Stating a clear argument

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes the main purpose of an argument in academic writing?

• To entertain the reader

• To present a viewpoint supported by evidence and reasoning

• To summarize information

• To provide instructions

Categorize

Options (4)

Studies prove that online learning is less effective than in-person learning.

Some researchers believe that online learning may not work for all students.

Social media reduces students’ ability to focus in class.

Studies suggest that social media has a negative effect on learning.

Which arguments introduce stronger claims? Which arguments are more cautious/ tentative?

Stronger claim

More cautious/ tentative

Open Ended

Why might a writer choose to use a tentative argument instead of a strong one?

Multiple Choice

Which of the following factors influence whether you should make a strong or tentative argument in academic writing?

• Evidence

• Audience

• Purpose

• All of the answers

Multiple Choice

Which of the following situations is NOT appropriate for using strong language in academic writing?

• When stating established facts

• When presenting a clear conclusion based on strong evidence

• When making a clear argument supported by evidence

• When discussing a theory that is still being tested

Multiple Select

Select all the sentences that are examples of tentative arguments.

• Artificial intelligence will bring benefits for education.

• Artificial intelligence could bring benefits for education.

• It is possible that artificial intelligence will benefit education.

• Artificial intelligence is sure to benefit education.

Categorize

Options (15)

Studies prove that online learning is less effective than in-person learning.

Some researchers believe that online learning may not work for all students.

Social media reduces students’ ability to focus in class.

Studies suggest that social media has a negative effect on learning.

Research shows that students who study in groups outperform those who study alone.

Evidence confirms that a balanced diet leads to better concentration in students.

Studies demonstrate that early exposure to technology enhances learning outcomes.

Research proves that bilingual students have superior cognitive skills compared to monolingual students.

Statistics show that students who participate in extracurricular activities have higher graduation rates.

Some studies indicate that group study might benefit certain students more than others.

There is a possibility that regular exercise could have varying effects on academic performance.

Some evidence suggests that a balanced diet may improve concentration in some students.

Research has shown that technology use in education might not be beneficial for every learner.

It is suggested that bilingual education could enhance cognitive skills, but results may vary.

Some findings indicate that participation in extracurricular activities might correlate with graduation rates.

Which arguments introduce stronger claims? Which arguments are more cautious/ tentative?

Stronger claim

More cautious/ tentative

Multiple Choice

Identify two verbs of certainty commonly used in strong language.

• demonstrate, prove

• suggest, indicate

• appear, seem

• propose, theorize

Multiple Choice

Identify two modal verbs commonly used to express uncertainty (being tentative).

• will, can

• could, may

• might, does

• will, won't

Multiple Choice

Which of the following phrases is most likely to be used in tentative language?

• it is undeniable that

• it is possible that

• it is crucial that

• this proves that

Open Ended

How would you write this as a stronger claim?:

The research suggests that early help for children might aid brain development.

Open Ended

How would you write this as a stronger claim?:

It appears that some foods could be linked to an increased risk of heart disease.

Open Ended

How would you write this as a stronger claim?:

The study seems to show that many people may prefer to learn by seeing.

What is a strong claim versus a tentative claim in academic arguments? Why, how and when do we use each one? Can you give some specific examples?