Students correct three weak claims — opinion-only statements about recess, pets, and homework — rewriting each as a specific, evidence-based argument. Part B has four fill-in-the-blank questions defining claims, facts, and the qualities of a strong argument. Part C has two short-answer questions about the difference between a claim and a fact, and rewriting a weak claim.
Rewriting weak claims as strong ones is the foundational argumentative writing skill that determines whether all later argument structures succeed or fail.
Style:
Argumentative Writing
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
I believe recess should be longer because it is more fun than class.
Rewrite: Schools should extend recess because studies show physical activity improves students' focus and test scores.
2. Fix the sentence:
Dogs are the best pets and everyone knows it.
Rewrite: Dogs make excellent family pets because they provide companionship and encourage regular exercise.
3. Fix the sentence:
Homework is bad, so teachers should stop giving it.
Rewrite: Teachers should reduce homework because excessive assignments can cause stress and take away family time.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. A claim is a statement that tells the reader what you believe and plan to prove.
2. A fact can be proven as true or false, while an opinion expresses a personal belief.
3. A strong claim is specific, debatable, and can be supported with evidence.
4. The sentence "Ice cream tastes better than cake" is an example of an opinion.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. What is the difference between a claim and a fact? Give one example of each.
A fact is a statement that can be proven true, like 'Water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit.' A claim is a debatable statement that needs support, like 'Schools should serve healthier lunches.'
2. Rewrite this weak claim as a strong one: 'Video games are bad.'
Students should limit video game time to one hour per day because too much screen time can reduce sleep quality and lower grades.
Argumentative Writing
★ Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1) Fix the sentence:
I believe recess should be longer because it is more fun than class.
Rewrite: Schools should extend recess because studies show physical activity improves students' focus and test scores.
2) Fix the sentence:
Dogs are the best pets and everyone knows it.
Rewrite: Dogs make excellent family pets because they provide companionship and encourage regular exercise.
3) Fix the sentence:
Homework is bad, so teachers should stop giving it.
Rewrite: Teachers should reduce homework because excessive assignments can cause stress and take away family time.
★ Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1) A claim is a statement that tells the reader what you believe and plan to prove.
2) A fact can be proven as true or false, while an opinion expresses a personal belief.
3) A strong claim is specific, debatable, and can be supported with evidence.
4) The sentence "Ice cream tastes better than cake" is an example of an opinion.
★ Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1) What is the difference between a claim and a fact? Give one example of each.
A fact is a statement that can be proven true, like 'Water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit.' A claim is a debatable statement that needs support, like 'Schools should serve healthier lunches.'
2) Rewrite this weak claim as a strong one: 'Video games are bad.'
Students should limit video game time to one hour per day because too much screen time can reduce sleep quality and lower grades.
Ready to Practice?
Complete each section carefully.
9 Questions
15-20 minutes
Auto-graded
Retry anytime
🏆
Questions Correct
0
Correct
0
Incorrect
0
Skipped
0:00
Time
0%
Score
Review Your Answers
See what you got right, missed, or skipped.