Question

Read the following excerpt from an argumentative essay. Answer the question that follows: Critics might say that smart phones in the classroom cause too many distractions. A 2009 article in Education Magazine made just such a claim. Although cell phones can certainly cause distractions, current research suggests that teachers and students are putting phones to better use. A 2013 Educator Insider poll reveals that 67% of high school instructors now encourage students to use phones in the classroom setting. Students without phones are actually at a disadvantage in the classroom. The poll lists Internet access, spell checks, and collaboration as three key uses of smart phones in an educational setting. Based on this excerpt, what is most likely the original claim the author made in this argument? (5 points) Cell phones are awesome for many cool reasons. Cell phones are a major cause of distraction. Cell phones should be allowed in the classroom. Cell phones should not be allowed in the classroom.

Answer 1

Cell phones should be allowed in the classroom.

This part of the essay addresses the counterargument. While the paragraph starts by introducing a reason for not allowing cell phones in the classroom, the rest of the paragraph refutes that reason by using specific data and other pieces of evidence. This tells us that the author is trying to prove that cell phones should be allowed in the classroom.