Argumentative Essay Jeopardy

Introduction

100

Is the introduction the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th 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, 3rd, or 4th 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

Before even your topic sentence, what should come first in a body paragraph?

Transition words and phrases! 

400

Name one important thing to keep in mind when citing evidence.

1. ALWAYS introduce the evidence.

2. ALWAYS use quotation marks. 

3. ALWAYS explain the evidence.

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."

Counter Argument

100

What is the counter-argument paragraph for?

The counter-argument paragraph acknowledges the other side of the debate in order to then show why that side is still wrong.

200

Does the counter-argument come before or after the conclusion?

The counter-argument paragraph comes before the conclusion.

300

What is the best sentence starter for your counter-argument? 

-Some may say...

-Some may argue...

400

If the counter-argument is the OTHER side of the debate, what do we call our response to the counter-argument? Hint: This will support the claim!

The rebuttal!

500

What would be a good counter-argument for this? 

Winter is the best season because you get a holiday break!

BONUS: What would be a rebuttal to your answer?

Answers will vary.

Conclusion

100

Which paragraph is the conclusion paragraph?

THE LAST!

200

What 3 things does a conclusion do? (Name as many as you can!)

1. Restates the claim.

2. Reviews the reasons.

3. Ends with a closing or *mic drop moment*!

300

What kind of transition word would you start your conclusion paragraph with?

In conclusion, 

400

What are transition words? Give an example of 5.

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

How are you doing today?

Answers will vary but hopefully you're doing great.