Read the following excerpt. Then, sort the statements in your thinking next to the correct questions

In this excerpt, the author makes an argument about Benjamin franklin.
From a great American hero
A hero is someone who serves as a role model. Benjamin Franklin's contributions to the colonies and the new country are many. His contributions to humanity are impressive.
Franklin edited Jefferson's draft of the declaration of Independence and signed the constitution. As a diplomat, he negotiated a treaty gaining French support in making the revolutionary war victory possible.
Without Franklin's work involving electricity, Edison could never have invented the light bulb. Franklin was the first to chart the Gulf stream that affects our weather. He established the first college for average income individuals he created a subscription library, the first volunteer fire company, a public hospital, and the first fire insurance company. As the first post semester, he established regular mail routes. His inventions included bifocals and a stove that kept everyone warm in the winter. he designed the lightning rod. Franklin gave his inventions the people. He is truly the first Great American hero.

Questions
1. What is the authors claim
2. What is one piece of evidence that supports and develops the claim?
3. What is one example of sound reasoning that supports and develops the claim?

Statements
A. Franklin edited Jefferson's draft of the declaration of Independence and signed the Constitution
B. Benjamin Franklin is a great American hero in role model
C. Franklin created many significant inventions for the American people, which contributed to the well-being of all americans, making him a hero

How well you determined
D. I noticed that this is an example of something Benjamin Franklin did that makes him an American hero
E. I noticed that the title and the fact that the author mentioned Franklin in the second sentence.
F. After presenting evidence about Franklin's inventions, the author explains how these facts help support the claim in a logical way

5 answers

Here is how the statements can be sorted next to the correct questions:

  1. What is the author's claim?

    • B. Benjamin Franklin is a great American hero and role model.
    • E. I noticed that the title and the fact that the author mentioned Franklin in the second sentence.
  2. What is one piece of evidence that supports and develops the claim?

    • A. Franklin edited Jefferson's draft of the Declaration of Independence and signed the Constitution.
    • D. I noticed that this is an example of something Benjamin Franklin did that makes him an American hero.
  3. What is one example of sound reasoning that supports and develops the claim?

    • C. Franklin created many significant inventions for the American people, which contributed to the well-being of all Americans, making him a hero.
    • F. After presenting evidence about Franklin's inventions, the author explains how these facts help support the claim in a logical way.
Read the following excerpts then. compare and evaluate. Compare the two arguments, evaluating the effectiveness and validity of the claims. In excerpts, the authors make opposing arguments about mandatory military service in america.

All three are from "fight for your right to be free: every American should be required to serve in the military"

1.
a) "now, during these globally troubled times, it's time for the US government to resonate the draft. Having everyone serve in the armed forces will bring Americans together, despite our individual political views and personal agendas, as we fight together to ensure freedom of the world citizens"
b) "history tells us that forced conscription would likely result in widespread resistance and civil unrest"
Comparison and Evaluation?

2.
a) "first, compulsory national service would strengthen American citizenship. During world war I and II especially, Americans took pride in serving their country by fighting for it"
b) "next, compulsory national service would weaken American citizenship. . .
By becoming more involved in the community, we would become better citizens . . ."
Comparison and Evaluation?

3.
a) "finally, compulsory military service would unite the country and serve as a rite of passage. . .
Joining the military would allow young adults to leave their sheltered communities and meet people who are different people they otherwise likely would never have met"
b) "people against the drafts argue that mandatory military service was never fair because mainly poor people served. The all volunteer army is fair because people of all races, religions, and backgrounds serve"
Comparison and Evaluation?

Comparison and Evaluation

1. Argument about the Draft:

  • Claim A: Advocate for re-instating the draft to unify Americans in service during global turmoil.
  • Claim B: Opponent argues that forced conscription leads to resistance and civil unrest.

Comparison and Evaluation:

  • The first claim presents a vision of unity, emphasizing a collective effort to promote freedom that would transcend political divisions. The appeal to patriotism and communal identity is a strong emotional argument that taps into nationalistic sentiments.
  • In contrast, the opposing view provides a pragmatic counterargument based on historical precedent, suggesting that mandatory service could provoke significant backlash. This claim effectively highlights the potential negative consequences of enforced military service, grounding its argument in the realities of civil society rather than idealistic notions of unity.
  • Effectiveness: Claim A is effective in its emotional appeal, though it may oversimplify the complexities of implementing a draft. Claim B offers a more cautionary and realistic perspective, making it a strong counterpoint.

2. Argument about Citizenship:

  • Claim A: Asserts that compulsory national service would strengthen American citizenship through pride and commitment to the country.
  • Claim B: Contends that compulsory service weakens citizenship; engaging in community service promotes better citizenship.

Comparison and Evaluation:

  • Claim A draws from historical examples to suggest a sense of collective identity and pride arising from service during major wars, appealing to nostalgia and traditional values of sacrifice for the nation.
  • Claim B shifts the focus from military service to community involvement, arguing that true citizenship arises from contributing to one’s local community rather than engaging in military activities. This claim appeals to values of civic engagement and social responsibility.
  • Effectiveness: Claim A effectively connects service with national pride, but Claim B counters with a modern and pragmatic view on citizenship that may resonate more with those skeptical of military action. The dialogue between these claims highlights different perspectives on what citizenship should entail.

3. Argument about Unity and Fairness:

  • Claim A: Compulsory military service would unite the nation and expose young adults to diverse experiences.
  • Claim B: Opponents argue that the draft is inherently unfair, as historically, it has disproportionately affected poorer individuals and marginalized groups.

Comparison and Evaluation:

  • Claim A presents an optimistic view of the draft as a means to foster social cohesion and personal growth through exposure to diverse populations. This argument is compelling as it offers a vision of transformation for young people and society at large.
  • Claim B offers a critical examination of equity in the military, highlighting historical injustices associated with conscription. By focusing on fairness, this argument touches on crucial social issues surrounding class and race, asserting that an all-volunteer army allows for a more equitable representation of society in military service.
  • Effectiveness: While Claim A offers an aspirational perspective on unity, Claim B provides a vital practicality that addresses social justice concerns. The effectiveness of the arguments rests on the audience's values—whether they prioritize social engineering through military service or advocate for equity and fairness in civic duty.

Overall Evaluation:

In summary, the opposing arguments reflect different priorities and visions for American citizenship and identity. While claims advocating for mandatory military service focus on unity, pride, and national identity, counterclaims emphasize practicality, historical context, social injustice, and the changing nature of citizenship in a modern context. The effectiveness of each argument ultimately depends on the values and beliefs of the audience, as well as their perspectives on patriotism, social responsibility, and fairness.

Simplify and shorten everything down to the simplest and use simple vocabulary like middle school

Comparison and Evaluation (Simplified)

1. About the Draft:

  • Argument A: Bringing back the draft will help unite Americans during tough times.
  • Argument B: Forced military service could lead to protests and unrest.

Comparison and Evaluation:

  • Argument A wants people to feel connected and fight for freedom together, which is an emotional appeal.
  • Argument B focuses on real issues, saying that forcing people could cause chaos. It's a more cautious viewpoint based on history.
  • Effectiveness: Argument A feels good and inspiring, while Argument B is realistic and warns of possible problems.

2. About Citizenship:

  • Argument A: Mandatory service will make people feel proud and committed to their country.
  • Argument B: Being forced into service weakens citizenship; community service makes us better citizens.

Comparison and Evaluation:

  • Argument A uses examples from history to make people feel proud about serving their country.
  • Argument B says that helping your community is more important and shows what true citizenship is.
  • Effectiveness: Argument A appeals to national pride, while Argument B gives a practical approach to being a good citizen.

3. About Unity and Fairness:

  • Argument A: Compulsory military service will bring the country together and help young people meet new people.
  • Argument B: The draft is unfair because it mostly affects poor people.

Comparison and Evaluation:

  • Argument A sees the draft as a way for young adults to grow and learn from different people.
  • Argument B points out that historically, the draft has harmed less wealthy people more than others, making it unfair.
  • Effectiveness: Argument A is hopeful and focuses on unity, while Argument B raises important issues about fairness and social justice.

Overall Evaluation:

Both sides of the debate show different views on military service. One side focuses on unity and pride, while the other emphasizes fairness and real-world issues. Which argument is better depends on what people value more: feeling united through service or ensuring fairness for everyone.