Arguments
Standard |
No Evidence |
Beginning |
Developing |
Proficient |
Excellent |
Mastering |
C-2. Arguments Support or refute claims with evidence and reasoning |
No evidence of argumentation that addresses the claim |
Your argument addresses the question |
Your argument addresses the question with a claim, some evidence, and some reasoning |
Your argument addresses the question with a specific claim, sufficient evidence, and a logical chain of reasoning that completely supports the claim with accurate scientific knowledge |
Your work is proficient and your presentation is excellent. |
Your work is excellent and your argument refutes a counter-claim |
A Good Argument
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An Excellent Argument
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Go Above & Beyond
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A scientific argument is the logical answer to a question, intended to convince the reader of it's correctness. It should start with a claim, followed by all the evidence, and then all of the reasoning.
The claim answers the question.
Evidence is the observations and measurements that you will use to support your claim.
Reasoning is the scientific facts that explain why your evidence matters and how it supports your claim.
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Avoiding Speculation
"To speculate" means to form a theory without firm evidence. It's important to avoid speculating when presenting your reasoning. You can avoid speculation by making sure that each of your scientific facts or explanations is connected to a piece of evidence that you shared. Here's an example of speculation:
"There may be intelligent life on other planets but they just don't want to contact us yet." |
You should select your evidence first and then use it to develop your claim.
Then write the reasoning, to hold your evidence to your claim.
Then write the reasoning, to hold your evidence to your claim.