Persuasive Writing

Question 1

Sam writes an argument that school uniforms improve student focus. Which of the following sentences would be the best addition to Sam’s paragraph to provide clear, relevant evidence supporting his claim?

Accepted Answer

A recent study of 500 middle schools found that test scores increased by 8% after uniforms were required.

Answer

Some teachers think that uniforms might make the school look more professional.

Answer

Many students say they like wearing the same clothes as their friends.

Answer

Uniforms are popular in many countries around the world.

Question 2

Read the paragraph below. Which additional sentence would best acknowledge a common counterclaim and respond to it? "Our middle school should replace the cafeteria pizza with a salad bar because students need more nutritious meals, a salad bar would improve their energy levels, and it would teach them healthy eating habits."

Accepted Answer

Some students might say they prefer pizza, but research shows that when schools serve appealing salads, kids start choosing them and food waste actually goes down.

Answer

Many other schools already have salad bars, proving the idea works.

Answer

A salad bar costs less than pizza, which would save the school money.

Answer

Students may dislike salads, so keeping pizza is the better choice.

Question 3

Jordan is writing a persuasive paragraph arguing that the school should ban junk food in the cafeteria because it harms students' health. Which of the following sentences would best show Jordan acknowledging a common opposing view and responding to it?

Accepted Answer

Some students say they should be free to choose any snack they want, but allowing unhealthy foods encourages poor eating habits, so the ban is still necessary.

Answer

A few students think the ban is unfair because they enjoy snacks during school.

Answer

The money saved from not buying junk food could be used to buy new sports equipment for the gym.

Answer

Banning junk food will also lower the number of sick days, allowing students to attend more classes.

Try three questions

Sam writes an argument that school uniforms improve student focus. Which of the following sentences would be the best addition to Sam’s paragraph to provide clear, relevant evidence supporting his claim?

Jordan is writing a persuasive paragraph arguing that the school should ban junk food in the cafeteria because it harms students' health. Which of the following sentences would best show Jordan acknowledging a common opposing view and responding to it?

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