Writing an Argumentative Essay about an Ethical Issue

Types of evidence

- Facts - Data - Quotations - Anecdotes

To establish a strong claim

- Identify the topic - Determine your viewpoint - State the stance you will take on the topic

How can the writer revise the rebuttal to make it stronger? On the contrary, being forced to focus on testing stresses students and limits the amount of knowledge they can gain.

By adding a statistic or quotation

An effective argumentative essay must contain a claim that is supported by

Evidence

Where does a rebuttal appear in both types of argumentative essay structures?

Immediately following a counterclaim

Which is the best claim for an argumentative essay that supports the sale of unlabeled genetically modified food?

It is ethical for food companies to sell unlabeled genetically modified food because customers can become confused if there are too many labels.

Which statement correctly analyzes the rebuttal? REBUTTAL "People who play golf do some walking, but the US Supreme Court said that walking is not essential to playing golf."

It is ineffective because it does not point out a flaw in the counterclaim.

A statement that seems to be contradictory but proves to be true in some sense is a(n)

Paradox

Which factor helps you determine how to structure your argumentative essay?

The number of counterclaims I address

Is sentence 6 effective in developing the claim?

Yes, it uses supporting evidence.

One reason a strong argumentative essay includes a counterclaim is that

Considering the opposing view makes the writer's argument stronger.

The purpose of a(n) _________ is to allow the writer to express a viewpoint that opposes a stated opinion on a topic.

Counterclaim

When writers use ________ in a claim, they use language that persuades the reader.

Rhetorical devices

Which phrase in sentence 2 should be revised to maintain a formal style? (2) Textbooks were effective in the pre-digital age, but now we live in a technology-based society, so schools need to get with the program and adopt a modern approach to learning.

"get with the program"

What is the most effective way to address the counterclaim? COUNTERCLAIM "According to a study by the American Enterprise Institute, raising the minimum wage will result in employers cutting their employees' hours and cutting some jobs altogether."

he Economic Policy Institute shows that raising the minimum wage will grow the economy so that actually there will be one hundred thousand new jobs.

Which is the most likely counterclaim that the opposition will use? CLAIM "Citizens of the United States should be required by law to vote in every election."

Making people vote will result in uneducated voters who vote randomly.

To improve the logic and flow of the essay, the writer should revise sentence 5 by

Adding the transition "however" at the beginning to connect the ideas better.

In an argumentative essay, where should the writer present the counterclaim?

After the supporting evidence for a reason

Which statement is the strongest rebuttal to the counterclaim? Counterclaim: The high sugar content of energy foods overrides any benefits of their healthy ingredients.

Despite its sugar content, an energy bar is still more nutritious than many other types of snacks.

Which revision is the best way to strengthen the argument? (1) Universal health care should be adopted by every country around the world. (2) Over 100 million people become poor every year because of healthcare bills. (3) Imagine how it feels to be afraid to go to the doctor for fear of plunging into debt. (4) That is a really terrible thing, and governments need to act. (5) The World Health Organization (WHO) says that universal health care is achievable, even in poor countries. (6) The WHO recommends spreading the costs of health care across the population, so no one is overly burdened. (7) If a responsible organization like the WHO says it is possible, then worldwide governments should implement universal healthcare immediately.

Sentence 4 should be revised to incorporate strong supporting evidence.

To critique society is to examine it in order to

Give an opinion

Which statements would most logically follow this claim in an introductory paragraph? Check all that apply. Claim: It is ethical to promote sugary drinks and energy bars as food that will improve athletic performance.

1. Sugar is not the only factor in energy drinks and foods that consumers should consider. 2. Having a professional athlete promote a sugary product is in no way deceptive.

The purpose of adding transitional phrases during the revision phase of writing is mainly to

Connect ideas better

Which is the best rebuttal to address the counterclaim? CLAIM: "Animal testing is unnecessary in this century and should be banned." COUNTERCLAIM: "Animal testing has led to important medical breakthroughs."

NOT While it is true that there have been successes in the past with animal testing, that is not necessarily an indicator of what will happen in the future. With modern technology, scientists can make advances without involving the one hundred million animals now used each year for animal testing.

Which questions should a writer ask when revising an argumentative essay to make sure it is in a formal style? Check all that apply.

a. Are my ideas logically connected? b. Are my arguments well organized? c. Do I avoid a casual style and tone?

What is the best revision of sentence 6 to maintain a formal style? (6) Not to mention the pluses of having the latest and greatest info!

Moreover, students will benefit from having the most current information.

Which sentence contains ineffective evidence and should be eliminated from this paragraph? (3) However, no reasonable person thinks he or she can run or jump like an athlete just by eating an energy bar. (4) In fact, in one study, only 21% of respondents thought that advertisements were truthful. (5) Furthermore, one expert says that energy bars "can be a helpful part of your diet."

Sentence 5

Which steps should a writer take to establish a strong claim? Check all that apply.

1. Identify the topic 2. Decide on a viewpoint 3. State a position on the topic

Structure for an argumentative essay

1. Make a claim 2. Provide a reason 3. Support with evidence 4. Address a counterclaim 5. Provide a rebuttal

Sentence 2 develops the claim by (2) Over 100 million people become poor every year because of healthcare bills.

Using evidence and a rhetorical device.