Students select the strongest claim for a school lunch essay, identify a reasoning flaw in a pet-classroom argument, and choose the best evidence for a recess behavior claim. Part B has five fill-in-the-blank problems about argument strength, conclusion requirements, and logical fallacies like 'everyone knows.'
Evaluating argument strength and spotting logical fallacies prepares students for both writing better arguments and analyzing the reasoning in texts they read.
Style:
Argumentative Writing
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
2. A convincing argument always includes a clear claim, solid evidence, and a strong conclusion.
3. When a writer says "everyone knows" or "obviously," they are using a logical fallacy instead of real evidence.
4. The strength of an argument depends on how well the evidence supports the claim.
5. An argument that ignores the counterargument is less convincing to a critical reader.
Argumentative Writing
★ 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.
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.
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.
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.
★ 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.
2) A convincing argument always includes a clear claim, solid evidence, and a strong conclusion.
3) When a writer says "everyone knows" or "obviously," they are using a logical fallacy instead of real evidence.
4) The strength of an argument depends on how well the evidence supports the claim.
5) An argument that ignores the counterargument is less convincing to a critical reader.
Ready to Practice?
Complete each section carefully.
9 Questions
12-18 minutes
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