Textual Evidence Mastery

Name:

Date:

Student analyzing text with magnifying glass

📚 Part 1: Claims and Evidence

Read this passage:

School uniforms should be required in all public schools. Studies show that uniforms reduce bullying by 25%. Additionally, uniforms help students focus on learning instead of clothing choices. Parents also save money because they don't need to buy expensive name-brand clothes.

1. What is the author's main claim?

Students should focus on learning

School uniforms should be required in all public schools

Parents spend too much money on clothes

Bullying is a serious problem

2. Which pieces of evidence support the author's claim? (Check all that apply)

Uniforms reduce bullying by 25%

Students focus on learning instead of clothing

Parents save money on clothes

All schools should have the same rules

3. What is the author's purpose in this passage?

To inform readers about school policies

To persuade readers that uniforms are beneficial

To explain how uniforms are made

To entertain readers with a story

🔍 Part 2: Bias and Viewpoint

Read these two statements about the same topic:

Statement A: Homework is absolutely essential for student success and must be assigned daily.

Statement B: Research suggests that moderate amounts of homework can support learning when designed thoughtfully.

4. Which statement shows more bias?

Statement A

Statement B

Both are equally biased

Neither shows bias

5. Circle the biased words in Statement A that reveal the author's strong opinion:

Homework is absolutely essential for student success and must be assigned daily.

6. Complete this sentence frame using evidence from the uniform passage:

According to the text, ________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

✏️ Part 3: Citing Evidence

7. Reread the school uniform passage. Write a complete response using proper citation language:

Question: Why does the author believe uniforms are beneficial for parents?

8. Extension Challenge: Write one sentence explaining whether you think the author provides strong evidence for their claim. Use the sentence frame:

The author's evidence is _____________ because _________________________

_________________________________________________________________

Word Bank for Citations: states, explains, argues, mentions, claims, suggests