Which sentences from "Early to Bed, Early to Rise" contain claims?

Question

Select all that apply.

Early to Bed, Early to Rise: The Importance of Sleep

Responses

Some research even suggests we may age faster because of missed sleep!
Some research even suggests we may age faster because of missed sleep!

Second, we will not be able to think clearly if we do not get enough sleep.
Second, we will not be able to think clearly if we do not get enough sleep.

First, our health will suffer from a lack of sleep.
First, our health will suffer from a lack of sleep.

To get this much sleep, seventh graders will certainly need to adjust their schedules.

Early to Bed, Early to Rise: The Importance of Sleep

Brandon has been asked by his teacher to write a persuasive essay on something he feels is important for seventh graders to know. The following is the essay he turned in as his final paper.

Many people may have heard the old saying, “Early to bed, early to rise makes a person healthy, wealthy, and wise.” We might nod our heads in agreement, but most of us don’t really take the advice seriously. Seventh grade can be a year of big changes for many of us. We sometimes let our new schedules get in the way of more important things, especially getting enough sleep. Even though we seventh graders may be busy with many things, research shows that a lack of sleep can cause physical and mental problems. For these reasons, we need to make certain we are getting all the rest we need.

First, our health will suffer from a lack of sleep. A lack of energy is the most obvious problem caused from sleep loss. However, other problems besides just feeling dragged down can develop. If we do not get enough sleep the night before, we will be tired the next day and might have an accident. These accidents might be small, such as tripping over something, but are still annoying and painful. The body’s ability to fight off diseases also can suffer because of a lack of sleep. Studies show that people are much more likely to get sick if they miss getting enough sleep over a long period of time. Some research even suggests we may age faster because of missed sleep! Taking care of our health simply means making sure we get the right amount of sleep.

Second, we will not be able to think clearly if we do not get enough sleep. Without the proper amount of rest, we cannot concentrate on our studies or on what our teachers are saying. If we cannot concentrate, then our grades will decline. Our creativity disappears when we have very little sleep, and some people’s vocabulary becomes limited as well. Slow reaction times are also common from a lack of sleep. Without an ability to think clearly, we are unable to react quickly. Having a slow reaction time means our abilities in after-school activities will suffer just as much as our grades. Seventh grade usually means more things to learn, but a lack of sleep will mean we are missing out.

Still, how much sleep is enough? While most people think eight hours is a full night’s rest, most experts recommend young teens get eight and a half to nine hours of sleep. To get this much sleep, seventh graders will certainly need to adjust their schedules. However, there are other things that can be done to make sure we get the rest we need. For example, naps can be a good way to recover our energy. Still, it’s important that these naps do not replace our regular bedtimes. We also should try to stick to a sleeping schedule, even on the weekends. These few steps can help us all stay “healthy and wise.”

Answer 1

The sentences from "Early to Bed, Early to Rise" that contain claims are:

1. "Some research even suggests we may age faster because of missed sleep!"
2. "Second, we will not be able to think clearly if we do not get enough sleep."
3. "First, our health will suffer from a lack of sleep."

These sentences assert statements about the effects of sleep on health, aging, and mental clarity, which qualify as claims.

The sentence "To get this much sleep, seventh graders will certainly need to adjust their schedules" presents a recommendation rather than a claim about an effect or outcome.