Argumentative Writing — Answer Key
Part A: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. The five parts of an argument are claim, reason, evidence, counterargument, and conclusion.
A complete argument includes: claim, reason, evidence, counterargument response, and conclusion.
2. The claim is the opening statement that tells the reader what you will argue.
The claim (thesis) opens the argument and states the writer's position.
3. A reason explains why you believe your claim is correct.
A reason answers 'why' and supports the claim with logic.
4. Facts, examples, and data that back up your reason are called evidence.
Evidence is objective support — facts, statistics, examples, or expert quotes.
5. When you respond to the other side's argument, you are addressing the counterargument.
A counterargument acknowledges the opposing view and then refutes it.
6. The conclusion restates your claim and summarizes your strongest points.
The conclusion wraps up the argument by restating the claim and summarizing key points.
7. A strong argument presents reasons in a logical order, saving the best for last.
Organizing reasons logically (e.g., least to most important) makes the argument more persuasive.
8. The phrase "on the other hand" signals that a counterargument is being introduced.
'On the other hand' signals a shift to the opposing perspective.
9. A writer should always support each reason with at least one piece of evidence.
Each reason needs evidence to be convincing; unsupported reasons are just opinions.
Part B: Matching
Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.
1. Match each item to its correct answer.
"Schools should ban sugary drinks from vending machines."
→ Claim — states the writer's position
Counterargument — acknowledges the opposing view
"According to the CDC, childhood obesity has tripled since 1970."
→ Evidence — uses a factual statistic
Conclusion — restates the argument's main point
"Some argue that students should choose their own drinks."
→ Counterargument — acknowledges the opposing view
Claim — states the writer's position
"In conclusion, healthier options will improve student well-being."
→ Conclusion — restates the argument's main point
Evidence — uses a factual statistic
First sentence = claim; second = evidence (CDC statistic); third = counterargument; fourth = conclusion.