Argumentative Writing — Answer Key
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. Your school is deciding whether to add 30 minutes of reading time each day. Which argument would be MOST convincing to the principal?
A) Reading is fun and everyone loves it.
B) Students who read 30 minutes daily score 15% higher on reading tests, according to a national literacy report.
C) My older sister reads a lot and she is smart.
D) Other schools do it, so we should too.
The national literacy report with a specific statistic provides authoritative, objective evidence.
2. A student writes: 'We should plant trees in the schoolyard because trees are nice.' How should this argument be improved?
A) Add more opinions about why trees are nice.
B) Remove the claim and only include facts.
C) Replace 'trees are nice' with specific evidence, such as how trees provide shade and improve air quality.
D) Change the topic to something easier to argue.
Replacing the vague opinion with specific, factual evidence (shade, air quality) strengthens the argument.
3. Which sentence is the best counterargument response for the claim 'Students should have homework-free weekends'?
A) Teachers who give weekend homework are unfair.
B) While weekend homework can reinforce learning, students who rest return to school more focused and motivated on Monday.
C) Nobody likes weekend homework, so it should stop.
D) Some students finish homework quickly, so it does not matter.
This response acknowledges the opposing view ('while weekend homework can reinforce learning') then refutes it with evidence.
4. Read: 'Our cafeteria should serve breakfast because 1 in 5 students skips breakfast, and hungry students cannot concentrate.' What makes this argument effective?
A) It uses emotional language to make readers feel sad.
B) It includes a statistic and explains how it connects to the claim.
C) It avoids mentioning any counterarguments.
D) It tells a personal story about one student.
The argument is effective because it uses a specific statistic and explains the logical connection between evidence and claim.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. When writing about a school issue, you should consider both your viewpoint and the opposing viewpoint.
Considering the opposing viewpoint allows you to address the counterargument and strengthen your argument.
2. A persuasive letter to the principal should include a clear claim, evidence, and a specific request.
A call to action or specific request tells the reader exactly what you want them to do.
3. Using data from surveys or research makes a school-related argument more convincing.
Data from surveys or research provides objective, measurable support for the argument.
4. Before writing an argument, a student should research the topic by gathering facts from reliable sources.
Researching the topic ensures the argument is based on facts rather than assumptions.
5. A call to action at the end of an argument tells the reader exactly what to do next.
A call to action is a specific request that ends the argument by telling the audience what step to take.