1

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Read the claim.The government should raise the minimum wage.Read the counterclaim.According to a study by the American Enterprise Institute, raising the minimum wage will result in employers cutting their employees’ hours and cutting some jobs altogether.

A

However, the Economic Policy Institute shows that raising the minimum wage will expand the economy so that there will be one hundred thousand new jobs.

B

In fact, the research shows that the poorest workers will suffer the most because their jobs are the most likely to be eliminated by employers.

C

While struggling to get by on minimum wage can be challenging, think about how it would feel to lose your job and not have any income at all.

D

Meanwhile, more than 70% of the people affected by a minimum wage change will be families who make less than $60,000 in a year.

2

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Read the passage.(1) I think that schools should switch from using paper textbooks to using computer tablets. (2) Textbooks were effective in the pre-digital age, but now we live in a technology-based society, so schools need to get with the program and adopt a modern approach to learning. (3) In fact, the chair of the Federal Communications Commission said that "it’s time for the next stage” of learning with tablets and pointed out how textbooks are often out of date. (4) Opponents argue that tablets aren’t a good choice because initially they’re very expensive. (5) The secretary of education pointed out that tablets can be updated regularly, which saves money in the long run. (6) Not to mention the pluses of having the latest and greatest info! (7) Many experts agree that switching to tablets is important for the future of education.

A

by replacing the word “argue” with the word “fight”

B

by deleting the entire sentence from the paragraph

C

by changing “aren’t” to “are not” and “they’re” to “they are”

D

by moving the sentence to the end of the paragraph

3

One reason a strong argumentative essay includes a counterclaim is that

A

having the opportunity to show supporting evidence is important.

B

listing the writer’s opinions helps persuade the reader of the claim.

C

expressing admiration for the opposition’s claim is considered polite.

D

considering the opposing view makes the writer’s argument stronger.

4

Read the passage from an argumentative essay.Social media is hurting students’ educations. According to one recent study, students who used social media had a lower GPA than students who did not, and students who studied while using social media scored 20% lower on tests. However, it is true that some students use social media to improve in school by talking about classes, homework, and other educational topics.

A

a counterclaim to address the rebuttal.

B

a more detailed initial claim statement.

C

a rebuttal to address the counterclaim.

D

a rhetorical device to appeal to logic.

5

Read the passage.(1) I think that schools should switch from using paper textbooks to using computer tablets. (2) Textbooks were effective in the pre-digital age, but now we live in a technology-based society, so schools need to get with the program and adopt a modern approach to learning. (3) In fact, the chair of the Federal Communications Commission said that "it’s time for the next stage” of learning with tablets and pointed out how textbooks are often out of date. (4) Opponents argue that tablets aren’t a good choice because initially they’re very expensive. (5) The secretary of education pointed out that tablets can be updated regularly, which saves money in the long run. (6) Not to mention the pluses of having the latest and greatest info! (7) Many experts agree that switching to tablets is important for the future of education.

A

replacing the word “money” with the word “dough.”

B

deleting the sentence to clarify the overall argument.

C

inserting the phrase “are awesomely fast” after “tablets” to add personality.

D

adding the transition “however” at the beginning to connect the ideas better.

6

To maintain a formal tone and style in an argumentative essay, a writer should replace

A

precise wording.

B

rhetorical devices.

C

long, flowing sentences.

D

overly charged language.

7

Which questions should a writer ask when revising an argumentative essay to make sure it is in a formal style? Check all that apply.

A

Are my ideas logically connected?

B

Are my arguments well organized?

C

Do I avoid a casual style and tone?

D

Where can I insert some contractions?

E

Which wording should be more colorful?

8

Read the claim.Citizens of the United States should be required by law to vote in every election.

A

The passing of a new law is an interesting and complex process to witness.

B

Making people vote will result in uneducated voters who vote randomly.

C

Voting makes citizens more engaged in the political events that affect them.

D

Citizenship is a privilege that people should respect by doing their civic duty.

9

In an argumentative essay, where should the writer present the counterclaim?

A

as part of the introduction to the claim

B

immediately following the initial claim

C

after the supporting evidence for a reason

D

as part of the conclusion of the argument

10

[BLANK]

A

anecdote

B

claim

C

counterclaim

D

topic

Writing an Argumentative Essay about an Ethical Issue Answers

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