Writing Workshop: Exploring Argument

Which is a step in writing an argumentative speech?

Make a list of pros and cons regarding the claim.

Which is the best thesis statement for an essay on school uniforms?

Requiring school uniforms has many advantages because students focus on their studies rather than their clothing.

A thesis statement should include

a statement for all parts of an argument.

The purpose of presenting a counterclaim is to

address any objections to your claim and explain how they fall short.

Read the paragraph from an essay on preventing school bullying. (1) Bullying has a significant impact on a student's physical and emotional well being. (2) There are many school programs that will help stop bullying. (3) Establishing a school culture that focuses on acceptance, respect, and tolerance is crucial in putting an end to bullying. Which sentence logically fits just before sentence 2?

Students who are uncomfortable in their school setting are not as likely to earn good grades or participate in extracurricular activities.

What is the goal of a thesis statement?

to establish focus and make a claim

Which is the best evidence for a claim supporting mandatory school uniforms?

A recent study concluded school uniforms improve graduation and attendance rates.

Which evidence would support an author's essay on the importance of banning fast food from school campuses?

Fast food has negative effects on student health and can lead to obesity and heart-related issues.

Read the direct quotation from Childhood Sports Injuries and Their Prevention and answer the question. "More than 38 million children and adolescents participate in organized sports in the United States each year." Which describes how the direct quotation is improperly cited?

NOT It is a summary and does not need to be cited.

Read the thesis statement about wild animals in captivity. Wild animals belong in their natural habitat; thus it is cruel to keep them in captivity. Which is a counterclaim to the author's claim?

The Animal Welfare Act of 1970 requires that zoo animals are well taken care of and protected.

Read the introduction and first paragraph of an essay about energy sources. (1) The nation's energy use is largely dependent on fossil fuels. (2) These fuels are nonrenewable resources, and they cause pollution. (3) We cannot continue our reliance on a fuel that will eventually run out. (4) Thus, we must find other ways to sustain our energy demands. (5) Pursuing alternative fuel sources is the key to solving our energy crisis. (6) Currently, about 1 percent of energy in the United States is produced by the sun, and solar energy has the potential to become a more widely used energy source. (7) Through different technologies, such as solar cells, scientists have learned to use the sun's radiation to create electricity. (8) Solar energy is both inexhaustible and clean. (9) The major limit to this alternative source is that equipment is expensive. (10) Developing a cost-effective way to harness the power of the sun will be a significant development in solving our energy crisis. Which statement introduces a new counterclaim to the author's position?

The use of solar energy is especially limited in areas that do not get regular sunlight.

Read the introduction and first paragraph of an essay about energy sources. (1) The nation's energy use is largely dependent on fossil fuels. (2) These fuels are nonrenewable resources, and they cause pollution. (3) We cannot continue our reliance on a fuel that will eventually run out. (4) Thus, we must find other ways to sustain our energy demands. (5) Pursuing alternative fuel sources is the key to solving our energy crisis. (6) Currently, about 1 percent of energy in the United States is produced by the sun, and solar energy has the potential to become a more widely used energy source. (7) Through different technologies, such as solar cells, scientists have learned to use the sun's radiation to create electricity. (8) Solar energy is both inexhaustible and clean. (9) The major limit to this alternative source is that equipment is expensive. (10) Developing a cost-effective way to harness the power of the sun will be a significant development in solving our energy crisis. Read the following sentence. Researchers are working on batteries that store energy generated from solar power, so it could be used at all times. Where in the essay should the above sentence be added and why?

after sentence 6 to support the topic sentence

Maya has earned high grades in honors algebra and is writing a letter to her principal asking to take other honors classes. Read her thesis statement, then answer the question. Based on my prior grades, participating in honors classes would help me. Which is the best revision of Maya's thesis statement?

Based on my grades in honors algebra, I believe I would do well in other honors classes.

Read the introduction and first paragraph of an essay about energy sources. (1) The nation's energy use is largely dependent on fossil fuels. (2) These fuels are nonrenewable resources, and they cause pollution. (3) We cannot continue our reliance on a fuel that will eventually run out. (4) Thus, we must find other ways to sustain our energy demands. (5) Pursuing alternative fuel sources is the key to solving our energy crisis. (6) Currently, about 1 percent of energy in the United States is produced by the sun, and solar energy has the potential to become a more widely used energy source. (7) Through different technologies, such as solar cells, scientists have learned to use the sun's radiation to create electricity. (8) Solar energy is both inexhaustible and clean. (9) The major limit to this alternative source is that equipment is expensive. (10) Developing a cost-effective way to harness the power of the sun will be a significant development in solving our energy crisis. Which is an alternative piece of evidence that supports the idea that solar energy could play a part in solving the energy crisis?

Solar energy already serves an important role in providing electricity to remote areas.

An effective thesis statement should

clarify the topic of the essay.

Read the student thesis, then answer the question. There have been many studies about the effect too much television has on children and whether it is harmful or beneficial. The best way to improve this thesis is to

clearly take a side.

Read the thesis statement about conducting school locker searches. A school's right to search student lockers to keep things safe for the community might be a necessary thing. Which is the best revision of the underlined portion of the sentence?

is necessary to maintain a safe environment for students.

Read the introduction and first paragraph of an essay about energy sources. (1) The nation's energy use is largely dependent on fossil fuels. (2) These fuels are nonrenewable resources, and they cause pollution. (3) We cannot continue our reliance on a fuel that will eventually run out. (4) Thus, we must find other ways to sustain our energy demands. (5) Pursuing alternative fuel sources is the key to solving our energy crisis. (6) Currently, about 1 percent of energy in the United States is produced by the sun, and solar energy has the potential to become a more widely used energy source. (7) Through different technologies, such as solar cells, scientists have learned to use the sun's radiation to create electricity. (8) Solar energy is both inexhaustible and clean. (9) The major limit to this alternative source is that equipment is expensive. (10) Developing a cost-effective way to harness the power of the sun will be a significant development in solving our energy crisis. Which sentence is the author's thesis statement?

sentence 5

(1) The nation's energy use is largely dependent on fossil fuels. (2) These fuels are nonrenewable resources, and they cause pollution. (3) We cannot continue our reliance on a fuel that will eventually run out. (4) Thus, we must find other ways to sustain our energy demands. (5) Pursuing alternative fuel sources is the key to solving our energy crisis. (6) Currently, about 1 percent of energy in the United States is produced by the sun, and solar energy has the potential to become a more widely used energy source. (7) Through different technologies, such as solar cells, scientists have learned to use the sun's radiation to create electricity. (8) Solar energy is both inexhaustible and clean. (9) The major limit to this alternative source is that equipment is expensive. (10) Developing a cost-effective way to harness the power of the sun will be a significant development in solving our energy crisis. Which sentence contains evidence that solar energy could help solve the energy crisis?

sentence 8

(1) The nation's energy use is largely dependent on fossil fuels. (2) These fuels are nonrenewable resources, and they cause pollution. (3) We cannot continue our reliance on a fuel that will eventually run out. (4) Thus, we must find other ways to sustain our energy demands. (5) Pursuing alternative fuel sources is the key to solving our energy crisis. (6) Through different technologies, such as solar cells, scientists have learned to use the sun's radiation to create electricity. (7) Currently, about 1 percent of energy in the United States is produced by the sun, and solar energy has the potential to become a more widely used energy source. (8) Solar energy is both inexhaustible and clean. (9) The major limit to this alternative source is that equipment is expensive. (10) Developing a cost-effective way to harness the power of the sun will be a significant development in solving our energy crisis. Which sentence references a counterclaim against the use of solar energy?

sentence 9

Read the following thesis statement about text messaging. Text messaging while driving is dangerous, and making it against the law in many states would be a good idea. Which is the best revision of the underlined portion of the sentence?

which is why many states support banning the practice.