"The Mustang Times" Argumentative Practice

Which sentence from the text stats the author's claim?

• Middle school is an interesting time

• The middle school day has become so competitive that it is nearly impossible to feel relaxed.

• It's good to care about your grades, but some students carry this concern too far.

• Sports, art, music, and drama offer us chances to spice up our lives with new skills.

In paragraph 7, the author includes survey results from the American Psychological Association to--

• acknowledge the need for additional studies in the topic

• show how she will conduct research to verify her thinking

• provide statistical information to confirm her beliefs

• encourage students to stop feeling the effects of stress

Why does the author use an anecdote (short story) in paragraph 3?

• To describe the reality of the situation

• To describe how schools should change

• To reveal her beliefs about grades

• To define what competition means

The author uses loaded language in paragraph 9 to--

• introduce an idea that her audience has not likely considered before

• appeal to the emotions of her audience regarding their ability to change school culture

• end on a positive note since much of her argument expresses negative opinions

• emphasize that school competition affects only a small number of students

How does the author use the details in paragraph 5?

• To describe the range of activities that are available at most schools

• To emphasize the need for increasing prior experience

• To characterize students as having the desire to be risk takers

• To support the belief that competition does more harm than good

Which sentence from the text best identifies the audience?

• Much of this harmful competition centers around the classroom.

• This girl is a strong student, but she is always doubting herself, always worried about what grade she's going to earn.

• All of this competition is taking a toll on our health and happiness.

• Think of what we kids could accomplish if we were given permission to make all the mistakes we needed to make.

The information in paragraph 2 helps the reader determine that the author believes that competition---

• is healthy for middle school students

• is appropriate in certain contexts

• has a negative effect on mental health

• has strained relationships with friends and family

The Latin root domin, meaning "master," helps the reader understand that the word dominates in paragraph 4 means--

• controls

• initiates

• tolerates

• understands