Argumentative Unit

What is a claim in an argumentative essay?

• A counterargument presented by the writer

• The conclusion of the essay

• The writer's position or main point in the essay.

• A type of evidence used to support the writer's position

What is the difference between evidence and reasoning in an argument?

• Evidence is based on facts, while reasoning is based on opinions

• Evidence supports a claim, while reasoning explains how the evidence supports the claim.

• Reasoning is used to disprove a claim, while evidence is used to support it

• Evidence and reasoning are the same thing

What are logical fallacies and how do they weaken an argument?

• Logical fallacies are used to enhance the credibility of an argument.

• Logical fallacies weaken an argument by introducing flaws in the logic or reasoning.

• Logical fallacies strengthen an argument by introducing flaws in the logic or reasoning.

• Logical fallacies have no impact on an argument's strength.

Explain the structure of a persuasive essay and why it is effective in presenting an argument.

• A persuasive essay follows the structure of a conclusion, body paragraphs, and introduction, which is effective because it creates a sense of mystery

• A persuasive essay typically follows the structure of an introduction, body paragraphs presenting the argument with supporting evidence, and a conclusion. This structure is effective in presenting an argument because it allows for a clear and logical progression of ideas, and provides the opportunity to address counterarguments and refute them.

• A persuasive essay has no specific structure and is effective because it confuses the reader

• A persuasive essay follows the structure of an introduction, conclusion, and body paragraphs, which is effective because it lacks a clear progression of ideas

Why is evidence important in persuasive writing?

• Evidence adds credibility and support to the writer's argument.

• Using evidence in persuasive writing is a waste of time

• Evidence is not important in persuasive writing

• Evidence makes the writer's argument less convincing

The purpose of argumentative writing is to ________.

• inform the reader about a topic

• defend a position (for or against) on a topic

• entertain the reader

• tell a story

What is the MOST LIKELY intended audience for the article in the description?

• Athletes at this college

• All college athletes

• Students & staff who care about college athletes

• Sports fans

Answer explanation

This answer is correct because the article explains the many hours and hard work that prevent college athletes from holding a job. College athletes already know this and therefore don't need it explained to them. Additionally, the article is about a topic that's very specific to college athletes. This likely means it's not intended to reach an audience from the much broader category of "sports fan". Because it calls for readers to come to a rally, it's likely intended to reach all students and staff on campus who care about the college's athletes.

What is the MOST LIKELY intended audience for the article in the description?

• The college professor who was fired

• Students who attend the professor's classes

• Students who agree with the professor's controversial stand

• Students who care about free speech

Answer explanation

This answer is correct for several reasons. First, the professor who was fired and her students already know what happened in her classes. The article takes time to explain this, so it's not likely the author intended the audience to be limited to either the professor or her students. Second, while the article gives background information about the controversial issue, it doesn't try to convince the reader to agree with this issue. Therefore, the likely intended audience isn't students who agree with the professor's stand on the issue. The article DOES argue the professor's right to free speech. Therefore, the correct answer is students who care about free speech.

TRUE OR FALSE: A logical fallacy is an error in logic, or thinking.

• True

• False

Faulty reasoning is _______.

(Use the context clues in the sample sentence to help you!)

• illogical or flawed reasoning

• reasoning that makes sense

• reasoning that is well-supported by evidence

• logical and flawless reasoning