Trace and evaluate an author's argument. Distinguish sound reasoning and credible empirical evidence from unsupported rhetorical claims.
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Grade 7 · ela · Matching answer key included · US Letter and A4
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Distinguish an author's claim, a reason and evidence offered for that reason.
A statistic in a passage is not automatically credible. This practice survey is invented; identify what would need independent verification.
Explain what source, methods and comparison data would be needed to evaluate the claimed benefit.
Original practice scenario with an invented survey and illustrative numbers. These are not verified municipal research findings.
This original practice passage uses an invented survey and illustrative numbers; these are not findings from a real municipal study.
For decades, municipal city planning prioritized sterile concrete surfaces and manicured monoculture lawns that require gallons of chemical pesticides. However, modern environmental science demonstrates that urban rewilding—restoring native plant corridors, rooftop wildflower gardens, and mini-forests—is an urgent ecological and civic necessity.
First, urban vegetation directly mitigates the 'urban heat island effect.' Dark asphalt roads and brick rooftops absorb heat, raising inner-city temperatures up to 7°F higher than nearby countryside. Introducing dense native flora naturally shades pavements and releases cool moisture through evapotranspiration.
Skeptics often argue that rewilding creates unruly, messy aesthetics that degrade property values. Yet the writer offers a hypothetical economic claim: an invented survey in this practice scenario suggests that tree-lined, biodiverse streetscapes boosted pedestrian commercial activity by 18% and increased residential satisfaction. Far from creating unkempt wilderness, intentional urban rewilding harmonizes human architecture with sustainable ecological resilience.
What is the author's PRIMARY CLAIM in this argumentative essay?
Answer: B. The author clearly states their thesis in paragraph 1: 'urban rewilding—restoring native plant corridors... is an urgent ecological and civic necessity.'
Intended curriculum references: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.7.8. These references describe learning goals; they are not endorsements.
Published 2026-10-02; updated 2026-10-02. Original MakeWorksheet practice. Automated consistency checks support publication; independent subject-specialist review is not recorded. Read our editorial policy.
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