108 Questions
What is the primary purpose of an argumentative essay?
To investigate a topic, collect evidence, and establish a position
What is the key difference between argumentative and expository essays?
The amount of research involved
What is the primary function of a thesis statement in an argumentative essay?
To establish a clear position on the topic
What should a student do before forming a thesis statement in an argumentative essay?
Collect and generate evidence
What is the typical structure of an argumentative essay?
Introduction, Thesis, Body, Conclusion
What is the purpose of the first paragraph in an argumentative essay?
To provide background information on the topic
What is the primary purpose of a thesis statement in an argumentative essay?
To present a personal opinion that can be discussed
Where is the thesis statement usually located in a paper?
At the end of the introduction
What is the main function of a topic sentence in a paragraph?
To state the main idea or opinion about the topic
What is a characteristic of a well-crafted thesis statement?
It is specific and focused
What should a writer avoid when crafting a thesis statement?
Picking a self-evident or dead-ended idea
What is the result of a vague thesis statement?
Vague, undeveloped, and fuzzy writing
What is the primary purpose of transitions in an argumentative essay?
To create a logical progression of thought and help the reader follow the essay's argument
What is the effect of a weak structure on an argumentative essay?
It makes the essay collapse
What is the purpose of warrant in an argumentative essay?
To explain how and why the evidence supports the thesis statement
What is the primary function of a thesis statement in an argumentative essay?
To clearly state the main argument or claim
How should body paragraphs be structured in an argumentative essay?
Each paragraph should present one general idea with clarity and direction
What is the purpose of considering conflicting opinions in an argumentative essay?
To strengthen the argument by acknowledging and addressing counterarguments
How does the amount of research affect the type of evidence presented in an argumentative essay?
The amount of research determines the type of evidence, whether it is empirical research or literature review, which in turn affects the understanding of different points of view and the choice of a position.
What is the significance of establishing a clear thesis statement in an argumentative essay?
A clear thesis statement sets the tone for the entire essay, guides the reader, and helps the writer to organize their ideas and evidence.
How does the thesis statement relate to the background information in the first paragraph of an argumentative essay?
The thesis statement is preceded by background information that sets the context and provides a general overview of the topic, which leads to the thesis statement.
What is the purpose of providing empirical research in an argumentative essay?
Empirical research provides original data collected through interviews, surveys, observations, or experiments, which helps to support the thesis statement with evidence.
How does the thesis statement guide the organization of the essay?
The thesis statement determines the structure of the essay, as it provides a clear direction for the body paragraphs and the conclusion.
What is the relationship between the thesis statement and the topic sentences in an argumentative essay?
The thesis statement is supported by topic sentences, which provide evidence and detail to develop the main argument.
How do clear and logical transitions between the introduction, body, and conclusion of an argumentative essay contribute to its overall structure?
They act as the mortar that holds the foundation of the essay together, enabling a logical progression of thought that helps the reader follow the essay's argument.
What is the significance of including evidential support in body paragraphs of an argumentative essay?
It provides clarity and direction throughout the essay, creating an ease of readability for the audience, and establishes a logical connection to the thesis statement.
Why is it important for writers to consider and explain differing points of view in an argumentative essay?
It enables the writer to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the topic and acknowledges potential counterarguments, making the essay more convincing and credible.
What is the primary function of a body paragraph in an argumentative essay?
To present one general idea, providing clarity and direction throughout the essay, with a logical connection to the thesis statement.
What is the purpose of explaining how and why evidence supports the thesis statement in an argumentative essay?
It provides warrant, which helps to establish a logical connection between the evidence and the thesis statement, making the argument more persuasive.
How does the structure of an argumentative essay contribute to its overall effectiveness?
A strong structure enables the writer to present a clear and logical progression of thought, making the essay more persuasive and effective.
What is the primary function of a thesis statement in an argumentative essay, and how does it relate to the rest of the paper?
A thesis statement presents the writer's opinion on a subject, providing a clear direction for the rest of the paper, and guides the reader through the argument.
What is the significance of placing a thesis statement at the end of the first paragraph in an argumentative essay?
It provides a clear direction for the rest of the paper and gives the reader a sense of what to expect from the argument.
How does a well-crafted thesis statement contribute to the overall structure of an argumentative essay?
A well-crafted thesis statement provides a clear direction and focus for the essay, guiding the writer and reader through the argument.
What is the main difference between a topic sentence and a thesis statement in an argumentative essay?
A topic sentence introduces a paragraph, stating the main idea, whereas a thesis statement presents the overall argument and direction of the essay.
What is the primary purpose of a topic sentence in a paragraph, and how does it relate to the thesis statement?
A topic sentence introduces the main idea of a paragraph, providing supporting evidence for the thesis statement.
How does a clear and focused thesis statement help to avoid vague and undeveloped writing in an argumentative essay?
A clear and focused thesis statement provides a clear direction for the essay, guiding the writer to provide specific evidence and supporting details.
The argumentative essay is a genre of writing that requires the student to investigate a topic; collect, generate, and evaluate ______ and establish a position on the topic in a concise manner.
evidence
Argumentative essays involve ______ research of literature or previously published material.
extensive
A clear, concise, and defined ______ statement that occurs in the first paragraph of the essay sets the context by reviewing the topic in a general way.
thesis
The first paragraph of an argument essay should tell readers why the topic is ______ or why readers should care about the issue.
important
The ______ sentence of the first paragraph of an argument essay should present the thesis statement.
last
The thesis statement should be supported by ______ collected during research.
evidence
The ______ paragraphs should include evidential support and consider differing points of view regarding the topic.
body
A strong ______ helps the reader to follow the essay's argument.
structure
Clear and logical ______ between the introduction, body, and conclusion are important for an effective essay.
transitions
The thesis statement should be supported by ______ collected during research.
evidence
Students should explain how and why the ______ supports the thesis statement.
evidence
Transitions should wrap up the idea from the previous ______ and introduce the idea that is to follow in the next section.
section
A ______ statement should be specific and supported with specific evidence.
thesis
A ______ sentence helps readers understand what a paragraph is about.
topic
A thesis statement usually appears at the end of the ______ paragraph of a paper.
first
A ______ thesis statement leads to discussion and is not self-evident or dead-ended.
good
A thesis statement should be ______ to fit the assignment to avoid vague writing.
focused
A ______ statement states the writer's clearly defined opinion on some subject.
thesis
What is the primary function of a thesis statement in an argumentative essay?
To establish a clear position on the topic
When forming a thesis statement, what should the writer do to avoid vague writing?
Specify the topic and provide evidential support
What is the purpose of a topic sentence in a paragraph of an argumentative essay?
To support the thesis statement with evidence
How should a thesis statement be revised to make it more effective?
By making it more specific and supported with evidence
What is the relationship between the thesis statement and the topic sentences in an argumentative essay?
The topic sentences support the thesis statement with evidence
What is the primary purpose of the first paragraph in an argumentative essay?
To introduce the thesis statement
What is the primary purpose of a thesis statement in an argumentative essay?
To take a clear and specific position on the subject
What is a characteristic of a well-crafted thesis statement in an argumentative essay?
It is a statement that causes debate and reveals a perceptive point
What should a writer avoid when crafting a thesis statement in an argumentative essay?
Making a three-pronged thesis statement
What is the primary function of a topic sentence in a paragraph of an argumentative essay?
To help readers understand what the paragraph is about
What should a writer do before forming a thesis statement in an argumentative essay?
Determine the audience and purpose of the essay
What is the significance of establishing a clear thesis statement in an argumentative essay?
It guides the organization of the essay
What is the primary purpose of a thesis statement in an argumentative essay, and how does it relate to the rest of the paper?
To state the writer's clearly defined opinion on the topic, and to guide the organization of the essay.
What is the key characteristic of a thesis statement that presents a more open and complex argument?
It is broad and allows for multiple perspectives and relationships.
What is the purpose of a topic sentence in a paragraph, and how does it relate to the thesis statement?
To support the thesis statement, and to provide evidence for the claim.
What is the primary difference between a thesis statement and a topic sentence?
A thesis statement presents a claim, while a topic sentence provides evidence for the claim.
What is the significance of considering conflicting opinions in an argumentative essay?
It helps to strengthen the writer's claim and provide a more nuanced understanding of the topic.
What is the result of a vague thesis statement in an argumentative essay?
It results in a unclear and confusing essay, with weak topic sentences.
What is the primary purpose of a thesis statement in an argumentative essay, and how does it reveal the writer's attitude towards the subject?
The primary purpose of a thesis statement in an argumentative essay is to take a clear and specific position on a topic, revealing the writer's attitude towards the subject, and encouraging the reader to read the essay.
What are the key characteristics of an effective argumentative thesis statement?
An effective argumentative thesis statement is objectively supportable, causes debate, reveals a perceptive point, addresses the assignment, is a statement not a question, is arguable and supportable with evidence, and takes a clear and specific position.
What is the significance of avoiding a three-pronged thesis statement in an argumentative essay?
Avoiding a three-pronged thesis statement allows the writer to build a more focused and controversial argument, rather than listing main points and limiting relationship-building.
What is the relationship between the thesis statement and topic sentences in an argumentative essay?
The thesis statement guides the development of topic sentences, which in turn support the thesis statement by providing evidence and analysis.
What is the primary difference between a thesis statement and a topic sentence in an argumentative essay?
A thesis statement takes a clear and specific position on a topic, while a topic sentence supports the thesis statement by providing evidence and analysis.
How does a clear and focused thesis statement help to avoid vague and undeveloped writing in an argumentative essay?
A clear and focused thesis statement helps to avoid vague and undeveloped writing by providing a clear direction for the essay, guiding the development of topic sentences, and ensuring that the writer stays on topic.
What are the common problems associated with a thesis statement, and how can a writer avoid them?
Common problems with a thesis statement include self-evident statements, statements of fact, statements of summary, and statements of plan. A writer can avoid these problems by crafting a thesis statement that presents a more open and complex argument, ensuring controversy, and addressing relationships between ideas.
What is the relationship between the thesis statement and topic sentences in an argumentative essay?
The thesis statement guides the development of topic sentences, which in turn support and elaborate on the thesis statement.
How can a writer ensure that their thesis statement presents a more open and complex argument?
A writer can ensure a more open and complex thesis statement by asking themselves questions such as 'What are the relationships between the three things in the list?', 'What larger idea do they address?', 'What's controversial about my argument?', and 'Why does this matter?'
What is the purpose of a topic sentence in a paragraph of an argumentative essay?
The purpose of a topic sentence is to introduce the main idea of the paragraph and guide the reader through the development of the argument.
How can a writer avoid a vague thesis statement?
A writer can avoid a vague thesis statement by crafting a clear and specific argument that presents a more open and complex idea, ensuring controversy, and addressing relationships between ideas.
What is the significance of considering differing points of view in an argumentative essay?
Considering differing points of view helps to create a more nuanced and persuasive argument, as it acknowledges potential counterarguments and addresses them effectively.
What is the primary purpose of a thesis statement in an argumentative essay, and how does it relate to the rest of the paper?
A thesis statement states the writer's clearly defined opinion on a subject, guiding the organization of the essay and relating to the rest of the paper by setting the tone and direction.
What is the key difference between a topic sentence and a thesis statement in an argumentative essay?
A topic sentence states the main idea of a paragraph, while a thesis statement states the writer's overall claim or argument.
How does a well-crafted thesis statement contribute to the overall structure of an argumentative essay?
A well-crafted thesis statement guides the organization of the essay, provides a clear direction, and helps the writer stay focused.
What is the primary function of a topic sentence in a paragraph of an argumentative essay?
A topic sentence states the main idea of a paragraph and provides evidence to support the thesis statement.
What is the result of a vague thesis statement in an argumentative essay?
A vague thesis statement leads to vague and undeveloped writing, making it difficult to support the argument.
How should a thesis statement be revised to make it more effective in an argumentative essay?
A thesis statement should be revised to make it more specific, clear, and focused, avoiding vague language and broad claims.
A thesis statement should be ______ supportable, causing debate and revealing a perceptive point.
objectively
An effective argumentative thesis takes a ______ and specific position.
clear
Avoid a ______-pronged thesis and build a controversial argument.
three
The thesis statement should be ______ enough for the page requirement without listing main points.
focused
Step 1: Does your thesis satisfy each of the requirements above? Circle the elements that are ______ and revise.
missing
Try to avoid a ______ thesis and build a controversial argument.
three-pronged
Some argue we no longer need feminism because women and men are equal, but until women earn the same as men and are welcome as equals in all fields, all college students should understand Gloria Steinem’s fight to improve ______ equality.
workplace
Despite women’s strides in education and management, many of the issues Gloria Steinem fought against are still prevalent in today’s ______; as a result, we must ensure every student understands how Steinem’s work impacts the present struggles women face at ______.
workplace
If you need help breaking away from the three-pronged ______, ask yourself: What are the relationships between the three things in the list?
thesis
Common problems with a ______/claim: Self-evident (Gloria Steinem was important to the feminist movement.)
thesis
Dutton Hall 2205 530-752-2013 ______.ucdavis.edu
tutoring
The key characteristic of a ______ statement that presents a more open and complex argument is allowing for organization options and relationship development while ensuring controversy.
thesis
A thesis statement should be ______ and specific, and supported with specific evidence.
clear
Understanding Gloria Steinem’s impact on history helps us understand the ______.
present
The “shift left” technique involves making the ______ the context and the claim the topic.
topic
Because of Gloria Steinem’s work, corporations have begun to place women into positions of ______, proving their businesses have suffered by ignoring women’s intellect and discouraging their workplace decisions.
power
Step 3: Does your thesis address the ______, topic, and claim?
context
The thesis statement should be supported by evidence ______ during research.
collected
Learn about the key elements of writing an effective argumentative essay, including forming a thesis statement, writing topic sentences, and understanding the differences between argumentative and expository essays.
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