - because "exciting" is a personal feeling C. Fact - because many people agree D. Opinion - because it mentions sports

2. Read the passage and identify the author's CLAIM:

"Schools should start later in the morning. Studies show that teenagers' brains work better after 9 AM. When Seattle schools changed to a later start time, student grades improved by 10%."

What is the author's claim?

3. From the passage above, list ONE piece of evidence the author uses:

4. Which is the STRONGEST evidence for the claim "Reading is important"?

A. "My teacher says we should read every day." B. "Reading is fun and everyone should try it." C. "Students who read 20 minutes daily score 90% higher on vocabulary tests." D. "Books have been around for hundreds of years."

5. Explain WHY the evidence you chose in #4 is the strongest:

Remember: Arguments Are Everywhere!

You'll find claims and evidence in:

Advertisements: "Buy our product because..."
Reviews: "This movie is great because..."
News articles: "The new law will help because..."
Persuasive essays: "Schools should change because..."

Being able to identify claims and evaluate evidence makes you a smarter reader!