WorksheetsArgument Writing
Total questions: 12
Worksheet time: 6mins
Anthony had to write a persuasive essay on the following prompt: “Are computers more or less effective methods of instruction and learning for school work? Why?”
Which of the following is an example of a precise claim the student might make in their essay?
Computers are the most effective way for students to do homework because of their ability to increase productivity.
Microsoft computers are used by some students to do their homework.
Some students use computers to do their homework because they find the technology easier to use.
Jimmy made the claim that, “Novels and textbooks should be completely replaced by iPads and online resources.”
Which of the following is an example of a precise counterclaim the student might make?
However, some students do not need to use textbooks for studying.
Some students would rather play video games than read a novel, although this is not the norm.
Many studies have shown that excessive reading on a computer screen can damage eyesight.
Textbooks and novels are crucial to classroom learning.
A counterclaim is a statement that _______ another claim.
Opposes
Clarifies
Supports
Emphasizes
A claim is...
A statement that is a fact
A statement of opinion that is asserted to be true, although it is not proven to be
A statement that is asserted to be true but is actually false
A quote that someone says
A precise claim is a statement that ________.
is already known as a fact
provides evidence
gives clear details
is easily believed
Which statement offers the strongest support for the statement below?
Plastic grocery bags are better for the environment than paper grocery bags.
Plastic grocery bags take significantly longer to decompose than paper grocery bags, but they will eventually decompose.
Plastic grocery bags require less energy to manufacture and are more likely to be reused or recycled than paper grocery bags.
Reusable cloth bags are best for the environment, but plastic grocery bags are the next best option.
Paper grocery bags are often assumed to be more environmentally friendly than plastic bags, but they still harm the environment.
What main challenge is presented by Including a counterclaim in an essay?
The reader may be uninterested in learning about opposing views.
The writer can lose his or her credibility on the subject.
The reader may find the counterclaim stronger than the claim.
Which of the following statements best supports this claim?
For the safety of people on the road, young drivers should be required to have no more than one passenger aged 18 or under in the car.
The age for driver's licenses should be raised to 18.
Other young passengers prefer a more experienced driver and do not want to ride with a young driver.
Other motorists report that they feel safe driving on the road with young drivers who carry several young passengers in their car.
Young drivers are often distracted by talking or joking with other young passengers, which leads to collisions with other vehicles.
Which of the following reasons presents the clearest connection to this claim?
Workers who suffer injuries due to unsafe factory conditions should receive substantial compensation from their employer.
Workers do not expect to work in unsafe conditions, but employers should be held responsible if employees are hurt in those conditions.
Workers who are injured in the workplace likely hold their employer responsible, particularly if the employer failed to keep them safe.
Employers who keep unsafe working conditions are likely to have employees who injure themselves and they are held responsible.
Employers have a responsibility to their employees to ensure that safety procedures are followed to protect workers’ well-being.
Which of the following best establishes a formal style?
The penny is a nuisance and an unnecessary expense to the US Mint, and it should be ________.
tossed out
retired indefinitely
kicked to the curb
gotten rid of
Which of the following sentences best follows this sentence in a concluding paragraph?
Today’s network news media needs to return to the traditional definition of “news” and limit or eliminate reporting on the daily activities of celebrities.
One local news station in Spokane, Wa. lead its nightly broadcast with a story on a new celebrity couple and reported local election results second.
It is not the responsibility of the news media to report on celebrities, and they should focus on real news stories that truly matter to viewers.
Now that digital media gives celebrities more influence in people’s lives, news about celebrities has become just as important as news about world leaders.
Stories on the latest celebrity-break up or blunder dilute the importance of reports on major world incidents or local happenings.
Which of the following concluding sentences best supports this statement?
A four-day school boosts student and teacher morale.
Being out of school one extra day saves schools money and that money can be used to make improvements that benefit students and teachers.
A four-day school week is a trend that is catching the attention of both students and teachers.
Being out of school one extra day gives students and teachers time to rest and be productive in other areas of their lives.
A four-day school week can be an adjustment for students and teachers but they eventually adjust to the new type of schedule.
