Argumentative Essays
What is the main claim or position called in an argumentative essay?
Thesis or claim
What is the primary purpose of an informative (expository) essay?
To explain or inform the reader about a topic without arguing for a side.
What counts as supporting evidence in academic writing? Give one simple example.
Data, facts, quotes, statistics, or expert testimony. Example: According to a 2020 study, 70% of students reported better focus."
What does "reasoning" do in an argumentative paragraph?
It explains how evidence supports the claim; it connects claim and evidence.
What is an in-text citation used for?
To show where information or ideas came from and give credit to sources.
Name two components that belong in the introductory paragraph of a five-paragraph argumentative essay.
(need at least 2 of these) Hook, bridge, thesis statement
List the standard five-paragraph structure (by paragraph role) for an informative essay.
Introduction, body paragraph 1 (support), body paragraph 2 (support), body paragraph 3 (support), conclusion
Distinguish between a fact and an opinion (one short sentence each).
Answers may vary. Example: Fact - The sky is blue. Opinion - I wish the sky was purple.
What is a logical connector phrase that introduces a reason (give two examples)?
Examples: "Because," "Since," "Therefore," "As a result."
What is a topic sentence’s role in a paragraph?
Introduces the paragraph’s main idea.
What is a counterclaim, and where is it usually placed in a five-paragraph argumentative essay?
A counterclaim is an opposing viewpoint; it is placed in the counterargument paragraph (the fourth paragraph).
Write an example thesis statement that answers the following prompt: How can students prepare for a test?
Name two reliable source types students should look for when collecting evidence for a school research paper.
.gov and .edu websites, peer-reviewed articles, books from reputable publishers, official reports, educational databases.
Which of the following is an example of reasoning?
A. 80% of Mrs. Vaught's students passed last quarter.
B. In addition, Ms. Crockett is the best teacher on campus.
C. Therefore, students at Mountain Trail Middle School learn more than students at other middle schools.
C. Therefore, students at Mountain Trail Middle School learn more than students at other middle schools.
In MLA format, what basic pieces of information appear in a parenthetical in-text citation for a source with an author?
Author's last name and page number (if available) in parentheses: (Lee 45).
Write a concise thesis statement (one sentence) for an essay arguing that school start times should be later for middle and high school students.
Answers may vary. Example: School start times should be later for middle and high school students because it would increase their energy levels and help with attendance issues.
Write a one-sentence topic sentence appropriate for the second body paragraph of an informative essay about renewable energy (solar, hydroelectric, wind, etc.).
Answers may vary. Example: Solar, wind, and hydroelectric sources each provide renewable energy that reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Given this claim—"School uniforms improve student focus"—write one piece of evidence (short, specific) that could support it.
A district survey found teacher reports of in-class disruptions decreased by 15% after uniforms were introduced.
Describe the difference between reasoning and evidence in one clear sentence.
Evidence is the factual support; reasoning interprets and explains why that evidence matters for the claim.
Identify and correct any errors in this sentence: "its important to proofread your essay before you turn it in."
It's important to proofread your essay before you turn it in.
Describe the purpose of a conclusion paragraph in an argumentative essay and all three of its parts.
The purpose of a conclusion paragraph is to wrap up your argument. The three parts are: restate thesis, summarize main reasons, call to action/closing sentence.
Explain how the concluding paragraph in an informative essay differs from that in an argumentative essay.
Informative conclusions summarize key information rather than restating a position or urging action.
Explain how to evaluate a website’s credibility (list two clear checks a student can make).
Check author credentials, publication date, domain (.edu/.gov preferred), citations and references, cross-check with other sources.
Provide a brief example (1–2 sentences) of reasoning that links the evidence "attendance improved by 8% after after-school tutoring started" to the claim "after-school tutoring improves student performance."
Answers may vary. (Example) "Attendance rose 8% after tutoring began; improved attendance likely gave students more instructional time, which supports the claim that tutoring improves performance."
Identify and correct any errors in this sentence: "some people may argue that homework is necessary however it is actualy harmful for student"
Some people may argue that homework is necessary, however, it is actually harmful for students.