Writing Workshop: Exploring Argument Answers

An effective thesis statement should

What is the goal of a thesis statement?

Which is the best thesis statement for an essay on school uniforms?

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) Through different technologies, such as solar cells, scientists have learned to use the sun’s radiation to create electricity. (7) 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. (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 references a counterclaim against the use of solar energy?

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. Which statement introduces a new counterclaim to the author’s position?

Akil is writing a letter asking the school cafeteria to offer healthy snacks. Which is the best evidence to support his claim?

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. Which sentence contains evidence that solar energy could help solve the energy crisis?

A counterclaim is included in argumentative writing to introduce an argument that is fair in not choosing sidesaddress any objections to a claim and explain how these objections fall shortexplore both sides of an argument, allowing readers to make informed decisionsvalidate any objections to the claim being made.

The purpose of presenting a counterclaim is to

Read the paragraph about conducting school locker searches.A school has the right to search student lockers to keep things safe for all students and the community at large. Education and safety are a school’s biggest responsibilities. Unfortunately, lockers can become a container for dangerous items that do not belong in a school setting. Studies have shown that when a safety issue regarding one or more students arose, evidence relating to the situation was often found in student lockers—notes, weapons, and other items that had to be confiscated. However, when students are aware that lockers are subject to unscheduled searches, they often think of other ways to store their belongings; items are instead concealed in backpacks, pockets, and purses, which are much more accessible to students.Which text from the paragraph is a counterclaim to the author’s thesis statement?