examples of claims and evidence in informational text grade 8

📚 Quick Study Guide

🔍 Claim: A statement that answers a question or expresses an opinion. It's what you're trying to prove. Think of it as your main argument.
• 🧪 Evidence: Scientific data that supports your claim. Evidence can come from observations, experiments, or research. It needs to be reliable and relevant.
• 📊 Informational Text: Non-fiction writing designed to inform. Look for facts, data, and supporting details to identify claims and evidence within these texts.
• 🤝 Connecting Claims and Evidence: The evidence should directly support the claim. Ask yourself, 'Does this evidence make my claim more believable?'
• 💡 Tips for Finding Claims and Evidence:
  • Read actively and highlight key statements.
  • Look for words that indicate a claim (e.g., "I believe," "It is clear that").
  • Identify data or facts that support these statements.

Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following best describes a claim in informational text?
   1. A personal story told by the author.
   2. A question posed to the reader.
   3. A statement that the author believes to be true.
   4. A summary of the text.
2. Which of the following would NOT be considered evidence?
   1. Data from an experiment.
   2. A personal opinion.
   3. Statistics from a study.
   4. Observations made during research.
3. A student claims that "recycling is beneficial for the environment." Which of the following pieces of evidence best supports this claim?
   1. Recycling bins are often blue.
   2. Recycling creates jobs.
   3. Recycling reduces the need to harvest raw materials.
   4. Some people find recycling inconvenient.
4. What is the primary purpose of evidence in informational text?
   1. To confuse the reader.
   2. To support the author's claim.
   3. To entertain the reader.
   4. To provide background information.
5. Which of the following phrases often introduces a claim?
   1. "In conclusion..."
   2. "For example..."
   3. "I believe that..."
   4. "According to..."
6. Which type of evidence is generally considered most reliable?
   1. Anecdotal evidence.
   2. Personal opinions.
   3. Data from a controlled experiment.
   4. Statements from friends.
7. Read the following: "Studies show that regular exercise improves mood. A study published in the Journal of Health Psychology found that people who exercised regularly reported lower levels of stress and anxiety." What is the claim being supported in this passage?
   1. Exercise is difficult.
   2. The Journal of Health Psychology is a reputable source.
   3. Regular exercise improves mood.
   4. Stress and anxiety are common problems.