Understanding Argumentative Texts and Essays

What is an argumentative essay?

• A narrative story

• A text that presents an argument

• A poem

• A descriptive passage

Which of the following is a characteristic of an argumentative text?

• It tells a story

• It presents a balanced view

• It argues a point

• It describes a scene.

Fill in the blank: An argumentative text is designed to ______ the reader.

• entertain

• inform

• persuade

• confuse

To investigate means to: A) Ignore the details B) Examine the details carefully C) Write a story D) Make assumptions.

• Ignore the details

• Examine the details carefully

• Write a story

• Make assumptions.

Cohesion in writing refers to: A) The logical flow and connection between ideas B) The length of the essay C) The use of complex vocabulary D) The number of paragraphs.

• The logical flow and connection between ideas

• The length of the essay

• The use of complex vocabulary

• The number of paragraphs.

Evidence in an argument is:

• Irrelevant information

• Information that supports a claim

• A list of questions

• A personal opinion.

A counterclaim is: A) A statement that supports the main argument B) An opposing viewpoint to the main argument C) A question to be answered D) A summary of the essay.

• A statement that supports the main argument

• An opposing viewpoint to the main argument

• A question to be answered

• A summary of the essay

Fill in the blank: A claim in an argument is a statement that ______.

• asks a question

• asserts a belief or truth

• provides evidence

• summarizes the essay

Fill in the blank: Persuasive essays often use _______ language to connect with the reader's feelings.

• Factual

• Emotional

• Analytical

• Objective

What should you do at the end of a persuasive piece?

• End with what you want

• Start a new argument

• List more reasons

• Repeat the introduction.