Try to identify the author’s claim as you read this passage. The most interesting do-it-yourself-trend in recent years may be that of keeping chickens as pets—not in an agricultural or rural setting, but rather in a typical suburban neighborhood, in the backyard. It’s not as hard as you may think, and start-up costs are surprisingly low.

What is the author’s claim in this argument?

Keeping chickens in your backyard is a crazy new trend.

Chickens make better pets than most other farm animals.

Chickens are cleaner and less noisy than most people think they are.

City chicken-farming is easier and less expensive than most people think.

Which theme is best supported by the descriptive detail in this passage from my antonia

Why does the author's description of the mercury boiler—"the mercury, when vaporized, going into a mercury turbine and then into a condenser, remaining hot enough to generate steam in a steam boiler"—intentionally incorporate such highly technical language? using technical language establishes the expertise of the writer and convey the complex nature of the process being described. using technical language allows the writer to subtly poke fun at those who seek to make basic processes seem overly complicated. using technical language encourages readers to develop deeper and more meaningful personal connections to the information. using technical language lets the writer make clear to readers that the article is intended for readers who are themselves experts on electricity.

In an essay, a strong argument does not state a clear claim. has little or no logic. uses few or no sources. is supported with sources.