Evaluating a Speaker's Argument · seed 1 · A4, ink-friendly. The answer key prints on its own page for grown-ups.

Evaluating a Speaker's Argument

English · Speaking & Listening · ages 10-11
Name ______________________   Date ____________

  1. In a speech, what is evidence?

    • A speaker's opinion
    • Facts or examples that back up a claim
    • The first sentence of a speech

  2. A speaker says, 'Dogs make the best pets because they are loyal.' What is the speaker's main claim?

    • Dogs are loyal
    • Dogs make the best pets
    • Pets need loyalty

  3. A speaker's evidence should come from a real source, like a study or an expert.

    Circle one:   True   False

  4. A speaker says, 'Our team should practice more because I feel like it.' What is wrong with this reason?

    • It's just a feeling, not real evidence
    • It's too long
    • It doesn't mention the team

  5. A speaker claims 'Recycling helps the planet' and says a scientist found recycling cuts pollution. Does this reason logically support the claim?

    • Yes, it explains how recycling helps
    • No, it is off-topic
    • No, it is just an opinion

  6. As long as a speaker sounds confident, their reasons must be logical.

    Circle one:   True   False

  7. Two speakers argue about school uniforms. Speaker A shares a survey of parents' opinions. Speaker B shares a study comparing test scores in schools with and without uniforms. Whose evidence more effectively supports a claim about uniforms and learning?

    • Speaker A, because opinions matter most
    • Speaker B, because the study measures a real outcome
    • Both are equally strong

  8. A speaker claims 'Homework should be shorter' and gives two pieces of evidence: a survey showing students feel tired, and a fact that the moon has no atmosphere. Which evidence best supports the claim?

    • The survey about students feeling tired
    • The fact about the moon
    • Both support it equally
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Answer key

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Evaluating a Speaker's Argument W1-mt_on7FHCDmi--s1

  1. Facts or examples that back up a claim · Evidence is the facts, examples, or expert findings that support what a speaker claims.
  2. Dogs make the best pets · The claim is the main point the speaker argues for: that dogs make the best pets.
  3. True · Real sources make evidence trustworthy and harder to argue against.
  4. It's just a feeling, not real evidence · A feeling isn't evidence. A strong reason needs facts or examples, not just how someone feels.
  5. Yes, it explains how recycling helps · The evidence directly explains why recycling helps the planet, so it logically supports the claim.
  6. False · Confidence doesn't make a reason logical. You still need to check if the reason truly explains the claim.
  7. Speaker B, because the study measures a real outcome · Speaker B's study measures something real and related to the claim, which makes it stronger than opinions alone.
  8. The survey about students feeling tired · The survey connects students and tiredness to the claim. The moon fact has nothing to do with homework.
Worksheet · LightMySky