Argument Writing Review

Multiple Choice

What is the type of writing that tries to convince the reader of something?

• Narrative

• Argumentative

• Descriptive

Essay Structure

Many essays follow a FIVE PARAGRAPH structure. This is an easy format to remember, and it allows you to clearly state your ideas.

Our argumentative essay will include:

Introduction/Claim Paragraph

Body 1

Body 2

Body 3

Conclusion Paragraph

Multiple Choice

How many paragraphs should your argumentative essay have?

• 2

• At least 5

• 3

Introduction Paragraph

Your introduction paragraph tells the reader what you are going to write about in your essay. The intro paragraph should tell the reader:

Which side you are taking (Claim)

The three REASONS you will give

Body Paragraphs

A basic body paragraph:

Tells ONE of your reasons

Cites evidence

Explains how that evidence shows your reason is true

Multiple Choice

How many reasons should you include in each body paragraph?

• Only 1

• 3

• 4 or more

What Your Body Paragraphs Should Look Like

Reason: Share a reason behind your claim/argument.

Evidence 1: Share your first piece of evidence (facts, statistics, experiences, observations, etc.).

Evidence 2: Share your second piece of evidence (facts, statistics, experiences, observations, etc.).

Explain: Explain why your evidence is important.

Conclusion: Share your reason again.

Body Paragraph - Example

Reason: Takis have a better flavor than hot cheetos.

Evidence 1: To see how unique Takis flavor really is, you only need to look at the bag.

Evidence 2: Each bag of Takis includes a picture of a lime, highlighting its lime flavor (Takis 3).

Explain: This is unique to Takis alone, Cheetos don’t have any lime!

Conclusion: This shows that Takis have a special flavor.

Multiple Choice

What TYPE of sentence is NOT in a body paragraph?

• Reason

• Evidence

• Introduction

Conclusion Paragraph

Your conclusion paragraph tells the reader what you just explained in your essay. The conclusion paragraph should:

Tell us again which side you supported/argued (claim)

Summarize your three reasons

End with a strong statement about WHY you are correct

Multiple Choice

What is the purpose of argumentative writing?

• to convince

• to inform

• to entertain

Multiple Choice

The writer's argument can also be called their...

• evidence

• claim

• reason

Multiple Choice

Each of the following are examples of evidence EXCEPT...

• facts

• observations

• experiences

• opinions

Multiple Choice

An arguable statement that can be proven with evidence.

• Evidence

• Argumentative Writing

• Claim

Multiple Choice

The people you are trying to convince are known as your _____?

• Argument

• Con

• Audience

Multiple Choice

What is evidence?

• Facts, experiences, observations, examples that prove reasoning

• The writer’s argument that they are trying to prove

• Connects the evidence to the claim

Multiple Choice

Your reasoning should always be supported by what?

• Evidence

• Claims

• Arguments

Multiple Select

What is the purpose of having evidence in an argumentative essay?

• To prove your claim and support your reasons

• To distract your audience

• To make it longer

Multiple Choice

Once you write your evidence, what do you need to do after?

• Explain your evidence

• Nothing

• Restate the quote

Multiple Choice

The first paragraph in an argumentative essay is called...

• Conclusion

• Body paragraph 1

• Introduction

Multiple Select

The introduction has...

• A hook

• Counterclaim

• Background information

• A claim that lets the reader know what you're arguing and your reasons why

Multiple Choice

Read the introduction to a student's essay.

Students should speak up when they see someone cheating in class. Doing so lets cheaters know that people are watching and consequences will follow.

What claim is this writer making in the essay's introduction?

• Students often notice when their peers are cheating.

• Students are willing to look the other way when they see peers cheating.

• Students should report cheaters so the practice can be stopped.

• Students are aware that cheating is wrong but are willing to risk it.

Multiple Choice

The body paragraphs contain...

• A summary of what you are arguing

• characters

• Reasons proven with evidence and explanations

Multiple Choice

Which answer option argues that sports are good for students?

• Some kids like school sports because they are very athletic, and other kids do not like sports.

• Sports provide kids with an opportunity to exercise, and they help students feel like part of a team.

• I understand why some people do not like sports, and I also see why some students really love sports.

Multiple Choice

Sixth-grade science camp is an important tradition at our school. I feel that it would be unfair to the students if science camp were dropped from our calendar this year. Science camp provides students with opportunities to learn in a unique place. It provides hands-on experience with nature and animals. Sixth-grade science camp is a very special part of our education.

Which answer option best shows Tyler's argument on science camp?

• Science camp is too expensive.

• Science camp is too dangerous.

• Science camp is important and should continue.

Multiple Choice

School uniforms are a good idea as they help students focus on schoolwork. I believe that a school uniform policy would help us become better students. Uniforms take pressure off kids to dress fashionably or expensively. Because everyone is dressed the same, uniforms help students to be less distracted by T-shirts or crazy styles. Uniforms take the attention away from what kids are wearing and focuses it on what they are learning.

Which answer option best shows Monique's argument over school uniforms?

• School uniforms are a good idea.

• School uniforms are expensive.

• School uniforms are a bad idea.

Multiple Choice

Sugary drinks are not good for kids. Too much soda has been proven to weaken bones and cause tooth decay. Sugary drinks also contain many calories with no nutrition. Kids who drink too much soda can gain weight, which leads to more health problems. I encourage my friends to drink lots of water and say “no” to soda.

Which best shows Alexa’s argument on soda?

• Soda tastes delicious.

• Soda is unhealthy for kids.

• Sugary drinks improve health.

Multiple Choice

Connor is writing an argumentative essay about language.

Which best supports his claim/argument that students should learn a second language?

• In my opinion, Italian is the most beautiful of all the languages. It sounds musical and romantic.

• Teachers say that students who learn to speak a second language tend to perform better in other academic subjects.

• Mandarin Chinese is spoken by more people in the world than any other language.

Multiple Choice

Argumentative essays do NOT include the word 'I.' Which answer option shows you a claim/argument without the word 'I' ?

• I agree because it is important, they’re nice, and cheap.

• Students should wear uniforms because it is important to maintain order on school grounds, they maintain a professional atmosphere, and they save people money.

• Yes, I think students should wear uniforms for various reasons. These reasons include, money, time, and safety.

Multiple Choice

It is important to buy books for the library. Kids will have more opportunities to read. They can save money by checking out books. Plus, the school will not have to wait as long to read our favorite book!

Which sentence is the claim/argument?

• It is important to buy books for the library.

• Kids will have more opportunities to read.

• They can save money by checking out books.