RETEACH

Name: justin lammersdorf Date: 04/08/24

CHARACTERISTICS AND STRUCTURES OF ARGUMENTS

An argument aims to change the reader’s or audience’s views on an issue, persuade them to
accept an idea, or motivate them to take action. Argumentative essays center on a claim, or
statement of the opinion or main point the author is making. Authors often integrate, or bring
together, explanatory evidence (in which they explain) and narrative evidence (in which they tell
a story) to support their claim and get their readers interested. Below are some specific types of
evidence authors use and an example of each:

Type of Evidence Example

Historical details that provide
context or background information
Examples that present specific
situations or ideas
Expert opinions from people with
special knowledge of a subject
Personal observations that
share the writer’s own
experiences and insights
Anecdotes that tell stories to
illustrate ideas and appeal to the
audience’s emotions or
imagination
By the 1940s, most states adopted a minimum driving age of 16.
Some driving test questions focus on specific traffic signals, such
as the meaning of a red flashing light at an intersection.
Police Chief Ana Ortiz says, “Obey posted speed limits, avoid
distractions—such as texting—while driving, and always wear
your seat belt.”
The minimum driving age is not the same as a requirement. I
know many 17-year-olds who aren’t driving yet.
Not all driving instruction is the same. Our school started a new
driver-training course. At first, everyone hated it. But then, the
principal hired a fantastic teacher, and the course became wildly
popular.

DIRECTIONS: Read the passage. Then, write the number of the sentence that presents each
characteristic of an argument.
(1) Our town’s Revolutionary War Memorial was installed on September 3, 1833, on the
50th anniversary of the end of that fateful conflict. (2) Every time I pass the memorial, I
experience both pride at the statue’s moving tribute and dismay because of its terrible
condition. (3) The time has come to raise the necessary funds to restore our
Revolutionary War Memorial. (4) There are many repairs needed. (5) For example, the
bronze surface needs to be polished, and the pedestal needs to be completely replaced.
(6) Art conservation specialist Kan Nagata estimates that the cost of repairs will be about
$25,000. (7) Three years ago, our neighbors in Newtown Heights raised more than twice
that amount when they needed to rebuild the dam on Warner’s Creek, and now their city
is thriving.

1. 3 Claim
2. 1 Evidence: Historical Details
3. 5 Evidence: Examples
4. 6 Evidence: Expert Opinion
5. 2 Evidence: Personal Observation
6. 7 Evidence: Anecdote

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Name: Date:

CHARACTERISTICS AND STRUCTURES OF ARGUMENTS

DIRECTIONS: Read the passage below. Then, answer the questions.

Last week, a short online video frightened millions of viewers. It showed a young puppy
stuck inside an airless car on a hot summer day. The thoughtless owner had left all the
windows closed, and the dog’s situation seemed dire. Happily, the video, shot by a
bystander, ended with the puppy bouncing for joy when its owner returned. But the
ending could have been tragic. It is urgent that we take precautions to protect our pets.
The key to helping pets is information. Dr. Paula Lisson, director of Pets Have Needs,
explains that “we all need access to accurate, up-to-date information in order to provide
safe environments for our beloved animal companions.” Her organization has developed
a variety of materials to spread the word. They include well-designed pamphlets, posters,
and public service announcements.
While it is vital to present owners with the facts, we must also be sure that we have
organizations and laws that will protect pets. The first law protecting domestic animals
was passed in the United Kingdom in 1835. The American Society for the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals was founded in 1866. We have made a lot of progress since those
early days, but there is still room for improvement. I recently conducted a review of our
state’s regulations concerning animals. I was surprised to learn that 28 states have “hot
car laws” that make it illegal to leave animals alone in cars, but ours does not. We must
work together to see that it does.

1. What is the author’s claim? We should help and protecct our pets

2. D What type of evidence is presented in paragraph 1?

a. expert opinion c. historical detail
b. personal observation d. anecdote
3. In paragraph 2, what type of evidence does the author supply by quoting Dr. Paula
Lisson? Expert opinion

4. What examples does paragraph 2 present? We alll need access to accurate, up-to-date

information to provide saftey for our pets

5. How do the historical details in paragraph 3 support the claim?

a. They show that the need for these protections has long been recognized.

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b. They show that it has been a long time since laws protecting pets have been passed.
6. B How does a personal observation in paragraph 3 support the claim?
a. It defines what “hot car laws” are, which readers need to understand in order to fully
grasp the issue.
b. It shows that the need for laws that protect pets still exists because many states have
not yet taken action to protect animals.

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© by Savvas Learning Company LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Savvas, et al., accepts no responsibility or liability for alterations implemented by their end users.