EAP Structuring an Argumentative Essay 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following thesis statements is the WEAKEST for an argumentative essay?
- The federal government should ban single-use plastics to reduce ocean pollution.
- Remote work policies benefit both employees and companies when implemented thoughtfully.
- Climate change is a topic that many scientists study around the world. (Correct answer)
- Public universities should eliminate legacy admissions to promote equal opportunity.
Correct answer: Climate change is a topic that many scientists study around the world.
A thesis must make a debatable claim; stating that scientists study climate change is a fact, not an arguable position.
Question 2: In the context of argumentative essays, 'ethos' is best established by:
- Describing the emotional suffering caused by the issue
- Citing credible sources and demonstrating expertise on the subject (Correct answer)
- Providing large amounts of numerical data
- Using vivid descriptive language to paint a picture
Correct answer: Citing credible sources and demonstrating expertise on the subject
Ethos is built through demonstrating knowledge, citing authoritative sources, and maintaining a fair, knowledgeable tone.
Question 3: A student writes five body paragraphs, each covering a completely separate aspect of the topic without any connection to the others. The essay lacks:
- Sufficient evidence in each paragraph
- Coherence and a unifying argumentative thread (Correct answer)
- An adequate number of counterarguments
- Proper formatting according to APA style
Correct answer: Coherence and a unifying argumentative thread
Coherence requires that all paragraphs connect to each other and to the thesis, forming a unified, progressive argument.
Question 4: What is the role of background information in the introductory paragraph of an argumentative essay?
- To present the strongest evidence for the thesis
- To provide context that helps the reader understand the significance of the issue (Correct answer)
- To introduce the counterargument immediately
- To define all technical terms used throughout the essay
Correct answer: To provide context that helps the reader understand the significance of the issue
Background information orients the reader to the topic, explaining why the issue matters before the writer states their position.
Question 5: Which sentence most effectively functions as a topic sentence for a body paragraph?
- According to a 2023 Harvard study, reading improves cognitive function.
- There are many reasons why people read books.
- Mandatory reading programs in schools significantly improve students' critical thinking skills. (Correct answer)
- Reading is an important activity that has been valued for centuries.
Correct answer: Mandatory reading programs in schools significantly improve students' critical thinking skills.
An effective topic sentence states the paragraph's specific, arguable point that directly supports the essay's thesis.
Question 6: When a writer uses the phrase 'While critics argue that X, the evidence strongly supports Y,' this sentence structure is performing a:
- Hook to open the introduction
- Concession-rebuttal move to address opposing views (Correct answer)
- Definition to clarify a key term
- Summary of the essay's main body points
Correct answer: Concession-rebuttal move to address opposing views
This structure concedes the opposing view ('While critics argue...') and then pivots to the writer's stronger position ('the evidence supports...'), which is a classic concession-rebuttal pattern.
Question 7: Which of the following best describes the 'five-paragraph essay' structure's main limitation in academic writing?
- It does not include a thesis statement
- It is too long for most academic assignments
- It is overly rigid and may oversimplify complex arguments (Correct answer)
- It does not allow for the use of evidence
Correct answer: It is overly rigid and may oversimplify complex arguments
The five-paragraph formula is a useful learning scaffold, but its rigid structure can prevent writers from developing nuanced, complex academic arguments.
EAP Structuring an Argumentative Essay 5
Which of the following thesis statements is the WEAKEST for an argumentative essay?