Unit 2 Argumentative Elements Study Guide

Explain the components of an effective thesis statement.

• A thesis statement is made up of an argument, your main claim, and reasons that support your main claim.

• A thesis statement is made up of an argument.

• A thesis statement is made up of an argument and your main claim.

Write a counter-argument and rebuttal to the argument “Stores should be allowed to use high-tech surveillance technology to monitor customers while in their stores in order to enhance the shopping experience.”

• Stores should not be allowed to use high-tech surveillance technology to monitor customers while in their stores in order to enhance the shopping experience.

• Stores should not be allowed to use technology to spy on customers while they are in a public space.

• Stores should be allowed to use high-tech surveillance technology to monitor customers while in their stores in order to enhance the shopping experience.

Analyze each pair of statements and determine which of the pair is an example of a thesis statement.

• Stephen King is the world’s most renowned horror author thanks to his impressive literary output, many awards and the numerous film adaptations of his work.

• The following essay describes how popular horror novelist Stephen King, author of Carrie, Misery and The Shining, built a successful career as a full-time author.

Analyze each pair of statements and determine which of the pair is an example of a thesis statement.

• Each year, hundreds of mountaineers seeking to climb Mt. Everest, the world’s highest mountain, must pass through either Nepal or Tibet in order to gain access to the mountain.

• Mt. Everest ought to be closed to expeditions due to its dangerous conditions, the damage caused by tourists and the depletion of local villages’ water supplies.

Analyze each pair of statements and determine which of the pair is an example of a thesis statement.

• Extending the school year creates burnout because it prevents students from exploring other activities, recovering energy during the summer and spending time with family.

• How will extending the school year help to prevent students from losing educational gains made over the course of the academic year during summer vacation periods?

Based on your understanding of a thesis statement explain in your own words what makes this statement just a statement and not a thesis statement.

“In response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Congress passed legislation to create the Transportation Security Administration.”

• It is merely stating an opinion.

• It is merely stating a claim.

• It Is merely stating a fact and not making a claim.

Break down the parts of the following thesis statement (claim + reasons).

Solar panels are an excellent investment because they help lower electric bills, raise the market value of a house and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

• Solar panels are an excellent investment (claim) because they help lower electric bills, raise the market value of a house and reduce carbon dioxide emissions (reason).

• Solar panels are an excellent investment (claim) because they help lower electric bills, raise the market value of a house and reduce carbon dioxide emissions(reason).

• Solar panels(claim) are an excellent investment because they help lower electric bills, raise the market value of a house and reduce carbon dioxide emissions (reason).

What makes the statement in question 5 a true thesis statement?

• It is merely an opinion not supported by any research.

• It presents an opinion.

• It presents an argument with relative reasons to support the argument.

Analyze the following statements and identify whether they are facts or opinions.

It costs over two hundred thousand dollars per hour to fly Air Force One, the official airplane of the President of the United States.

• Fact

• Opinion

Analyze the following statements and identify whether they are facts or opinions.

The greatest benefit of Parkour training is that it teaches people to see obstacles and challenges as opportunities.

• Fact

• Opinion