Read both arguments about the puddle. Pay attention to what makes one argument more convincing than the other.

Question

Then, answer the questions below the two arguments.
Argument 1
The water in the puddle that Claire observed evaporated. The highest temperature was 32°C (90°F). Since the puddle was there in the morning and gone later in the day, it must have evaporated. Argument 2
The water in the puddle that Claire observed evaporated. Since the highest temperature was 32°C (90°F), we know that it was a warm day. When water gets hot, it can change from liquid to gas. This is called evaporation. I think the water became so warm that it became water vapor (gas), and that’s why the puddle was gone by the afternoon.

Which argument is more convincing?

2. Why is the argument you selected more convincing?

Answer 1

1. Which argument is more convincing?

Argument 2 is more convincing.

2. Why is the argument you selected more convincing?

Argument 2 is more convincing because it provides a clearer explanation of the process of evaporation. It connects the observed temperature (32°C/90°F) directly to the phenomenon of water turning into gas (evaporation), enhancing the reader's understanding of why the puddle disappeared. Furthermore, it uses the terminology "water vapor" to specify the state change, making the explanation more scientific and engaging. In contrast, Argument 1 simply states that the puddle evaporated without elaborating on the mechanism involved, making it less informative and compelling.