Cleo is writing an essay arguing that her school should open at 8:30 a.m. instead of 7:30 because it would benefit the student body. Which claim is the most effective for her argument?

Question

Kennedy High School should open at 8:30 a.m. instead of 7:30 because students would get an extra hour of sleep, improving their health and brain function.
Kennedy High School should open at 8:30 a.m. instead of 7:30 because students would get more sleep, making them healthier—although some would take advantage of the change and go to bed later.
Kennedy High School should open at 8:30 a.m. instead of 7:30 for seniors only because they have earned that special privilege and it would serve as motivation for younger grades.
Kennedy High School should open at 8:30 a.m. instead of 7:30 because many students arrive late as it is and this change would mean that more students get to class on time.

Answer 1

The most effective claim for Cleo's argument is:

Kennedy High School should open at 8:30 a.m. instead of 7:30 because students would get an extra hour of sleep, improving their health and brain function.

This claim is strong because it directly addresses a key benefit of starting school later: the positive impact on students' health and cognitive function, which is supported by research on sleep and academic performance. It presents a clear, specific, and compelling reason for the proposed change, which is likely to resonate with both stakeholders and decision-makers at the school.