Understanding Author's Claim
A Grade 5 ELA worksheet focusing on identifying and understanding the author's claim in non-fiction texts.
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Understanding Author's Claim
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Read each passage carefully. Identify the author's main claim and the evidence used to support it. Answer the questions that follow.
Passage 1: The Importance of Recycling
Recycling is one of the most important things we can do to protect our planet. When we recycle, we turn old materials into new products, which reduces the need to use fresh raw materials. This saves energy, reduces air and water pollution, and even helps to lessen greenhouse gas emissions. For example, recycling aluminum cans saves 95% of the energy needed to make new ones from raw materials. Many communities also save money on landfill costs by recycling more.
1. What is the author's main claim in Passage 1?
Recycling is expensive for communities.
Recycling helps protect the environment.
Aluminum cans are the only recyclable material.
New products should always be made from raw materials.
2. List two pieces of evidence the author uses to support their claim about recycling.
Passage 2: Benefits of Reading Every Day
Reading for at least 20 minutes every day can significantly improve a student's academic performance. Research shows that students who read regularly have larger vocabularies and stronger writing skills. They also tend to perform better on standardized tests across all subjects, not just reading. For instance, a study found that fifth graders who read 20 minutes a day scored in the 90th percentile on reading tests, while those who read only 5 minutes a day scored in the 50th percentile.
3. The author's main claim in Passage 2 is that .
4. The author supports their claim in Passage 2 by stating that students who read regularly have smaller vocabularies.
True
False
5. Think about a topic you feel strongly about. Write a paragraph stating your claim and providing at least two pieces of evidence to support it.