Argument Writing

A student is writing about her opinion of homework. Read her paragraph.

Homework is supposed to help students practice the skills they learned in school. However, many teachers assign only worksheets for their students to complete. Students spend hours of their evenings completing worksheets when just a few minutes of practice would be better. Students also have many after-school commitments on which they would rather focus. Homework does not serve a valuable purpose, so it should no longer be used in our school. Which topic sentence would best begin the paragraph?

• Teachers should not require students to complete homework.

• Most teachers do not assign their students homework on the weekends.

• Many students complete their homework quickly and carelessly.

• Students must read for at least a half hour every night for homework.

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

A student is writing an argument against school uniforms. Which topic sentence most clearly states the student’s claim?

• Students should not be required to wear school uniforms.
• Many private schools require students to wear uniforms.
• School uniforms usually come in only a few color options.
• More elementary schools require uniforms than high schools.

Tags

CCSS.W.5.1A

A student is writing an argument about water. Read the student’s claim. People should do more to avoid wasting water. The student has gathered information about water from multiple sources. Which piece of information best supports the student’s claim?

• Less than one percent of the world’s water is usable.
• Some people water their lawns during the summer.
• Farmers must use water to grow fruits and vegetables.
• Doctors recommend drinking sixty-four ounces of water per day.

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.8

CCSS.RI.6.8

CCSS.RL.4.5

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RI.6.1

A student is writing an argument about the metric system of measurement. Read the student’s claim. The United States should switch to the metric system. The student has gathered information about the metric system from multiple sources. Which piece of information best supports the student’s claim?

• Using the metric system would make it simpler to trade goods with other countries, many of which use the metric system.
• The metric system was first developed in France in 1799, but it has changed slightly since its introduction.
• One mile is equal to approximately 1.6 kilometers, and 0 degrees Celsius is the same temperature as 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
• If Americans switched to the metric system, it would cost the United States a great deal of money to make all new street signs.

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.8

CCSS.RI.6.8

CCSS.RL.4.5

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RI.4.8

Read the opinion paragraph. The best place to ride bikes is at the park. There are many paths at the park where children can ride their bikes safely. Safety is important for all parents, and the park has many ways to keep riders safe. __________, the paths are marked with directions telling riders how far they have gone and how to get back. At night, there are lights along the paths to help riders see where they are going. The park even has workers to ride along the paths in case someone needs help. The park is definitely the best place to ride bikes. Which transitional phrase best fits in the blank?

• For instance
• On the whole
• In the meantime
• In contrast

Tags

CCSS.L.5.6

CCSS.W.5.1C

CCSS.W.5.2C

A student is writing an argument. Read the student’s paragraph. Children should have daily chores at home. _________ , chores help children learn to be independent. In fact, children who do regular chores are more likely to grow up to be successful adults than children who do not. Chores also help children feel like part of the family. For example, cooking together can provide quality family time. Which transitional phrase best fits in the blank?

• Most importantly
• On the other hand
• Even so
• At the same time

Tags

CCSS.L.5.6

CCSS.W.5.1C

CCSS.W.5.2C

CCSS.W.5.3C

A student is writing an argument about podcasts. Read the student’s paragraph. Listening to podcasts is better than listening to talk shows on the radio. Radio stations usually try to appeal to general audiences. Therefore, the hosts usually discuss general topics like weather, sports, and celebrity news. On the other hand, podcasts tend to focus on more specific topics, so listeners are more likely to find something that interests them. Which sentence can the student add to strengthen her argument?

• Listeners can find podcasts about topics like cooking, running, or music.
• People can listen to both podcasts and radio programs on their phones.
• Podcasts started becoming popular in the early 2000s.
• It is usually free to listen to both radio programs and podcasts.

Tags

CCSS.W.5.1B

CCSS.W.5.2B

A student is writing an argument about learning Spanish. Read the student’s paragraph. (1) All American public school children should be required to take at least one year of Spanish. (2) Learning basic Spanish would help children communicate with the growing number of Spanish-speaking Americans. (3) Knowing some Spanish may likewise help children get jobs when they grow up because many employers like for their workers to speak both English and Spanish. (4) Hiring a Spanish teacher for every public school would probably cost American taxpayers a great deal of money. (5) Learning another language can also help students understand English vocabulary and grammar better. The student’s teacher tells her that one of the sentences in her paragraph does not support her claim. Which sentence should she remove to strengthen her writing?

• sentence 4
• sentence 2
• sentence 5
• sentence 3

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.8

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.W.5.1B

A student is writing an argument about the Amazon Rainforest. Read the student’s paragraph. More must be done to keep the Amazon Rainforest from disappearing. The Amazon Rainforest is home to plant and animal species that cannot live anywhere else. In fact, about 10% of the wildlife species that humans have discovered live in the Amazon. Unfortunately, farming, logging, mining, and the growth of cities threaten the rainforest. If the rainforest continues to shrink, the wildlife may become extinct. Which statement best concludes the paragraph?

• People should take action to save the wildlife in the Amazon Rainforest.
• The river that flows through the Amazon Rainforest is the longest river in the world.
• Some companies offer wildlife tours to visitors of the Amazon Rainforest.
• The Amazon Rainforest is home to animals like the howler monkey.

Tags

CCSS.W.5.1D

CCSS.W.5.2E

A student is writing an argument about Martin Luther King Jr. Read the student’s paragraph. Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the most influential figures in American history. As a leader of the Civil Rights Movement, he led the nonviolent resistance that ended segregation of African Americans. He was a great public speaker, best known for his 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech. His actions and words throughout his life inspired countless people.Which statement best concludes the paragraph?

• America was forever changed by Martin Luther King Jr.
• Martin Luther King Jr. had already earned his Ph.D by the age of 25.
• The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Martin Luther King Jr. in 1964.
• Martin Luther King Jr. was born in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1929.

Tags

CCSS.W.5.1D

CCSS.W.5.2E

CCSS.W.5.4