Question

Read the excerpt from a student’s argumentative essay.

Students at Glenmore High demand an increase in the number of advanced placement classes. In order to compete with other college-bound students, we must have access to more rigorous courses. I mean, if we can’t show that we took tough courses, colleges will turn us down.

How can the final sentence best be revised for this argument?
Tough work is the key to proving to college admissions that we’ve got what they want.
We need tougher courses on our transcripts, or else nobody’s going to notice us.
Without proof of challenging courses, colleges might disregard our transcripts.
Challenging courses separate college-bound students from the rest of the pack

Answer 1

"Without proof of challenging courses, colleges might disregard our transcripts."

This option is the best because it keeps the original meaning while using formal, precise language appropriate for an argumentative essay. It avoids slang and exaggeration and clearly ties the need for rigorous courses to the risk of being overlooked by colleges.