Question

research workshop: writing and presenting the argumentative essay, part 1
pre-test complete
1
read this claim from an argumentative essay about zoos.
zoos help to protect endangered animals, so they are necessary for animal conservation.
which piece of evidence, if true, would best support this claim?
○ removing animals from the wild and placing them in zoos can contribute to the endangerment of their species.
○ specialists can breed animals at zoos to help increase their population.
○ many animals die prematurely in zoos because they are exposed to diseases.
○ funding sources for zoos can be limited, and they often rely on donations from the public.

Explanation:

The claim is that zoos are necessary for animal conservation as they help protect endangered animals. We need to find evidence that supports this.

• The first option says removing animals to zoos contributes to endangerment, which weakens the claim.
• The second option states specialists can breed animals in zoos to increase their population. Breeding to increase population is a way to protect endangered animals, so this supports the claim.
• The third option says animals die prematurely in zoos due to diseases, which weakens the claim.
• The fourth option is about funding sources, which is not related to whether zoos help protect endangered animals.

Answer:

B. Specialists can breed animals at zoos to help increase their population.