Argumentative Techniques
Which statement is a clear claim?
A. School lunches include fruits and vegetables.
B. Many students eat lunch at 12:30 p.m.
C. Schools should provide free breakfast to all students.
D. Cafeterias are usually crowded.
C. Schools should provide free breakfast to all students.
Mini-Passage:
In 2024, 82% of middle school students reported using educational apps weekly, according to a national survey.
Why does the author include this statistic?
A. To entertain readers
B. To show how common app usage is
C. To criticize technology
D. To compare teachers and students
B. To show how common app usage is
Which sentence uses the progressive verb tense?
A. She runs daily.
B. She has run daily.
C. She is running daily.
D. She ran daily.
C. She is running daily.
What does the word corroborates most nearly mean?
A. contradicts
B. supports with evidence
C. ignores
D. questions
B. supports with evidence
Dear City Council Members, I am writing to request improved street lighting near our neighborhood park.
Who is the intended audience?
City Council Members
Mini-Passage:
Many schools are removing vending machines from hallways. While some students argue that snacks help them focus, research shows sugary foods cause energy crashes. Schools must prioritize student health over convenience.
What technique does the author use most to support the argument?
A. Emotional storytelling
B. Research evidence
C. Personal attack
D. Humor
B. Research evidence
Mini-Passage:
Online learning allows students to access lessons anytime. However, it also requires strong time-management skills.
What text structure is used?
A. Cause and effect
B. Problem and solution
C. Compare and contrast
D. Chronological order
C. Compare and contrast
Which sentence correctly uses commas for a nonessential phrase?
A. My cousin who lives in Florida is visiting.
B. My cousin, who lives in Florida, is visiting.
C. My cousin who lives, in Florida is visiting.
D. My cousin who lives in Florida, is visiting.
B. My cousin, who lives in Florida, is visiting.
The scientist integrates data from multiple experiments into her final report.
What does “integrates” mean?
Combines information into one unified report.
If a speech is delivered at graduation, what is the context?
Answer:
A graduation ceremony.
Mini-Passage:
Should students really have to pay to participate in school clubs? Is opportunity only for those who can afford it?
What argumentative technique is used?
A. Statistical evidence
B. Counterargument
C. Rhetorical questions
D. Personal anecdote
C. Rhetorical questions
How do the text feature subheadings like “Benefits of Exercise” and “Risks of Inactivity” help readers?
They organize information by clearly separating ideas.
Which revision corrects the dangling modifier?
Running down the hallway, the backpack fell off Marcus’s shoulder.
A. Running down the hallway, Marcus’s backpack fell.
B. Running down the hallway, Marcus dropped his backpack.
C. The backpack running down the hallway fell.
D. Running down the hallway, the hallway was crowded.
B. Running down the hallway, Marcus dropped his backpack.
What does the word integrate mean in academic writing?
To combine information smoothly into a text.
Students, imagine a school where every voice is heard.
Who is the target audience?
Students
Mini-Passage:
Some believe homework should be eliminated. However, studies from the National Education Board show students who practice skills at home improve test scores by 15%.
How does the author corroborate the claim?
Answer:
By including research and statistics that support the claim.
Recycling reduces landfill waste. For example, aluminum can be reused multiple times without losing quality.
Using an example to clarify information.
Which text mode is primarily used in a speech that thanks supporters after winning an award?
A. Narrative
B. Informational
C. Argumentative
D. Technical
A. Narrative
Mini-Passage:
The witness corroborates the story by providing security footage.
How does the footage corroborate the story?
It provides evidence that supports the claim.
If an author wants readers to donate to a charity, what is the author’s purpose?
A. To persuade
B. To Inform
C. To entertain
A. To Persuade
Which revision would strengthen an argument about longer recess improving student focus?
A. Add a personal opinion about playground equipment.
B. Include a study showing improved concentration after physical activity.
C. Remove opposing viewpoints.
D. Add unrelated statistics about cafeteria menus.
B. Include a study showing improved concentration after physical activity.
How does integrating research into the introduction improve an informational text?
A. It makes the conclusion longer.
B. It establishes credibility and context early.
C. It removes the need for examples later.
D. It makes the text more emotional.
B. It establishes credibility and context early.
How does delaying the main topic in an introduction most affect the reader?
A. It confuses readers permanently.
B. It builds suspense and encourages deeper thinking.
C. It removes the need for a conclusion.
D. It shortens the text.
Answer: B
Which sentence correctly uses both words?
A. The author corroborates her claim by integrating research into the paragraph.
B. The author integrates her claim by corroborating it with no evidence.
C. The author corroborates without proof.
D. The author integrates by disagreeing.
A. The author corroborates her claim by integrating research into the paragraph.
Mini-Passage:
Many families struggle to participate in school sports because of transportation costs, work schedules, and tournament fees. As a result, only students from certain economic backgrounds are able to compete regularly.
What is the main idea or central idea of this passage?
A. Sports tournaments are too long.
B. Some families do not enjoy athletics.
C. Economic barriers limit who can participate in school sports.
D. All students should join at least one team.
Answer: C – Economic barriers limit who can participate in school sports.