Writing an Argument Essay

Which of the following would make a great hook for an argument essay opposing kids playing football?

• Studies have found high rates of traumatic brain injuries among football plays.

• Have you ever watched a football game?

• Drake was a straight A student and had the highest grade point average on his football team.

• "When you're GOOD at something, you'll tell everyone. When you're GREAT at something, they'll tell you."- Walter Payton, of the Chicago Bears once said.

Answer explanation

The hook should not just grab the reader's attention, but should also relate to the claim. The only hook that effectively did this was the fact about football injuries. The other options do not seem to relate to the negative impacts of football or why it should be banned.

Tags

CCSS.W.6.2A

Read the following thesis statements for the following prompt: is the vegan diet healthier? Select the claim that effectively takes a position and includes strong reasons for that position.

• I love being vegan because I eat lots of fruits and veggies.

• The vegan diet is not all it seems to be because the food is gross.

• The vegan diet is a very healthy diet because it can prevent heart disease, lead to weight loss, and encourage individuals to eat more fruits and veggies.

• Vegans often believe they are superior to everyone else just because they support animal rights.

Answer explanation

Remember, a thesis should clearly state the claim and list strong reasons that support the argument. Stating an opinion is not enough and providing weak reasons will not persuae anyone. Additionally, the last option was not on topic.

Tags

CCSS.W.6.1A

CCSS.W.6.1B

CCSS.W.6.1C

CCSS.W.6.2B

CCSS.W.6.4

Select all the reasons why the author believes that the vegan diet is not the healthiest diet in the following thesis?

Thesis: The vegan diet is not the healthiest diet for humans because it can lead to vitamin deficiencies, there are too many vegan junk food options, and it may be difficult to get adequate protein.

• the food is bland

• vitamin deficiencies

• too much vegan junk food

• difficult to eat enough protein

• eggs and fish are not allowed

Answer explanation

Stick with the reasons the author provided in their thesis statement.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.1

CCSS.RI.6.8

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.6.6

What is the purpose of providing background information in the introductory paragraph?

• to give the reader an understanding of your claim

• to tell a fun story

• background information is not important

• background information should not be included

Tags

CCSS.W.6.2A

What should NOT be included in the introductory paragraph?

• claim/thesis statement

• hook

• background knowledge

• evidence

Answer explanation

The evidence and reasons will be explained in the body paragraphs.

Tags

CCSS.W.6.2A

T/F: You should avoid personal pronouns when writing an argument essay (I, Me).

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Personal pronouns make your writing seem less credible. Avoid using them.

Tags

CCSS.W.6.4

CCSS.W.6.1D

CCSS.W.6.2E

What is the purpose of the body paragraphs in an argument essay?

• to tell interesting stories

• to state your claim and reasons

• to provide a call to action

• to support your reasons with evidence

Answer explanation

Body paragraphs are all about supporting your claim by explaining your reasons and providing evidence.

Tags

CCSS.W.6.1A

CCSS.W.6.1B

CCSS.W.6.1C

CCSS.W.6.2B

T/F: Each reason should be given its own paragraph.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

True. Each reason should be explained and supported with evidence.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.1

CCSS.RI.6.8

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RI.7.8

CCSS.RL.7.1

How should you end an argument essay?

• conclude with a call to action

• restate the thesis

• add more evidence

• include a quote

Answer explanation

Argument writing ends with a call to action. What do you want the reader to think or do know?

Tags

CCSS.W.6.1E

CCSS.W.6.2F

Which piece of evidence supports one of the reasons in the following thesis?

Thesis: A year round school calendar is best for students because it increases student achievement and prevents burn out.

• 98 percent of public schools offered full-time in-person instruction to any students in June 2022.

• My friend goes to a school that follows a year round calendar and loves the fact she gets more frequent breaks in the year.

• Harris Cooper, a national expert on year-round schooling, reviewed three dozen studies on student achievement and found that students in year-round programs rate slightly higher in retaining learned material.

• School is educational so it makes sense that attending school year round would increase achievement.

Answer explanation

Evidence needs to come from a reliable source and support a reason in the thesis. The first option is a fact, but doesn't relate to the claim. The other choices are not valid evidence.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.1

CCSS.RI.6.8

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RI.7.8

CCSS.RI.7.1