Argument Writing Pretest Grade 8 ELA

What is a claim?

• A. Something you do when you want to buy property.

• B. The facts used in an argument.

• C. Something that has to be proved in a court of law.

• D. A statement that establishes a belief that can be defended using evidence in a paper.

Which sentence best describes argument writing?

• A. The author's personal opinion to persuade someone to do something.

• B. Expressing a point of view on a subject and supporting it with evidence.

• C. Main idea that you think of, and then back it up with your own beliefs.

• D. When you tell the reader what he or she should do in a certain situation.

Identify the sentence that is a claim.

• A. Students should be expected to follow a dress code.

• B. A dress code is a set of rules with regard to clothing.

• C. My mom told me that she never had a dress code.

• D. Students at Westlake are allowed to wear hats.

Evidence in argument writing can be described as:

• A. Personal beliefs held by an author.

• B. Must be certified as true by the government before it can be used in an argument paper.

• C. Data that the author can make up to support a claim.

• D. Credible information (facts, data, statistics) that supports a claim.

A counter-argument is:

• A. When someone agrees with your argument.

• B. When you address an opposing point of view and attempt to prove it wrong or weak.

• C. A thesis statement explaining reasons.

• D. Evidence used to back up a claim.

What is the purpose of the background information in your introduction paragraph?

• A. Give the reader information they will need to understand the topic and create a need.

• B. Let the reader know what they will read about in the essay (in a sentence)

• C. Catch the reader's attention.

• D. Let the reader know your claim and the points you will be making to support it.

What is the purpose of the thesis statement in your introduction paragraph?

• A. Give the reader information they will need to understand the topic and create a need.

• B. Let the reader know what they will read about in the essay.

• C. Catch the reader's attention.

• D. Let the reader know your claim and the points you will be making to support it.

Which of the following is TRUE of claims?

• A. They reveal your side of the argument.

• B. They are untrue.

• C. They show the other side's argument.

• D. You only have ONE.

When is a rebuttal needed in argumentative writing?

• A. When there is a counter-claim.

• B. Before the thesis.

• C. In the conclusion.

• D. It is NOT needed.

"Guns are too dangerous to allow random people to own them." Choose the counter-claim that directly relates to the claim above.

• A. Most people just own guns for safety.

• B. Guns are just used for hunting.

• C. Most people are afraid of guns.

• D. Our 2nd Amendment right states that it is our right to own guns.