The American Revolution in Western Virginia — Test
Question 20 • Social Studies 8
Read the argument from an argumentative essay. The Civil War did not need to happen. Countless lives were lost and government legislation could have resolved the issue of slavery, therefore, keeping the Union together. Which statement best serves as a counterargument?
Answer
A
The Civil War kept the Union together.
B
The Civil War was justified because states have the right to rule themselves.
C
The Civil War was fought over the issue of whether a state could secede from the Union over the issue of slavery.
D
The Civil War was long and bloody, but it was necessary to keep the Union together.
Explanation
The argument claims the Civil War was unnecessary because legislation could have resolved the slavery issue while preserving the Union. A counterargument challenges that claim by saying the war was necessary to preserve the Union. Choice D makes that point directly, while choice A only says the war kept the Union together without arguing that the war was necessary.
AI-written and checked against the verified answer.