Question

CHARACTERISTICS AND STRUCTURES OF ARGUMENTS
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?

Answer 1

1. Claim and purpose
- Claim: Voters should approve funding for the Center City Waterfront Development Project.
- Purpose: To persuade readers to vote yes so the project will be built.

2. Reasons and evidence used to support the claim
- Promised community benefits: a new public park, walking and bike paths, a dog park, an outdoor performance area, and new restaurant/shopping development.
- A poll showing 85% of Center City residents support creating a park.
- A city planning office report predicting the proposed building sites would be developed and sold within two years.
- The claim that tax revenue from those new sites would pay for the cost of developing the park and related amenities.

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 refute the “unwanted” claim and by citing the planning report and projected tax revenue to refute the “too expensive” claim.
- However, these rebuttals are not fully conclusive: the poll supports creating a park but may not indicate support for the entire project or for funding; no poll details are given (sample size, question wording). The planning report’s projections and the tax-revenue claim are presented without detailed cost estimates or contingency discussion, so critics’ concerns about expense are addressed but not definitively disproved.