Writing Evidence-Based Claims Flashcards

On the LEAP writing assessment, which type of response requires you to write an argument supported by details from the provided texts?

Answer: Research simulation task

The Research Simulation Task on LEAP requires students to synthesize information from multiple sources and construct an evidence-based argument.

A student's essay has a strong thesis and good evidence, but each body paragraph discusses multiple unrelated points. What is the main structural problem?

Answer: The body paragraphs lack unity; each should focus on one controlling idea

Each body paragraph should develop a single claim or idea, maintaining unity and keeping evidence clearly tied to one point at a time.

When synthesizing evidence from two sources that present different perspectives, what should the writer do?

Answer: Acknowledge both perspectives and explain how they relate to or complicate the claim

Effective synthesis involves comparing perspectives and explaining how they collectively inform, support, or complicate the writer's argument.

Which concluding strategy best reinforces an evidence-based argument?

Answer: Restating the thesis in different words and summarizing how the evidence proves it

A strong conclusion restates the thesis and briefly reinforces how the evidence presented supports it, giving the essay a sense of completion.

A student uses a 2005 study to support a claim about current smartphone usage trends. What is the main concern with this evidence?

Answer: The evidence may be outdated and may not reflect current data on smartphone use

For rapidly evolving topics like technology, evidence more than a few years old may not accurately represent current conditions.

Which sentence frame is BEST for introducing a counterclaim before refuting it?

Answer: While some argue that renewable energy is too expensive, evidence shows costs have dropped significantly.

The 'While some argue... evidence shows...' structure fairly presents the opposing view and then pivots to the rebuttal with supporting evidence.

What does it mean to 'embed' a quote in a sentence?

Answer: To place a short quoted phrase within your own sentence so it reads grammatically

Embedding means integrating a brief quoted phrase into your own sentence structure so the combined sentence is grammatically correct and flows naturally.