ELA ELA Argument and Persuasion 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In an argumentative essay, what is the 'claim'?
- Background information about the topic
- The writer's main argument or position (Correct answer)
- Evidence supporting the topic
- The counterargument presented
Correct answer: The writer's main argument or position
The claim is the central argument or position the writer is defending throughout the essay.
Question 2: What is a 'counterargument' in persuasive writing?
- Additional evidence supporting your claim
- An opposing viewpoint that the writer acknowledges and refutes (Correct answer)
- The essay's conclusion
- A list of sources used
Correct answer: An opposing viewpoint that the writer acknowledges and refutes
A counterargument is an opposing position that the writer acknowledges and then disproves to strengthen their own argument.
Question 3: Which rhetorical appeal relies on the credibility and trustworthiness of the speaker or writer?
- Pathos
- Logos
- Ethos (Correct answer)
- Kairos
Correct answer: Ethos
Ethos is an appeal to ethics or credibility, persuading audiences by establishing the author's authority.
Question 4: What is 'logos' as a rhetorical appeal?
- An appeal to emotion
- An appeal to logic and reason using facts and evidence (Correct answer)
- An appeal to the writer's character
- An appeal to timing and context
Correct answer: An appeal to logic and reason using facts and evidence
Logos is the rhetorical appeal to logic, using data, statistics, and reasoned arguments to persuade.
Question 5: What is 'pathos' in rhetoric?
- An appeal to logic
- An appeal to the audience's emotions (Correct answer)
- An appeal to authority
- An appeal using humor
Correct answer: An appeal to the audience's emotions
Pathos is an appeal to the audience's emotions, aiming to create empathy, fear, or outrage to persuade.
Question 6: Which type of evidence is considered MOST credible in an academic argument?
- Personal opinion
- Anecdotal evidence
- Peer-reviewed research or expert testimony (Correct answer)
- Social media posts
Correct answer: Peer-reviewed research or expert testimony
Peer-reviewed research and expert testimony are the most credible evidence because they are verified and authoritative.
ELA ELA Argument and Persuasion 1
In an argumentative essay, what is the 'claim'?