Argumentative Writing Study Guide

Medical experts say that eating fruits and vegetables are an excellent way to stay healthy. For example, eating a diet rich in vegetables and fruits as part of an overall healthy diet may reduce risk for heart disease, including heart attack and stroke. Fruits and vegetables also contain vitamin A which keeps skin healthy.

Which sentence would MOST logically conclude this paragraph?

• Who are the experts?

• Orange juice has vitamin C.

• Eating too many fruits and vegetables is bad for you.

• Obviously, eating fruits and vegetables is good for the inside as well as the outside of your body.

After reading Mr. J. Brown's letter, dated August 15, I feel compelled to write and let your readers know how I feel. I believe no one should not be allowed to vote in elections until they are 21 years old. Right now, 18-year-olds can vote in elections. This is too young. Twenty-one is a better age. At 21, people are more mature and better able to make mature decisions. Not all 21-year-olds are mature, but the majority of them are. At least we are more mature than 18-year-olds.

Which sentence provides the BEST supporting point to defend the author’s position?

• Only high school graduates should be allowed to vote.

• At 21, people are more mature and better able to make mature decisions.

• You should not be able to vote when you are twenty-one.

• Some younger teenagers are perfectly mature and responsible, of course.

Sarah said she was busy organizing her backpack; ________________, she really just doesn’t want to go to the movies.

Which transition word or phrase BEST completes the sentence?

• for example

• in other words

• Furthermore

• for example

Dear Ms. Smith,

Clear Creek Middle School is hosting a softball fundraiser next week. This event will help fund equipment for our new ball field. As a former student and member of the softball team, I thought you might be interested in participating. The event will have different contests such as a dunking booth and batting cage. The current softball team is hosting the event, and we hope that you will attend.

Sincerely,

Emily Henry

Which is the BEST topic sentence for this letter?

• Emily Henry likes the middle school fundraiser.

• Clear Creek Middle School has organized an event in which you may be interested.

• Clear Creek Middle School wants to get the community involved in its activities.

• The softball team at Clear Creek Middle School enjoys helping its community.

I would like to nominate my friend Elisa for FFA president. Elisa is an excellent student who participates in many extracurricular activities. She has always had a knack for leadership. She currently participates in FFA and is showing her pig. I believe that Elisa could FFA reach its goals over the next school year.

Jenny wrote a letter to nominate her friend Elisa for class president. Do the examples Jenny provided in this part of her letter supports her position?

• no, because they do not explain why Elisha wants to be president.

• yes, because they support the idea that Elisa is an excellent leader.

• no, because they do not tell readers what Elisa would do as president.

• yes, because they show readers how popular Elisa is with other students.

Sam is writing a research paper on the cost efficiency of electric cars.

Which detail BEST supports his main idea?

• interior space

• modern design

• horsepower

• gas mileage

Which sentence takes a clear stand on what time the school year should begin and end?

• Doctors support the idea that kids need time off in the summer to rest.

• Ending school earlier would allow students more time for sports.

• School should begin in September and end in May.

• Studies show that kids need at least 9 hours of sleep each day.

Which sentence makes a claim for an argument that a dog is a good pet for elderly people?

• Dogs love to go on walks with their owners.

• Dogs would be a wonderful pet for elderly people because they are a loyal friend.

• Dogs enjoy lying next to their owners.

• Dogs are protective of their owners.

Cats and dogs sleep the same way as their owners do; ____________, birds and horses sleep standing up.

Which word BEST connects the two sentences?

• However

• Although

• Nevertheless

• Likewise

You are writing an essay on the importance of chorus classes at your school.

Which sentence would make the BEST concluding statement for your essay?

• Chorus classes are important.

• Chorus classes are great.

• Students really like chorus.

• Chorus classes promote a love of music and appreciation of the arts.