Argumentative Writing — Answer Key
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. Which claim is strongest for a persuasive essay about school lunch?
A) School lunch is gross and nobody likes it.
B) Schools should offer more fresh fruits and vegetables because nutrition research links healthy eating to better academic performance.
C) I think school lunch should be different.
D) Some schools have good food and some don't.
Option 2 is strongest because it is specific, debatable, and includes a reason supported by research.
2. Read: 'Pets should be allowed in classrooms because my dog makes me happy.' What makes this argument weak?
A) It uses a linking word incorrectly.
B) It includes too much evidence.
C) It relies on personal feelings instead of facts or research.
D) It addresses too many counterarguments.
Personal feelings (my dog makes me happy) are weak evidence; the argument needs facts or research to be convincing.
3. Which piece of evidence BEST supports the claim 'Recess improves student behavior'?
A) Many students enjoy playing tag at recess.
B) Our school playground was built in 2015.
C) A university study found students with daily recess had 40% fewer discipline referrals.
D) Recess is the favorite part of the day for most kids.
The university study with a specific statistic (40% fewer referrals) provides objective, measurable evidence.
4. Which response to a counterargument is most effective?
A) That is wrong and makes no sense at all.
B) While some believe homework builds responsibility, studies show short focused practice is more effective than long assignments.
C) I disagree because homework is boring.
D) Nobody agrees with that point anyway.
Option 2 acknowledges the opposing view ('while some believe...') then refutes it with evidence.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. An argument that uses facts and research is stronger than one that uses only personal opinions.
Facts and research provide objective support; personal opinions alone are not persuasive.
2. A convincing argument always includes a clear claim, solid evidence, and a strong conclusion.
The conclusion restates the claim and summarizes the argument's strongest points.
3. When a writer says "everyone knows" or "obviously," they are using a logical fallacy instead of real evidence.
Phrases like 'everyone knows' are logical fallacies — they assume agreement without providing evidence.
4. The strength of an argument depends on how well the evidence supports the claim.
An argument is only as strong as the evidence provided to support the claim.
5. An argument that ignores the counterargument is less convincing to a critical reader.
Ignoring the opposing view makes an argument seem incomplete or biased.