7.5 Crafting a Persuasive Argumentative Essay

• A strong thesis statement is specific, debatable, analytical, and concise
• A strong thesis statement takes a clear position that can be reasonably argued
• Match the strong thesis statement with its example:

  The drinking age should be lowered to 18 ↔️ Young adults are mature enough to responsibly consume alcohol

  Mandatory minimum sentences are ineffective ↔️ They are unjust for non-violent drug offenses
• The thesis statement is the central claim of an argumentative essay.


  True
• Match the strong thesis statement with its characteristic:

  Specific and focused ↔️ Clearly states the essay's main argument

  Debatable ↔️ Presents a position that can be reasonably argued

  Analytical ↔️ Goes beyond stating an opinion, makes an insightful claim

  Concise ↔️ Expressed in a single, clear sentence
• The key is to analyze and evaluate evidence to ensure it is credible, relevant, and sufficient.


  True
• Topic sentences should be vague and overly broad to guide the reader through an argumentative essay.

  False
• Strong topic sentences ensure body paragraphs are well-structured, coherent, and effectively advance the central argumentative claim.


  True
• Topic sentences should directly relate to the thesis statement of the essay.


  True
• Why are topic sentences crucial in an argumentative essay?

  Organizing and guiding the reader
• An argumentative essay follows a three-part structure.


  True
• Body paragraphs in an argumentative essay develop arguments and provide evidence
• What is the purpose of a thesis statement in an argumentative essay?

  Central claim or argument
• A strong thesis statement must be debatable, taking a clear position that can be argued.

  True
• A strong thesis statement should be expressed in a single, clear sentence.

  True
• Facts and statistics provide objective data and numerical information
• Credible evidence must be relevant, sufficient, and analyzed carefully.


  True
• Developing effective counterarguments strengthens your overall argument
• What does it mean for a counterargument to be concessive?

  Acknowledge the validity
• Effective counterarguments are specific
• Why is incorporating counterarguments important in an argumentative essay?

  To demonstrate understanding
• Lowering the drinking age has been shown to reduce alcohol abuse rates in some countries.


  True
• Pathos appeals to the audience's emotions
• What does ethos aim to establish in an argumentative essay?


  Credibility
• **Rhetorical questions** prompt the audience to agree with the essay's position.


  True
• The introduction of an argumentative essay introduces the topic and presents the thesis
• What is an example of a thesis statement for an essay arguing to lower the drinking age?

  Young adults are mature
• The conclusion of an argumentative essay reinforces the central claim and summarizes the main points.

  True
• The introduction of an argumentative essay presents the topic and the thesis statement
• What is the central claim or argument in an argumentative essay called?

  Thesis statement
• A weak thesis statement states an obvious or undisputed fact.

  False
• Facts and statistics are objective data and numerical information from reliable sources
• Using a variety of evidence types makes an argument more compelling and persuasive.

  True
• Topic sentences must be specific, focused, and connected to the thesis
• What is an effective characteristic of a counterargument in an essay?

  Specific
• What is an example of a counterargument for lowering the drinking age to 18?

  Concerns about irresponsible drinking
• Effective counterarguments are vague and irrelevant to the main argument.

  False
• Concessive counterarguments acknowledge the validity of the opposing argument before refuting
• What statistics are used to refute concerns about lowering the drinking age?

  No higher alcohol abuse
• Match the rhetorical device with its example:

  Pathos ↔️ Personal anecdotes

  Logos ↔️ Facts and statistics

  Ethos ↔️ Expert opinions