Argumentative Writing — Answer Key
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. You are writing an argument that schools should teach coding. Which opening claim is most effective?
A) Coding is cool and everyone should learn it.
B) Schools should add coding to the curriculum because technology jobs are growing 25% faster than other careers.
C) I like coding, so my school should teach it.
D) Some schools teach coding and some do not.
This claim is most effective because it pairs a clear position (schools should add coding) with a specific statistic (25% faster job growth). A strong opening claim gives both the writer's stance and immediate evidence.
2. After stating the claim 'Field trips improve learning,' which sentence should come NEXT in a well-organized argument?
A) In conclusion, field trips are beneficial for all students.
B) Some people think field trips waste class time.
C) One reason is that hands-on experiences help students remember information 50% longer than textbook reading.
D) Field trips are fun and students enjoy them a lot.
After a claim, the next sentence should introduce the first supporting reason with evidence. This choice does both by giving a reason (hands-on experiences aid memory) backed by a statistic (50% longer retention).
3. A classmate writes: 'We need a school store. First, it teaches money skills. Second, profits fund art supplies. However, some worry it distracts from class.' What is missing from this argument?
A) A personal story about shopping.
B) A response to the counterargument and a conclusion.
C) More opinions about why school stores are great.
D) A list of items the store would sell.
The classmate raised a counterargument (distraction worry) but never responded to it, and the essay has no conclusion. A complete argument must address the opposing view and wrap up with a closing that restates the claim.
4. Which revision BEST strengthens the weak reason 'Recycling is good because it helps'?
A) Recycling is good because it really, truly helps the environment a lot.
B) Recycling reduces landfill waste by up to 30%, which protects soil and water from harmful chemicals.
C) Recycling is helpful because my teacher said so.
D) Recycling helps because everyone knows it does.
The original reason is vague ("it helps"). This revision strengthens it by adding a specific statistic (30% less landfill waste) and explaining exactly how recycling helps (protecting soil and water).
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. The first step in building an argument is choosing a clear and debatable claim.
A claim states the writer's position on an issue. It must be debatable, meaning someone could reasonably disagree, because a fact everyone accepts does not need to be argued.
2. Each reason in an argument should be supported by at least one piece of evidence.
A reason without evidence is just an opinion. Providing at least one piece of evidence, such as a fact or statistic, proves to the reader that the reason is grounded in reality.
3. A well-organized argument presents reasons in order from good to best, saving the most convincing point for last.
Saving the strongest reason for last leaves the biggest impression on the reader. This structure builds momentum so the argument feels more and more convincing as it goes on.
4. The concluding paragraph ties together all the reasons and restates the claim in a fresh way.
The concluding paragraph reminds the reader of the main reasons and restates the claim using different words. It gives the essay a finished feeling and leaves the reader with a clear takeaway.
5. Including a counterargument and rebuttal shows the reader you have considered both sides of the issue.
A rebuttal responds to the counterargument by explaining why the opposing view is weaker. Including both shows the writer has thought about the other side and can still defend their position.