ELA Test Questions on Distinguishing Claims, Reasons, and Evidence

📚 Quick Study Guide

• 🎯 Claim: A statement that something is true. It's what the author is trying to convince you of. Think of it as the main point.
• 🔑 Reason: Why the author believes the claim. Reasons explain *why* the claim is true. Often introduced by words like "because" or "since."
• 📝 Evidence: Facts, statistics, examples, or expert opinions that support the reason. It *proves* the reason is valid.
• 💡 Identifying Claims: Look for statements that can be debated or argued. Claims aren't just facts; they're opinions presented as facts.
• 🕵️ Finding Reasons: Ask yourself, "Why does the author believe this?" The answers are the reasons.
• 📊 Evaluating Evidence: Is the evidence relevant and sufficient to support the reason? Does it come from a credible source?

Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following is the BEST definition of a claim?
   1. A fact that can be proven true.
   2. An opinion presented as a truth that can be argued.
   3. A reason that supports an idea.
   4. Evidence used to support a reason.
2. Read the following sentence: "Cats make better pets than dogs because they are cleaner and more independent." What is the claim?
   1. Cats are cleaner.
   2. Cats make better pets than dogs.
   3. Cats are more independent.
   4. Dogs are not good pets.
3. Which of the following BEST describes a reason?
   1. A statement that proves something is true.
   2. An explanation of why a claim is true.
   3. A fact that supports a claim.
   4. A personal opinion.
4. Read the following: "Studies show that students who read for pleasure perform better on standardized tests. Therefore, recreational reading is beneficial for academic success." What serves as evidence in this passage?
   1. Recreational reading is beneficial.
   2. Students enjoy reading.
   3. Studies show that students who read for pleasure perform better.
   4. Standardized tests are important.
5. Which of the following is the strongest piece of evidence to support the claim that "exercise improves mental health"?
   1. My friend told me that exercise makes them feel good.
   2. A scientific study showing a correlation between exercise and reduced anxiety.
   3. Exercise can be fun.
   4. Some people enjoy exercising outdoors.
6. Read the following: "The city should invest in bike lanes because it will reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality." What are the reasons provided in this statement?
   1. Bike lanes are expensive.
   2. It will reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality.
   3. The city has too much traffic.
   4. People like to ride bikes.
7. What is the relationship between a claim, a reason, and evidence?
   1. Evidence supports the claim, which is supported by the reason.
   2. The claim supports the reason, which is supported by evidence.
   3. The reason supports the claim, which is supported by evidence.
   4. The claim and reason are the same thing, supported by evidence.