Author's Argument - Answer Keys

Grade 5 ELA | FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.5.R.2.4

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Student Concept Worksheet Answers

Question Answer
1 B. Opinion - because "exciting" is a personal feeling
"Exciting" is subjective - what's exciting to one person may not be to another. This cannot be proven true or false.
2 Schools should start later in the morning.
The word "should" indicates this is the author's position/claim - what they want readers to believe.
3 Either: "Studies show that teenagers' brains work better after 9 AM" OR "When Seattle schools changed to a later start time, student grades improved by 10%"
4 C. "Students who read 20 minutes daily score 90% higher on vocabulary tests."
This provides specific, measurable data that directly supports the claim about reading's importance.
5 Sample answer: This evidence is strongest because it includes specific data (20 minutes, 90% higher) that can be measured and verified. The other options are either opinions or don't directly prove reading is important.

Practice Worksheet Answers

Question Answer
1 Schools should switch to a year-round calendar instead of the traditional schedule.
2 B. "Students in year-round schools in California showed 10% higher test scores"
This is specific, measurable evidence that supports the claim. Option A is the opposing view, C is the claim itself, and D is an opinion.
3 A. Fact - It can be verified through research and testing
Research from the National Education Association measured learning loss, making this a verifiable fact.
4 Any two of: Students lose up to two months of learning (summer slide); Year-round students in California showed 10% higher test scores; Teachers report less time reviewing; Low-income students are most affected
5 C. School uniforms are bad because they limit creativity and self-expression
6 OPINION. "Boring" and "lose their unique identities" are subjective judgments that different people could disagree about. These cannot be proven true or false.
7 A study of 90 schools found no significant difference in bullying rates between uniform and non-uniform schools.
8 Yes, it is relevant because it directly addresses and contradicts the claim that uniforms reduce bullying. By showing research that found no difference, the author weakens the opposing argument.
9 Elementary school students should have less homework.
10 B. It strengthens the argument by showing the author is being fair and balanced
Acknowledging the opposing view and then responding to it makes the argument more credible and shows the author has considered other perspectives.
11 B. Opinion - because "need" and "better" express the author's belief
"Need" and "better" are subjective - what balance is "better" is a matter of opinion.
12 Stanford University is considered strong evidence because it is a credible, well-known research institution. Studies from universities are more trustworthy than opinions or claims from unknown sources.
13 A. Fact
14 B. Opinion
15 A. Fact
16 A fact is a statement that can be proven true or false - you can check it. An opinion is a personal belief or feeling that others might disagree with. To tell them apart, ask: "Can this be proven?" If yes, it's a fact. If it expresses a preference or belief, it's an opinion.

FAST Format Quiz Answers

Question Answer
1 B. Parents should limit children's screen time to two hours daily.
2 B. "A study of 4,500 children found that those who spent more than three hours daily on screens scored 15% lower"
This includes specific numbers from research that can be verified. The other options are opinions or general claims.
3 B. To provide a credible source that supports the claim
Citing a respected medical organization adds credibility to the author's argument.
4 C. "Dogs are the best pets for families"
"Best" is subjective - different people have different preferences. This cannot be proven.
5 B. It highlights why dogs are better by showing what cats lack.
6 C. "Children who grow up with dogs develop stronger immune systems and have fewer allergies"
This directly addresses children's health with specific, research-based claims.
7 C. The city should ban single-use plastic bags.
8 B. To acknowledge the other side and then argue against it
This rhetorical technique (counter-argument and rebuttal) strengthens the author's position by showing they've considered opposing views.
9 See rubric and sample response below.
10 See rubric and sample response below.

Question 9 Scoring Rubric

Score Criteria
2 Clearly explains how the author uses evidence AND cites at least one specific piece of evidence from the passage with accurate details.
1 Explains how evidence is used but evidence cited is vague or partially accurate, OR cites evidence without explaining how it supports the claim.
0 Does not address the question, provides inaccurate information, or does not cite evidence from the passage.
Sample 2-Point Response for Question 9:
The author uses evidence to show that plastic bag bans actually work. The author cites that "San Francisco saw a 72% reduction in plastic bag litter after their ban." This statistic proves that banning plastic bags has a real, measurable effect on reducing pollution. By showing specific results from a city that has already implemented a ban, the author makes the argument more convincing.

Question 10 Scoring Rubric

Score Criteria
2 States whether the argument is convincing, evaluates evidence as relevant/sufficient (or not), and supports the evaluation with specific details from the chosen passage.
1 States whether the argument is convincing but provides limited evaluation of evidence quality, OR provides evaluation without supporting details.
0 Does not address the question or provides no evaluation of the argument's strength.
Sample 2-Point Response for Question 10:
I think the Screen Time passage has a convincing argument. The evidence is relevant because it directly connects to the claim about limiting screen time. The author cites the American Academy of Pediatrics, which is a credible source of medical advice for children. The evidence is sufficient because it includes multiple types of proof: health effects (obesity, sleep problems), test score data (15% lower), and professional recommendations. All of this evidence directly supports why parents should limit screen time.

Quick Reference: Fact vs. Opinion

Facts Opinions
Can be proven true or false Cannot be proven - personal belief
Use specific numbers, dates, names Use words like "best," "worst," "should," "beautiful"
Can be verified through research Others might reasonably disagree
"Florida has a population of 22 million." "Florida is the best state to live in."

The Test: "Can this statement be proven true or false?" If YES = Fact. If NO (it's a preference or belief) = Opinion.

FAST Success Kit | Grade 5 | FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.5.R.2.4
Answer Key - For Teacher Use Only