Argumentative Essay Jeopardy

Introduction

100

Is the introduction the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd part of an argumentative essay?

The introduction is the 1st part of an argumentative essay.

200

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement is the author's main claim. It is the main idea of the whole essay.

300

What is the first sentence in the introduction called?

The first sentence in the introduction is called the Hook.

400

Is the following an example of a strong or weak thesis statement? Explain why. Dogs are fantastic pets because they are loyal, easy to train, and friends to the whole family.

The example is a strong thesis because it gives the author's position (dogs are fantastic pets), gives 3 supporting reasons (why dogs are fantastic pets), and is written in formal writing style (3rd person, no slang, no abbreviations, no contractions).

500

Label the hook, connecting sentences, and thesis statement in the following introduction. "Why do athletes train so hard? Athletes, such as LeBron James and Gabby Douglas, have to keep a healthy diet and prepare in many ways. No matter the sport, all of the best athletes practice their skills every day. To be successful, athletes must develop good habits, plan, and train hard."

Hook = "Why do athletes train so hard?" Connecting Sentences = "Athletes, such as LeBron James and Gabby Douglas, have to keep a healthy diet and prepare in many ways. No matter the sport, all of the best athletes practice their skills every day." Thesis = "To be successful, athletes must develop good habits, plan, and train hard."

Body Paragraphs

100

Is the body paragraph the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd part of an argumentative essay?

The body is the 2nd part of an argumentative essay.

200

What is a topic sentence?

A topic sentence tells the main idea of the whole body paragraph.

300

Where are the topic sentences located in a paragraph?

Topic sentences are the first sentence in each body paragraph.

400

What is evidence? Where do you gather your evidence?

Evidence is your proof and support for your claim/thesis. Evidence comes from sources (such as an article, book, or website).

500

Label the topic sentence, supporting details, and concluding sentence in the following body paragraph. "Second, year-round school is easier for working families. They have a hard time finding childcare or other activities to keep their children busy and cared for during the long summer break. Many working parents prefer to plan for shorter school breaks. Therefore, year-round school is less difficult for working parents."

Topic Sentence = "Second, year-round school is easier for working families." Supporting Details = "They have a hard time finding childcare or other activities to keep their children busy and cared for during the long summer break. Many working parents prefer to plan for shorter school breaks." Concluding Sentence = "Therefore, year-round school is less difficult for working parents."

Conclusion

100

Is the conclusion the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd part of an argumentative essay?

The conclusion is the 3rd part of an argumentative essay.

200

Why are conclusions important?

Conclusions are important because they restate the thesis and bring together the arguments and main ideas before the author gives a call to action.

300

What is an opposing claim?

An opposing claim states the opposite side from the author's.

400

What are transition words? Give an example of 3.

Transition words (or signal words) show a change in ideas. Some examples include: first, second, third, in conclusion, as can be seen, overall, furthermore, for example...

500

Label the restated thesis, opposing claim, and call to action in the following paragraph. "It is critical to understand that year-round school should exist because students lose knowledge over the summer, the long break is difficult for working families, and US students are falling behind students in Europe and Asia. Before one sees the research, year-round school might sound like a terrible idea. In fact, year-round school really is a wonderful solution for students. It will allow students to learn more and forget less. Therefore, if people want to help students learn more, year-round school should happen in more schools."

Restated Thesis = "It is critical to understand that year-round school should exist because students lose knowledge over the summer, the long break is difficult for working families, and US students are falling behind students in Europe and Asia." Opposing Claim = "Before one sees the research, year-round school might sound like a terrible idea." Call to Action = "Therefore, if people want to help students learn more, year-round school should happen in more schools."

Thesis

100

Is this a strong or weak thesis statement? Why?

Kids should not wear uniforms to school?

Weak because...

200

Where is the thesis in the following paragraph? 

Loyal. Loving. Dogs are a man's best friend! They come in all different shapes, sizes, and personalities. They are super helpful too. Everyone should consider getting a dog because they are good emotional support, can guard the house, and can  teach children responsibility.

Everyone should consider getting a dog because they are good emotional support, can guard the house, and can  teach children responsibility.

300

Is this a strong or weak thesis? Why?

Everyone should consider getting a dog because they are good emotional support, can guard the house, and can  teach children responsibility.

Strong

400

Is this a strong or weak thesis? If it is weak, correct it. If it is strong, explain what makes it strong.

"Playing team sports has many benefits."

Weak

500

What makes a thesis statement weak?

Statements in the beginning of the sentence such as "I believe", "I think", and "In my opinion"

3-4 sentences long

In the form of a question

Fact

Pathos, Ethos, Logos

100

List what each appeals to in the following order:

Pathos
Ethos
Logos

Emotion
Credibility
Logic

200

Is the following Pathos, Ethos, or Logos?

Ethos

300

What is a logical fallacy? 

Faulty reasoning, a mistaken belief

400

Is the following a logical fallacy or a rhetorical appeal?

"Everyone is happy with our company's policies. This means that there is no need to get feedback from our new employees."

Logical Fallacy

500

Is the following pathos, ethos, or logos?

"The data is perfectly clear: this investment has consistently turned a profit year-over-year, even in spite of market declines in other areas."

Logos