The Argumentative Essay

Select all the contrasting transitions from the list below:

• on the other hand

• therefore

• however

• consequently

• notwithstanding

Select the list of transitions that would be used to show sequence.

• also, in the same way, likewise

• but, still, yet

• after, at last, before

• first, second, third

The transitions even, indeed, in fact, and truly are used to indicate:

• Example

• Emphasis

• Contrast

• Conclusion

Select from the list below, all the statements that make use of formal language.

• I showed you that his arguments didn’t hold water.

• Five more tests will be necessary before the experiment can be concluded.

• It is not clear why such terrible conditions were tolerated for so long.

• I wonder why he put up with those terrible conditions for so long.

• There are a number of reasons why the questionnaire should be revised.

Is the following paragraph expository or argumentative?

• Expository

• Argumentative

Which of the following sentences is the main idea in the following paragraph?

• Truly, different people act differently under stress.

• Many people find working under pressure or against deadlines

  highly stimulating, providing the motivation to do their best.

• Yet others crumble when the crunch is on or the overload light

  flashes.

• Some take life’s large and small obstacles in stride,

  regarding them as a challenge to succeed in spite of everything.

All of the following are features of the argumentative essay, EXCEPT:

• The purpose is to convince.

• It makes use of objective language.

• It uses both facts and opinions.

• It is a discourse on a controversial issue.

Identify the argumentative statement from those below:

• The mongoose has a long narrow build appropriate to the pursuit of snakes, and its brownish grey fur makes it almost invisible.

• The mongoose must have contributed to the eradication of snakes, because there is evidence that the snake population fell drastically (for no other apparent reason) shortly after it was introduced.

• A mongoose is normally hostile to snakes.

• The mongoose gripped the snake behind its head and finished it. The child was saved, and his parents were delighted to let him keep the mongoose as a pet.

The statement "Following the 2012 Olympic Games hosted in London, the UK Trade and Investment department reported a £9.9 billion boost to the economy. Although it is expensive to host the Olympics, if done right, they can provide real jobs and economic growth. This city should consider placing a bid to host the Olympics." is argumentative.

• True

• False

The statement "Many people associate the taste of pumpkins with fall. In October, companies from Starbucks to McDonalds roll out their pumpkin-flavored lattes and desserts. Here is how to make an easy pumpkin pie using only five ingredients. First, make sure you have all of the ingredients." is argumentative.

• True

• False