Parts of an Argument
Name the part of an argumentative essay that states the writer’s main position in one clear sentence.
What is a claim?
What rhetorical device uses a question asked for effect, not to get an answer?
What is a Rhetorical Question?
In one sentence, what does "juxtaposition" mean in writing?
What is placing two contrasting ideas close together to highlight differences or create emphasis?
Which skill focuses on correcting punctuation, capitalization, and spelling: revising or editing?
Editing
What fallacy applies a broad statement to all cases?
What is a Sweeping Generalization?
Which paragraph typically presents background information and explains why the issue matters before the claim is stated?
What is the introductory paragraph?
Name the device that appeals to the reader’s emotions (for example, creating sympathy or anger).
What is Pathos?
How can juxtaposition help make an argument stronger? Give a short example (two contrasting ideas).
Juxtaposition highlights contrasts to make a point more clear (example: "smaller class sizes vs. crowded classrooms")
Rewrite this sentence to correct grammar and clarity: "Me and my friend believes school should start later for better grades."
"My friend and I believe school should start later so students can get better grades."
Which fallacy starts an argument with what they want it to end with?
Circular Reasoning
What are the parts of a body paragraph in an argumentative essay?
What is: topic sentence, reason, evidence and elaboration?
Define "ethos" and explain how an author can create ethos in an argumentative essay.
Ethos: credibility or ethical appeal; authors create ethos by demonstrating knowledge, citing reputable sources, using fair tone, or showing experience/character.
Identify a place in an argumentative essay where juxtaposition might be used effectively and explain why.
In the introduction or a body paragraph to compare the effects of two policies and emphasize the better choice
Identify one revision strategy that improves organization and explain how it helps an argumentative essay.
Strategy: Rearranging paragraphs to group similar reasons together; helps flow and clarity
Explain why "appeal to popularity" (bandwagon) can be a weak way to support an argument.
Because popularity doesn't prove truth or correctness; it only shows many people agree, not that the claim is valid
Identify the part of an essay that addresses opposing viewpoints and explains why they are less convincing.
What is the counterargument AND rebuttal?
Explain "logos" and give an example of a logical appeal using a statistic (write the statistic as part of your answer).
Logos: appeal to logic—example: "A study found that 85%85% of students improved focus after changes to schedules." (Remember to verify stats.)
Read the short example below and explain the purpose of the juxtaposition: "Some students thrive with early classes; others arrive tired and unfocused."
Shows contrast between two outcomes to help the reader see both sides and feel the difference
Provide an edited version of this sentence that fixes passive voice and wordiness: "It is believed by many students that longer class periods are beneficial."
Edited: "Many students believe longer class periods are beneficial."
Identify the fallacy in this statement and explain why it is faulty: "Either we ban all phones at school or students will never learn to focus."
False dilemma (either/or fallacy) — it ignores other possible solutions or middle ground
Identify what you use to back up your reason.
What is support (or evidence)?
Identify and explain the rhetorical device that compares two unlike things using "like" or "as," and write a short sentence using that device related to school lunch.
Simile; example: "School lunch is like a fuel tank — without good fuel, students can't run the day."
Create a two-sentence pair that uses juxtaposition to support an argument about homework policies.
Example pair: "Some students complete homework in an hour and still have time for rest. Others spend three hours nightly and feel burned out." Purpose: to show contrast in time and stress.
Given this short draft paragraph, list two specific editing changes and two revising changes you would make (do not rewrite whole paragraph; just name changes): "School should start later. Students will do better. Teachers will also like it sometimes. There are many reasons why."
Editing changes: fix capitalization, correct "sometimes" placement, change "Me and my friend" to "My friend and I"; Revising changes: add specific evidence to "Students will do better," clarify who "Teachers" are and why they would like it
Present a short claim related to school uniforms and then intentionally include a logical fallacy; name the fallacy and explain why it weakens the argument.
Example claim with fallacy: "Everyone at our school wants uniforms, so they must be the best choice." Fallacy: Appeal to popularity; weak because it ignores reasons and evidence for or against uniforms