Analyzing Arguments in Academic Writing

The video tutorial provides guidance on identifying and analyzing arguments in academic texts. It explains how to recognize arguments through topic sentences and how to analyze them by evaluating supporting evidence. The tutorial also offers practical tips for applying these skills in writing and reading, emphasizing the importance of clear main points and credible evidence. Additional resources are available for further learning.

What is the primary focus of the video tutorial?

• To teach grammar rules

• To identify and analyze arguments

• To improve vocabulary

• To learn about historical events

In academic writing, what is an argument primarily used for?

• To summarize a story

• To confuse the reader

• To make a formal point

• To entertain the reader

What is typically the first sentence of a paragraph called?

• Conclusion sentence

• Supporting sentence

• Topic sentence

• Question sentence

How can you identify the main argument in a paragraph with a topic sentence?

• By reading the middle sentence

• By reading the last sentence

• By reading the first sentence

• By reading the entire paragraph

What is the main argument of the first sample paragraph?

• Reflective writing is outdated

• Reflective writing helps students become better thinkers

• Reflective writing is unnecessary

• Reflective writing is only for experts

What should you do if a paragraph lacks a topic sentence?

• Read only the first sentence

• Identify important ideas and find commonalities

• Summarize the paragraph

• Ignore the paragraph

What is the main argument of a paragraph that compares nuclear and coal energy?

• Nuclear energy is more expensive

• Coal energy is more efficient

• Nuclear energy is safer

• Both energies are equally safe

What is the main argument of the second sample paragraph?

• Nuclear energy is more dangerous

• Coal energy is safer

• Both energies are equally safe

• Nuclear energy is safer

What should you do if a paragraph lacks a topic sentence?

• Identify important ideas and find commonalities

• Summarize the paragraph

• Ignore the paragraph

• Read only the first sentence

What is the thesis in an academic paper?

• An unrelated topic

• A minor detail

• The main argument of the paper

• A supporting argument