Question

lexie is writing an argumentative essay about the benefits of allowing students to use cell phones in school. which evidence would best support lexies claim that cell phones can be used as educational tools?

because of the rapid development of technology, many people now believe that allowing students to use tools such as cell phones can actually improve their academic performance.

there are several applications available for cell phones that allow students to not only conduct experiments outside the classroom, but also allow them to interact with experts in various fields of study.

education must evolve with technology and allowing students to use cell phones for educational purposes has proven to engage students who are struggling or disinterested in academics.

students today are so immersed in the digital environment that it makes sense to allow them to use cell phones for educational tasks such as texting responses to questions and playing educational games.

Explanation:

Analyze the claim

The claim is that cell phones can be used as educational tools. We need concrete evidence supporting this specific utility.

Evaluate the options

• Option 1 discusses what "many people now believe" about academic performance. This is an opinion rather than concrete evidence of educational utility.
• Option 2 describes specific applications that allow students to conduct experiments and interact with experts. This directly demonstrates how the device functions as an educational tool.
• Option 3 states that education must evolve and mentions engagement, which is a general assertion rather than specific evidence of tool utility.
• Option 4 discusses students being immersed in digital environments and mentions texting, which is less focused on structured educational tools.

Apply mastered concepts

Using the Argumentative Evidence and Evaluating Claims knowledge points, we evaluate which option provides the most objective, specific, and direct support for the claim. Option 2 provides concrete examples of educational applications (conducting experiments, interacting with experts), making it the strongest evidence.

Answer:

• (A) Because of the rapid development of technology, many people now believe that allowing students to use tools such as cell phones can actually improve their academic performance.
• (B) There are several applications available for cell phones that allow students to not only conduct experiments outside the classroom, but also allow them to interact with experts in various fields of study. (Correct answer)
• (C) Education must evolve with technology and allowing students to use cell phones for educational purposes has proven to engage students who are struggling or disinterested in academics.
• (D) Students today are so immersed in the digital environment that it makes sense to allow them to use cell phones for educational tasks such as texting responses to questions and playing educational games.