Argumentative Writing — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
You should donate to the animal shelter because the puppies have sad eyes.
Corrected: You should donate to the animal shelter because it cares for over 200 abandoned animals each year and relies on community support.
Saying puppies have sad eyes is an emotional appeal with no factual support. Replacing it with specific data (200 abandoned animals, community reliance) gives the reader a logical reason to donate.
2. Fix the sentence:
A famous athlete said energy drinks are healthy so they must be good for kids.
Corrected: Although a famous athlete endorses energy drinks, pediatricians warn that the high sugar and caffeine content can harm children's health.
A celebrity endorsement is not medical evidence. Citing pediatricians, who are actual health experts, provides credible authority and replaces the false appeal to fame with real expertise.
3. Fix the sentence:
Our school needs a new gym because the old one looks ugly.
Corrected: Our school needs a new gym because the current facility lacks proper ventilation and cannot safely hold all students during physical education classes.
"Looks ugly" is a superficial opinion that does not persuade decision-makers. Citing real problems like poor ventilation and overcrowding gives practical, safety-based reasons that are much harder to ignore.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. An appeal to logos uses facts, data, and logical reasoning to persuade the reader.
Logos comes from the Greek word for logic. A logos appeal uses facts, statistics, and step-by-step reasoning rather than emotions to convince the reader.
2. An appeal to pathos tries to convince the audience by stirring up their emotions.
Pathos means emotion in Greek. Writers use pathos when they try to make readers feel fear, sympathy, or excitement instead of presenting logical evidence.
3. When a writer uses their credibility or expertise to build trust, they are using an ethos appeal.
Ethos is all about trust. When a writer highlights their credibility or expertise, readers are more likely to believe the argument because the writer has proven they know the topic.
4. The strongest arguments combine logical reasoning with specific examples from real life.
Vague examples like "it helps people" are easy to dismiss. Specific examples, such as naming a real event or citing a number, give readers concrete proof that makes the argument convincing.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. Read: 'Nine out of ten dentists recommend brushing twice a day.' Is this an appeal to ethos, pathos, or logos? Explain why.
Sample answer: This is an appeal to ethos because it uses the authority and expertise of dentists to make the recommendation trustworthy and convincing.
A good answer includes: This is an appeal to ethos because it uses the authority and expertise of dentists to make the recommendation trustworthy and convincing.
2. Why is using only emotional appeals a weakness in an argument? Give one reason.
Sample answer: Using only emotional appeals is weak because emotions can fade, and readers who think critically will look for facts and evidence to support the claim.
A good answer includes: Using only emotional appeals is weak because emotions can fade, and readers who think critically will look for facts and evidence to support the claim.