Basics
What is the main goal of an argumentative essay?
To persuade the reader using reasons and evidence.
What are the three types of claims?
What is a counterclaim?
An opposing opinion or position.
Your school wants to ban phones during class. What should you use to make your argument stronger: evidence or just your opinion?
Evidence.
A passage says students can find more information online, but they need to check if their sources are reliable. What is the main idea?
Students have more access to information, but they must check if it is reliable.
What do we call a statement that gives the writer's main position?
A claim.
Which is stronger evidence: a friend's opinion or a study by experts?
A study by experts.
What do we call the writer's response to a counterclaim?
A rebuttal.
Carlo says students should have a casual-clothing day because his friends like the idea. What is the problem with his evidence?
It is based mostly on personal opinions.
A passage explains that parks can help people exercise, meet others, and enjoy their community. What is the main idea?
Public spaces can provide physical, social, and community benefits.
Which is a stronger claim: “Many students use phones” or “Students should limit phone use during class”?
“Students should limit phone use during class.”
Why should writers use credible evidence?
It makes the argument more trustworthy.
If someone says, “Homework helps students learn,” and you explain that too much homework can hurt sleep, what are you giving?
A rebuttal.
Your school wants more recycling bins. Which is stronger evidence: “I like recycling” or a school study showing that much of the school's trash could be recycled?
The school study.
A passage explains that mistakes help students learn when they use feedback to improve. What is the main idea?
Mistakes can help students learn and grow.
What should an argumentative essay usually have after the introduction and claim?
Reasons and evidence.
What is wrong with this claim: “All teenagers are irresponsible”?
It is an overgeneralization.
Why is it helpful to include a counterclaim in an argument?
It shows that the writer understands another point of view and can respond to it.
Which is the stronger thesis?
“Community service is good.”
“Students should participate in community service because it builds skills, responsibility, and stronger communities.”
The second thesis.
A passage explains that buses and trains can reduce traffic and help communities, but they need to be safe, reliable, and convenient. What is the main idea?
Public transportation has many benefits, but it must be reliable and accessible.
What is the main job of the conclusion?
To remind readers of the main argument and leave them with a final thought or call to action.
Which is stronger evidence for the importance of reading: “I love reading” or research showing that reading improves vocabulary?
Research showing that reading improves vocabulary.
A student says uniforms are helpful because they make clothing differences less noticeable. The student then admits uniforms can limit self-expression but suggests free-dress days. What two strategies are being used?
A counterclaim and a rebuttal.
A student argues that schools should reduce homework. The student says homework can help students learn but too much homework can take away time for sleep and family. What argumentative strategy is the student using?
A counterclaim and rebuttal.
A passage explains that classroom discussions help students hear different opinions and improve their thinking and communication skills. What is the main idea?
Respectful discussions help students understand different views and develop important skills.