READING & WRITING SKILLS

Which of these statements best describes the purpose of transitional words?

• They create a clear connection between a reason and its supporting evidence.
• They add more descriptive detail to the claim’s supporting evidence.
• They clarify how the writer feels about the claim being made in the essay.
• They identify the reasons being used to support the writer's claim.

Read this excerpt from an argumentative essay:
One explanation for why the national parks are so important is that they provide many Americans with the opportunity to experience wildlife in its natural habitat. Every major city in the United States has a zoo, which is great, but how much more significant is the sight of a brown bear in its natural setting rather than in a cage? A trip to a park like Yellowstone National Park may be the only chance a youngster from a place like New York City or Chicago will have to behold such a sight. If we, the American people, were to lose places like Yellowstone, it would be a travesty.
Where in an argumentative essay does this excerpt belong?

• in the opening
• in the body, as a reason
• in the body, addressing a counterclaim
• in the closing

While revising the draft for an argumentative essay, the writer should check for

• a strong claim, good reasons, and evidence from credible sources.
• a strong claim, one good supporting reason, and a credible source.
• a strong claim, credible reasons, and one good piece of evidence.
• a strong claim, strong reasons, and evidence from one credible source.

Tags

CCSS.W.6.1A

CCSS.W.6.1B

Is Coca-Cola or Pepsi better? Choose the STRONGEST claim:

• Coke is better than Pepsi because more people in the world like it.

• I believe Pepsi is better because it tastes better than Coke.

• Coca-Cola is better a drink than Pepsi.

• Coca-Cola has more sales and flavor options, and therefore, is better than Pepsi.

Textual evidence is ______________________________.

• a clue.
• facts, figures, details, quotations, or other sources of data and information that provide support for claims or an analysis and that can be evaluated by others.
• not necessary when making a claim.
• what proves guilt or innocence.

What is a claim? 

• A false statement 
• A true statement 
• A reasonable statement 
• An arguable statement 

What is evidence? 

• Information that ties your claim to your warrant.
• Information that disproves your claim. 
• Information that supports your claim.
• Information that supports your warrant. 

What is the purpose of a counterclaim? 

• It supports the original claim. 
• It proves the original claim. 
• It disproves the original claim. 
• It agrees with the original claim. 

__________proves the validity and authenticity of an idea, or point of view 

• Expository Writing 
• Descriptive Writing 
• Argumentative Writing 
• Narrative Writing 

Choose the best example of a good counterclaim to the claim below.
Claim: People should not eat red meat because it causes the suffering of innocent animals. 

• People should eat red meat because it tastes delicious. 
• People should not eat red meat because it is bad for them.
• People should eat red meat because human beings are naturally carnivores.
• People should eat red meat because it is high in protein.