30 Questions
What is the main difference between the topic and the argument of a passage?
The topic is what the passage is about, while the argument is the author's point of view
What is another term for the argument of a passage?
Main claim
What is a characteristic of a passage's argument?
It is something that can be debated
What is true about passages on the same topic?
They can have different arguments
What is the purpose of identifying the topic and argument of a passage?
To improve reading comprehension and answer test questions
What is the topic of the imaginary passage 'Pirates vs. Ninjas'?
Which is cooler: pirates or ninjas
What is the purpose of the imaginary passage 'Pirates vs. Ninjas'?
To illustrate the difference between the topic and argument
What is the main topic of the first passage?
Pirates versus ninjas debate
What is the author's main argument in the first passage?
Ninjas are better than pirates
What is the topic of the second passage?
The benefits of playing games
What is the author's main argument in the second passage?
Games are beneficial for young children
What is the purpose of identifying the argument in a passage?
To understand the topic of the passage
What does the author use to support their argument in the first passage?
Two reasons: hygiene and fashion
How do authors usually present their argument in a passage?
By stating the main point and then providing evidence
What do test questions about argument often ask?
To identify the evidence supporting the argument
What is the author's primary goal in writing this passage?
To explain how to write a persuasive essay
What is essential to have in a persuasive essay?
Evidence in the form of specific facts and examples
What is the author's advice when it comes to writing a persuasive essay?
Be prepared with evidence for your claims and defenses to potential challenges
What might you need to do when writing a term paper for school?
Conduct research to find facts and examples
Why is evidence important in a persuasive essay?
It provides support for the writer's arguments
What is an example of a persuasive essay topic mentioned in the passage?
Should schools offer a free tutoring service staffed by student volunteers
What is the author's main point about writing persuasive essays?
You need evidence to support your arguments
In an argumentative essay, what is the primary goal of refuting opposing views?
To acknowledge potential counterarguments and strengthen one's own argument
What is the purpose of providing evidence in an argumentative essay?
To provide credible support for one's claims
Why is it important to organize one's points in an argumentative essay?
To effectively structure and present one's argument
What is the primary purpose of anticipating opposing views in an argumentative essay?
To acknowledge potential counterarguments and strengthen one's own argument
What is the benefit of using peer-to-peer tutoring in academic settings?
Students can relate to their peers' explanations of academic concepts
What is the primary purpose of providing evidence in an argumentative essay?
To support one's claims with credible information
What is the purpose of outlining major points in an argumentative essay?
To effectively structure and present one's argument
What is the benefit of conducting research in an argumentative essay?
To find evidence to support one's own argument
Study Notes
Structuring an Argument in an Essay
- An effective argument in an essay is like a battle that requires preparation with evidence and defenses against potential challenges.
- A persuasive essay needs more than just compelling arguments; it requires evidence to support those arguments.
Providing Evidence
- Evidence should be in the form of specific facts and examples.
- Research can be conducted to find evidence for an argument, or personal experiences can be used as evidence.
- Evidence is necessary to support major points in an essay, which can serve as topic sentences in body paragraphs.
- Examples of evidence include:
- Researched statistics
- Personal anecdotes
Refuting Opposing Views
- Refuting opposing views is necessary to prove an argument's validity.
- Opposing views can be anticipated and refuted through research or brainstorming.
- Failing to address opposing views can leave an argument open to criticism.
- Examples of refuting opposing views include:
- Countering opposing arguments with evidence
- Addressing potential criticisms of an argument
Organizing Argumentative Points
- An outline is useful for structuring an essay and organizing major points.
- Major points should be organized in a logical and effective way, considering the strongest arguments and opposing views.
- Strategies for organizing points include:
- Starting with the strongest point
- Grouping opposing views together
- Addressing opposing views as they naturally arise in the essay.
Learn to distinguish between the topic and argument of a passage, a crucial skill for better reading comprehension and acing standardized tests. Improve your critical thinking and test-taking abilities with this quiz.
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