Vocab 1
What does infer mean?
To reach a conclusion based on evidence that is not directly stated.
Which word shows possibility: must, could, definitely?
"Could"
What are the two types of responses taught in the textbook?
Discussion and persuasive
Identify verb: Schools should provide students with more opportunities to read.
provide
What is a counterargument?
An argument or position that challenges or provides an alternative to your own argument.
What does feasible mean?
Possible or practical to achieve.
Is "could" hedged or committed language?
Hedged language.
What is the purpose of a discussion response?
Its purpose is to explore different realistic solutions, weighing their strengths and weaknesses fairly.
Identify the verb: "The government should introduce new rules."
introduce
Why should you address the strongest opposing argument rather than the weakest one?
Because successfully responding to the strongest rival makes your own argument more convincing. The textbook explicitly warns against choosing the easiest rival.
What does incentive mean?
Something that encourages someone to do something.
What is the effect of using "must" in an argument?
It creates a strong, committed tone and expresses necessity.
What is the difference between a discussion and a persuasive response?
Identify the conjunction: "The plan is expensive but effective."
BUT
Identify the counterargument: "Some people argue that school uniforms are too expensive. However, uniforms can actually reduce pressure to buy fashionable clothes."
"Some people argue that school uniforms are too expensive.
What does concede mean?
To admit that something is true or valid, even while maintaining your overall argument.
What does "Admittedly... nevertheless..." allow a writer to do?
It allows the writer to acknowledge a genuine limitation or opposing point while maintaining their overall argument.
Put these in the correct order: body paragraphs, introduction, conclusion, counterargument.
Find the modality word: Schools must introduce a clear phone policy because it will reduce distractions."
Must and Will
Why is this a not a good counterargument? "Some people think students should have less homework because they want to be lazy."
The writer has unfairly weakened or misrepresented the opposing position instead of presenting its strongest version.
Explain the difference between feasible and effective.
A student writes: "This solution might be the best approach, and it could solve the problem." What type of response does this language better suit, and why?
The language is hedged — might and could — so it better suits discussion writing, where the writer weighs possibilities rather than committing strongly from the beginning.
A persuasive response has an introduction, two body paragraphs, a counterargument and a conclusion. What is the purpose of each section?
Rewrite this sentence to make it more persuasive: "Schools could perhaps consider limiting phone use because it may help students concentrate."
"Schools must limit phone use because doing so will help certainly help students concentrate."
Write a counterargument and rebuttal to: "Schools should ban mobile phones because phones always distract students."
Counterargument: Some people argue that students should be allowed to keep their phones because phones can be useful for communication and emergencies.
Rebuttal: However, allowing phones to remain accessible during lessons creates unnecessary distractions. Schools can provide alternative ways for students to contact their families when necessary while keeping phones away during learning time.