Claim vs. Evidence Worksheets - 15 Worksheets Library - Free Printable

Problem Overview:

The task involves selecting two claims from the provided list, matching them with appropriate evidence, and writing a justification for why the evidence supports the claim. The goal is to demonstrate critical thinking by connecting claims with evidence and explaining the reasoning behind it.

Claims:

1. There is no such thing as a ghost.
2. Halloween should be an official federal holiday.
3. Ghosts are real.
4. Countless psychic mediums have been exposed as frauds.

Evidence:

1. Many photographs have been taken in which a person is visible who was not present when the photo was taken.
2. Holidays benefit the economy. If people didn’t have to work or go to school on Halloween, they would spend more money.
3. Halloween should be an official federal holiday.
4. Countless psychic mediums have been exposed as frauds.

Steps to Solve:

#### Step 1: Select Two Claims
We need to choose two claims from the list. For this example, let's select:
- Claim #1: "There is no such thing as a ghost."
- Claim #2: "Halloween should be an official federal holiday."

#### Step 2: Match Each Claim with Appropriate Evidence
- Claim #1: "There is no such thing as a ghost."
- Evidence #1: "Countless psychic mediums have been exposed as frauds."

Justification: This evidence supports the claim because if psychic mediums, who often claim to communicate with ghosts, have been exposed as frauds, it suggests that the existence of ghosts may be questionable or fabricated.

- Claim #2: "Halloween should be an official federal holiday."
- Evidence #2: "Holidays benefit the economy. If people didn’t have to work or go to school on Halloween, they would spend more money."

Justification: This evidence supports the claim because it highlights the economic benefits of having a holiday. If people have more disposable income and time to spend during Halloween, it could boost consumer spending and positively impact the economy.

#### Step 3: Write Justifications
For each claim-evidence pair, provide a clear explanation of why the evidence supports the claim.

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Final Answer:

#### Claim #1:
- Claim: There is no such thing as a ghost.
- Evidence: Countless psychic mediums have been exposed as frauds.
- Justification: The exposure of psychic mediums as frauds undermines the credibility of those who claim to communicate with ghosts. If these mediums cannot reliably prove the existence of ghosts, it casts doubt on the idea that ghosts are real.

#### Claim #2:
- Claim: Halloween should be an official federal holiday.
- Evidence: Holidays benefit the economy. If people didn’t have to work or go to school on Halloween, they would spend more money.
- Justification: Making Halloween an official federal holiday would give people extra time off, allowing them to spend more money on activities related to the holiday (e.g., costumes, decorations, treats). This increased spending can stimulate economic growth and benefit businesses.

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Boxed Final Answer:

\[
\boxed{
\begin{array}{|l|l|l|}
\hline
\textbf{Claim \#1:} & \text{There is no such thing as a ghost.} \\
\textbf{Evidence \#1:} & \text{Countless psychic mediums have been exposed as frauds.} \\
\textbf{Justification:} & \text{The exposure of psychic mediums as frauds undermines the credibility of those who claim to communicate with ghosts. If these mediums cannot reliably prove the existence of ghosts, it casts doubt on the idea that ghosts are real.} \\
\hline
\textbf{Claim \#2:} & \text{Halloween should be an official federal holiday.} \\
\textbf{Evidence \#2:} & \text{Holidays benefit the economy. If people didn’t have to work or go to school on Halloween, they would spend more money.} \\
\textbf{Justification:} & \text{Making Halloween an official federal holiday would give people extra time off, allowing them to spend more money on activities related to the holiday (e.g., costumes, decorations, treats). This increased spending can stimulate economic growth and benefit businesses.} \\
\hline
\end{array}
}
\]