What is irrelevant evidence in an argument?

Irrelevant evidence is a fact or detail that does not help prove the claim, even if it is true. The community garden op-ed includes one such detail for students to find and explain.

How do you know if evidence is sufficient?

Ask whether the evidence is enough to prove the claim as stated. A big claim, like cutting crime in half, needs strong support, and students test whether the op-ed provides it.

8th Grade Author's Purpose and Claims Worksheets

Ages 13-14 · Free previews · Print-ready PDFs

Written by Adi Ackerman, Head Teacher

An author's claim is the position an argument defends, and the purpose shapes how the author handles evidence and opposing views. There are 2 sheets for 8th grade here, both with answer keys. Respond to How an Author Answers Opposing Views uses an essay that calls for more street trees, and Evaluate an Op-Ed's Reasoning and Evidence uses an op-ed for a community garden on an empty lot. Students judge reasoning and write a paragraph.

8th Grade Reading Comprehension Exercises Author's purpose and claims Clear All

Evaluate an Op-Ed's Reasoning and Evidence

Grade8th Grade

TopicComprehension Exercises

Respond to How an Author Answers Opposing Views

Grade8th Grade

TopicComprehension Exercises

More comprehension exercises worksheets

Explore all of our 8th grade comprehension exercises worksheets, covering paired texts, reading response, text structure and word choice, author's purpose and claims, and more.

Paired texts Reading response Text structure and word choice Personification worksheets

Frequently Asked Questions

A strong author names the opposing view, grants what is true in it and then explains why the main claim still holds. In the street tree essay, students look at how the author grants a point with the words That chore is real and then answers the sidewalk complaint.

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