Writing Workshop: Argumentative Essay – Flashcards

Read the introduction to a student's essay about space exploration. (1) Space: the final frontier! (2) Many people see space as a true frontier. (3) They are excited by both the exploration of space and the potential of space. (4) Not everyone agrees with this. (5) Some people think that the money would be better spent solving Earth's problems. (6) However, the truth is that the money spent on space exploration is critical to solving our problems on Earth. Which of the following is the thesis statement?

Read the paragraph. Some districts and states are embracing online learning as a so-called "disruptive innovation," in which difficult circumstances force organizations to use tactics that go against traditional approaches or transform them. In the Detroit area, for instance, a local district with a high dropout rate and declining enrollment opened a cyber high school, which is aimed at helping lure dropouts and at-risk students into the district to get them back on track to graduate. The new virtual program has helped draw in new students, increasing enrollment and state funding. Which statement is supported by the paragraph and reinforces an argument for online learning?

The only way to avoid plagiarism in an argumentative essay is to

Read the sentence from an argumentative essay on employment in the United States. Even today, many foreigners continue to emigrate to the United States in hopes of finding new job opportunities. Which edit corrects the error in the sentence?

Read the paragraph. Students attending schools with mandatory uniform policies experience less pressure than do students who must choose their wardrobes. This is because school uniforms allow students and their parents to save money and time. The financial investment in uniforms at the beginning of the school year is far more economical than the purchase of an entire wardrobe of designer clothes and trendy styles. Students who do not have to deliberate what to wear each morning are able to invest their time in more productive ways, such as studying for tests or finishing homework. Uniforms may stifle students' self-expression, but there are many other ways for them to reveal their individuality at school. Which fact best supports the author's position?

Read the sentence taken from an argumentative essay on space exploration. Space exploration would cost a ton of money, but I would probably learn a lot of new things, so it's probably worth it. Which of the following is the best revision of this sentence?

Read the introduction paragraph to a student's essay about online learning. (1) The benefits and drawbacks to online learning have been heavily debated. (2) Most people agree that in school settings, instruction should be tailored to meet students' goals at their desired pace of learning. (3) One option for achieving this ideal is online learning systems, which generally include diagnostic assessments and individualized feedback. (4) Once students demonstrate mastery of a certain topic or skill, they can move on to a new area. (5) This is a more efficient way to teach and learn, although it requires changing the way schools think about academics. (6) While interventions such as online learning require a fundamental rethinking of our educational system, they promise opportunities to help students more fully reach their potentials. Which of the following sentences contains thesis statement of the paragraph?

Read this excerpt from an argumentative essay. Students participating in school athletics should be required to maintain a 2.0 in all academic courses. Most of Douglas High's varsity athletes prioritize their schoolwork; but, there are a few who ignore their responsibilities. Which transition word would best replace the underlined word?

Read this excerpt from an argumentative essay. Community service must be added to the graduation requirements for our high school students. This will instill our youth a sense of duty that in-class lectures fail to convey. Students will be required to serve; and, they will recognize the needs of our county. Which transition word would best replace the underlined word?

Read the following paragraph. Students attending schools with mandatory uniform policies experience less pressure than do students who must choose their wardrobes. This is because school uniforms allow students and their parents to save money and time. The financial investment in uniforms at the beginning of the school year is far more economical than the purchase of an entire wardrobe of designer clothes and trendy styles. Students who do not have to deliberate what to wear each morning are able to invest their time in more productive ways, such as studying for tests or finishing homework. Uniforms may stifle students' self-expression, but there are many other ways to reveal one's individuality at school. Which of the following statements best supports the author's claim?