Argument Elements

Which evidence best supports the claim that a policy banning cell phones from school grounds will cause more problems than it will solve, and the reason that it would upset parents who depend on cell phones to stay in touch with their children?

• When Wheeler High School imposed a cell-phone ban, many students still brought their phones to school.

• "Cell phones tend to distract students during class," Mr. Yates said.

• Sixty percent of parents surveyed said that they would be upset if their kids could not carry cell phones.

What do logical appeals use to convince readers?

• Emotional stories

• Sound reasoning and facts

• Personal opinions

• Celebrity endorsements

What do a movie trailer, a newspaper editorial about pollution, and a political speech unveiling a new policy have in common?

• They are all forms of entertainment.

• They all use the power of persuasion.

• They are all written by the same author.

• They are all broadcasted on television.

What is at the heart of any argument according to the text?

• Evidence

• A claim

• A problem

• A technique

What is evidence used for in the context of supporting a claim?

• To provide a counterargument

• To back up a reason

• To summarize the claim

• To introduce a new claim

What is a counterargument?

• A statement that supports an opposing viewpoint without any evidence.

• A statement that strengthens an argument by acknowledging and countering an opposing viewpoint with reasons or evidence.

• A statement that completely agrees with an opposing viewpoint.

• A statement that introduces a new argument unrelated to the opposing viewpoint.

What type of appeal is associated with emotions in persuasive techniques?

• Ethos

• Logos

• Pathos

• Kairos

Which part of an argument presents the main point or stance?

• A) Evidence

• B) Claim

• C) Counterargument

• D) Conclusion

What is the role of evidence in an argument?

• A) To introduce a new claim

• B) To provide background information

• C) To support the claim

• D) To confuse the audience

Which element of an argument addresses opposing viewpoints?

• A) Claim

• B) Evidence

• C) Counterargument

• D) Conclusion