Question

Evaluating Your Argument

Sample Response:

Dr. King's dream of equality has not been achieved in education. There is still a difference between the number of African Americans who receive high school diplomas and the number of whites who do. According to the US Census Bureau, in 2000, only 72 percent of African Americans had diplomas while about 83 percent of whites did. Even though some might say the difference between the two groups is not as big as it was in the 1960s, there is still a difference. Closer is not the same as equal. Because the groups do not have equal percentages, King's dream of equality has not actually been achieved.

What did you include in your response? Check any that apply.

a claim that the dream is achieved
a claim that the dream is not achieved
a reason to support the claim
evidence to support the reason
a counterclaim
how my argument was stronger
transitions to connect ideas

Answer 1

Included:
- a claim that the dream is not achieved
- a reason to support the claim
- evidence to support the reason
- a counterclaim
- how my argument was stronger (a brief rebuttal)
- transitions to connect ideas

Not included:
- a claim that the dream is achieved