Regents English Argumentative Writing 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence best introduces a counterargument in an essay?
- My argument is correct and there is no other view.
- Some may argue that renewable energy is too expensive; however, the long-term savings outweigh initial costs. (Correct answer)
- Renewable energy is the best solution, period.
- Counterarguments are not important in a strong essay.
Correct answer: Some may argue that renewable energy is too expensive; however, the long-term savings outweigh initial costs.
Introducing a counterargument acknowledges the opposing view before refuting it, strengthening the overall argument.
Question 2: Which of the following statements is an opinion rather than a fact?
- The United States has 50 states.
- Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius at sea level.
- Stricter gun control laws would make America safer. (Correct answer)
- The Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776.
Correct answer: Stricter gun control laws would make America safer.
Opinions express judgments or beliefs that cannot be objectively proven, while facts can be verified through evidence.
Question 3: Which transition word signals that you are introducing a contrasting idea?
- Furthermore
- Additionally
- However (Correct answer)
- Consequently
Correct answer: However
'However' signals a contrast or exception, indicating that the upcoming idea contradicts or qualifies the previous point.
Question 4: In a Regents argument essay, students are expected to use evidence from the provided texts to:
- Merely summarize what each text says
- Support their own claim and demonstrate analytical thinking (Correct answer)
- Replace their own ideas with the author's ideas
- Fill space without adding analysis
Correct answer: Support their own claim and demonstrate analytical thinking
Evidence must be used purposefully to back up the student's claim, followed by analysis explaining the connection.
Question 5: Which sentence is the most effective rebuttal to the counterargument: 'Social media is harmful to teenagers'?
- Social media is not harmful, full stop.
- While social media poses risks, research shows that guided digital literacy programs significantly reduce negative effects. (Correct answer)
- Everyone uses social media, so it must be fine.
- Social media has nothing to do with teenagers.
Correct answer: While social media poses risks, research shows that guided digital literacy programs significantly reduce negative effects.
An effective rebuttal acknowledges the concern and then provides evidence-based reasoning to counter it.
Question 6: Which element is essential in every body paragraph of an argument essay?
- A new thesis statement restating the essay's argument
- A topic sentence, evidence, and analysis linking back to the thesis (Correct answer)
- A personal anecdote unrelated to the evidence
- A list of synonyms for key terms
Correct answer: A topic sentence, evidence, and analysis linking back to the thesis
Each body paragraph needs a clear topic sentence, supporting evidence, and analytical explanation connecting the evidence to the thesis.
Regents English Argumentative Writing 2
Which sentence best introduces a counterargument in an essay?