Which is a step in writing an argumentative speech?

A step in writing an argumentative speech is to **make a list of pros and cons regarding the claim**. Gathering both sides of the argument helps to strengthen your position and allows you to address counterarguments effectively.

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 10 to serve as a conclusion
after sentence 5 as part of the claim
after sentence 6 to support the topic sentence
after sentence 9 to support the counterclaim

The sentence "Researchers are working on batteries that store energy generated from solar power, so it could be used at all times." should be added **after sentence 9 to support the counterclaim**.

This placement allows for a discussion of one of the limitations of solar energy (the expensive equipment and energy storage issues) while also presenting ongoing research that addresses this limitation, thus providing a more balanced view of the argument.

(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 5
sentence 6
sentence 8
sentence 10

The sentence that contains evidence that solar energy could help solve the energy crisis is **sentence 8**: "Solar energy is both inexhaustible and clean."

This sentence highlights key advantages of solar energy, indicating its potential to contribute positively to addressing the energy crisis by being a sustainable and environmentally friendly source of power.

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
include the topic being discussed.
clearly take a side.
express a viewpoint.
cite the source of the study.

The best way to improve this thesis is to **clearly take a side**.

A strong thesis should present a clear position or argument rather than merely presenting a neutral statement about existing studies. Taking a side helps guide the direction of the essay and informs the reader of the author's stance on the issue.