Question

Use the sentence to answer the question.
"Earth is the third planet from the sun."

1. Why is this an insignificant claim?
A) It expresses a point of view.
B) It is not arguable.
C) It cannot be supported.
D) It is a significant statement.

Use the paragraph to answer the question.
"Persuasive writing is writing that tries to convince others that they should agree with your opinion or take an action that you recommend. It is not surprising, therefore, that persuasive writing often is created in hopes of solving a problem."

2. Which sentence contains the strongest claim about soccer?
A) Soccer can provide good exercise.
B) Soccer is a global sport.
C) Soccer is my favorite sport.
D) Soccer can be played professionally.
Use the sentence to answer the question.
"Dogs make good companions for children."

3. Which response might a reader give to OPPOSE this claim?
A) Dogs like people of all ages, especially children.
B) Children might be good companions for cats.
C) Children might have trouble walking a dog.
D) Dogs make good companions for everyone.

4. Which option is a credible source?
A) an article published by a doctor about the benefits of exercise
B) an interview with the spouse of a politician running for office
C) an interview with the president of a construction company about safe work conditions
D) an article written by a student about the length of the school year

Use the claim to answer the question.
"Claim: Reading for pleasure every day can improve your study skills."

5. Which piece of evidence could support this claim?
A) Studying should be more important than extracurricular activities.
B) I like to read science fiction books.
C) No one seems to read books anymore.
D) Reading has been shown to improve concentration.

6. Which sentence would be the best concluding sentence for a persuasive essay about starting a school newspaper?
A) The first step in launching a student-run newspaper is to get permission from the principal.
B) A school newspaper can empower students to become active and engaged members of society.
C) One benefit of a student-led newspaper is that it fosters teamwork and collaboration among students.
D) University of Florida's newspaper, The Alligator, was founded in 1906 and is the largest student-run newspaper in the United States.

7. After reviewing the portfolio choice board, Quabilah decided to focus on an argumentative position she strongly believes in: Schools should not hold tryouts for team sports. She has done research, and found four articles which look like they might have good information. Which article title sounds like it would help support her position?
A) “If You Must Cut Athletes from School Sports Teams, Consider Best Practices”
B) “The Benefits of Trying Out for High School Sports”
C) “10 Things You Need to Bring to Survive Youth Sports Tryouts”
D) “Tryouts are a great learning experience”

Use RACE method to help complete responses for short answer responses.

Use the claim to answer the question.
"Claim: School uniforms help create equality in schools."

8. Which TWO reasons support this claim?
A) Everyone wears the same or similar clothing.
B) School uniforms restrict student expression.
C) Dress codes are difficult to enforce.
D) Students do not have to worry about being teased for what they wear.

9. Quabilah is writing an essay about maintaining a healthy lifestyle. One of her sources is a post by a popular blogger who recommends her readers only eat only once a day. Which of the following explains whether this is a credible source and why.
A) Bloggers usually know what they are talking about.
B) Quabilah should not use this source because it is a blog and eating only once a day does not sound healthy.
C) Quabilah should use this source because the blogger is popular.
D) The blogger says they are a nutritionist, so she must be right.

10. Quabilah needs to write a conclusion to her argumentative essay. Which three things she must include in her conclusion.
A) restates the claim/thesis, briefly explains how reasons support claim/thesis, powerful final sentence
B) summarize the entire essay, offer opinion, and write "This concludes my essay."
C) punctuation, capitalization, and spelling
D) switch to informal tone, tell the reader why they are wrong if they don't believe like you do, offer no proof of argument

Answer 1

1. B — It is not arguable (a factual statement).
2. A — Soccer can provide good exercise (an arguable, persuasive claim).
3. C — Children might have trouble walking a dog (opposes the claim).
4. A — an article published by a doctor about the benefits of exercise (credible expert source).
5. D — Reading has been shown to improve concentration (supports the claim).
6. B — A school newspaper can empower students to become active and engaged members of society (strong concluding sentence).
7. A — “If You Must Cut Athletes from School Sports Teams, Consider Best Practices” (addresses cutting athletes/tryouts).
8. A and D — Everyone wears the same or similar clothing; Students do not have to worry about being teased for what they wear.
9. B — Quabilah should not use this source because it is a blog and eating only once a day does not sound healthy (not a clearly credible, evidence-based source).
10. A — restates the claim/thesis, briefly explains how reasons support claim/thesis, powerful final sentence.