Question

In an argument, the author’s purpose is to persuade readers to think or behave in a certain way.
An argument consists of the author’s claim, or position, on a topic, and provides valid reasons
and evidence to support the claim. Persuasive arguments may acknowledge counterarguments,
or opposing ideas or arguments, by disproving them.
An author’s point of view, or their attitudes or opinions, is a part of any argument. However, too
much focus on point of view can weaken an argument by focusing less on reasons and evidence,
and more on the author’s feelings about a subject, creating bias, or prejudice. Biased arguments
may lack valid evidence or include invalid supporting information.
DIRECTIONS: Read the passage below. Then, answer the questions that follow.
Everyone in Center City wants to see the downtown waterfront area looking better and thriving
financially. The Center City Waterfront Development Project will bring huge benefits
to our community, including the creation of a new public park, walking and bike paths, a dog
park, and a new outdoor performance area. In addition, there are plans to create a new
restaurant and shopping area on the north end of the waterfront.
Critics of the project say that it is unwanted by local residents and that it is too expensive.
However, a recent poll shows that 85 percent of Center City residents support the creation of
a park in the area. In addition, a report by the city planning office shows that all the proposed
building sites would be developed and sold within two years. Tax revenue from these new
sites would pay for the cost of developing the parks, the walking and biking paths, and the
outdoor performance area. The project is a win for all citizens of Center City. In November,
you can help make it happen. Vote yes to provide funding for the Center City Waterfront
Development Project!
1. What is the author’s claim and purpose?
2. What reasons and evidence does the author use to support the claim?
3. What counterargument does the author include?
4. Does the author disprove the counterargument? How?
PRACTICE
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CHARACTERISTICS AND STRUCTURES OF ARGUMENTS
DIRECTIONS: Read the passage. Then, answer the questions that follow.
(1) Every city needs a cultural center that reflects its community. (2) Pine Grove is a diverse
city, and the Pine Grove Museum plans to create a new wing to reflect this diversity.
(3) The new wing will reflect the community's diversity by providing a space for artists from
the community to display their work. (4) The new wing will also feature a classroom in
which students will be able to learn about different styles of art as well as art from different
cultures.
(5) Critics of the proposed new wing say it would ruin the appearance of the Pine Grove
Museum, a historic building constructed in 1878. (6) They also worry that the project will
cost taxpayers money needed for other projects. (7) However, they need not worry.
(8) According to Maria Vasquez from the architecture firm Vasquez and Associates, “The
proposed wing would blend in perfectly with the existing museum and look as if it were built
in the nineteenth century.” (9) In addition, the funds for the new wing would not come from
tax revenue. (10) According to a recent report by Pine Grove's city planning office, a group
of corporate donors has pledged to pay 80 percent of the cost of the new wing. (11) The
remaining 20 percent will come from community fundraisers and a small increase in
museum ticket prices.
1. What is the writer’s claim in this passage?
2. Which sentence acts as evidence for the writer’s claim by showing the benefits
of the proposed new wing for the museum?
a. sentence 1 b. sentence 3 c. sentence 5 d. sentence 9
3. In which sentences does the writer state two possible counterclaims?
a. sentences 4 and 5 c. sentences 1 and 9
b. sentences 5 and 6 d. sentences 3 and 10
4. In which sentence does the writer include an expert’s opinion as evidence to address a
counterclaim?
a. sentence 3 b. sentence 5 c. sentence 10 d. sentence 8
5. Does the writer’s argument seem to be fair or biased? Explain your answer.

Answer 1

Passage 1 (Center City Waterfront)

1. Claim and purpose
- Claim: Fund and approve the Center City Waterfront Development Project (vote yes).
- Purpose: To persuade readers to support and provide funding for the project.

2. Reasons and evidence used to support the claim
- The project will create a new public park, walking and bike paths, a dog park, and an outdoor performance area.
- Plans for a new restaurant and shopping area that will bring economic activity.
- A poll showing 85% of Center City residents support creating a park.
- A city planning office report saying proposed building sites would be developed/sold within two years.
- Assertion that tax revenue from the new sites would pay for development costs.

3. Counterargument included
- Critics say the project is unwanted by local residents and that it is too expensive.

4. Does the author disprove the counterargument? How?
- The author attempts to disprove it by citing the 85% poll to counter the “unwanted” claim and the city planning report plus the claim that tax revenue from new sites will cover development costs to counter the “too expensive” claim. (Note: the author provides supporting evidence but does not present detailed cost analysis; the rebuttals rely on the poll and the planning office’s projections.)

Passage 2 (Pine Grove Museum)

1. Writer’s claim
- The Pine Grove Museum should add the proposed new wing to reflect the city’s diversity.

2. Which sentence shows the benefits of the proposed new wing?
- b. sentence 3 (It provides a space for community artists to display their work.)

3. In which sentences does the writer state two possible counterclaims?
- b. sentences 5 and 6 (ruin the museum’s appearance; cost taxpayers money)

4. In which sentence does the writer include an expert’s opinion to address a counterclaim?
- d. sentence 8 (quote from Maria Vasquez of Vasquez and Associates)

5. Does the writer’s argument seem fair or biased? Explain.
- It seems generally fair: the writer states critics’ concerns, then responds with relevant evidence (an expert opinion about design and a funding plan showing corporate donors covering 80% and other non-tax sources covering the rest). One could note mild bias in tone (“they need not worry”), but the passage does address counterarguments with specific evidence.