Question

Read the claim below: Schools should focus on teaching practical math skills instead of abstract concepts. Select the piece of evidence that best supports this claim.

1) A study found that students who learned practical math skills performed better in real-world problem-solving tasks.
2) A survey of employers revealed that practical math skills are more valuable in the workplace than abstract math concepts.
3) Research shows that students who are taught practical math skills have higher levels of engagement and motivation in math class.
4) An analysis of standardized test scores showed that students who learned practical math skills scored higher on math assessments.

Answer 1

Option 2 strongly supports the claim as it directly relates practical math skills with their value in the workplace according to employers.

Step-by-step explanation:

The claim that schools should focus on teaching practical math skills instead of abstract concepts suggests that these skills may be more directly applicable to students' lives and careers. Among the pieces of evidence presented to support this claim, option 2) 'A survey of employers revealed that practical math skills are more valuable in the workplace than abstract math concepts', strongly supports the claim by directly correlating the value of practical math skills with workplace requirements, according to employers' perspectives. This evidence suggests that practical skills in mathematics are not only important for students' future in terms of employability but are also considered a higher priority by those who are in a position to hire.

Moreover, the argument is further supported by the fact that problem-solving skills are deeply connected with practical math abilities. As problem-solving is critical in many areas, such as physics, the relevance of practical math becomes evident. The ability to apply math to real-world situations, rather than merely recalling facts or rules, aligns with the idea that practical mathematical skills are essential both for academic success and professional pursuits.