Question

Activity

You've learned about the types of claims an author can make, as well as how an author supports those claims. In this activity,
you'll use what you've learned to analyze, discuss, and write an essay that defends or challenges the claims an author makes.
Part A
Read “Technology: Using it wisely e." Then analyze the argument by rereading each paragraph and recording your notes
in the table. Remember, to determine the credibility of the details and evidence in the passage, you may need to conduct
research or use your own experience and background knowledge.
Paragraph 1
Claim 1
Evidence and Details
Commentary
Explicit and Implicit
Meanings
Paragraph 2
Claim 2
Evidence and Details
Commentary
Explicit and Implicit
Meanings

Answer 1

Paragraph 1

Claim 1 Technology does not support healthy brain development in school-aged children.

Evidence and Details

Scientists and researchers think school-age children’s use of cellphones and tablets “limits the growth of creativity.”

Very few of the computer games and digital entertainment options that children use are “intellectually challenging.”

Commentary

The evidence about the effect of technology use on creativity is somewhat credible because it comes from science experts.

The detail that few computer games and digital entertainment options are “intellectually challenging” lacks support from a credible source, so it may not be a trustworthy fact.

Explicit and Implicit

Meanings

The author explicitly states the belief of experts that technology “limits the growth of creativity.”

By saying that “only a handful” of computer games and entertainment options are “intellectually challenging,” the author is implying there is almost no value in having children engage in these activities. This statement also implies that such activities could actually harm children’s ability to become creative thinkers.

Paragraph 2

Claim 2 Technology has had a negative impact on the way people exercise.

Evidence and Details

Many people work out in gyms, which are in enclosed spaces that are similar to their office work environments.

People are not getting enough fresh air, which is something our bodies need for “nourishment.”

A “walk in the woods” or an “open-air run” is much more “effective than running on a treadmill.”

Commentary The three details that the author uses to support the claim about technology and exercise are generalizations. They seem to be based on personal experience and background knowledge rather than facts and evidence from experts or other credible sources. Therefore, the author’s statements lack credibility.

Explicit and Implicit

Meanings The author explicitly states her or his beliefs about the need for outdoor exercise. The author implies that working out in a gym is an ineffective and “negative” way to nourish the body.

Step-by-step explanation:

PLOTO

Answer 2

In “Technology: Using it Wisely,” the author claims that technology limits children’s brain development and that it negatively impacts the way people exercise.

To support the claim that technology limits children’s “healthy brain development,” the author cites evidence from “scientists and researchers” who state that technology “limits growth and creativity.” The author goes on to say that most computer games and forms of digital entertainment are not “intellectually challenging.” The author also implies that these types of games and entertainment could actually be harmful to childrens’ ability to think creatively.

To support the claim that technology negatively affects the way people exercise, the author provides details in the form of generalizations. For example, the author states that “many people” exercise indoors in gyms. The author goes on to state that people’s bodies are not being properly nourished because they aren’t spending enough time exercising outdoors. Additionally, the author states that a “walk in the woods” or an “open-air run” is vastly more effective than spending time “running on a treadmill.”

I believe the author’s credible evidence related to the first claim that technology limits “growth and creativity” in school-aged children. However, the author doesn’t include any credible evidence to prove that the additional details used to support that first claim are accurate. Personally, I have seen many computer-based activities and games that actually do help students learn new information and skills. The author’s second claim is also not supported by any data or credible evidence, so I find it hard to believe that working out in a gym offers significantly fewer benefits than walking or running outdoors. Therefore, based on the lack of evidence and credible details provided, I disagree with the author’s claims.

Step-by-step explanation:

actual answer from PLATO