English 100: Argument Quiz

1. Argument is the _________ aim or purpose in most college and work-related writing.

Most unclear

Least significant

Least common

Most common

In most college and work-related writing, the primary aim or purpose is to present an argument. This means that the writer is trying to persuade or convince the reader of a certain viewpoint or idea. Therefore, the most common aim or purpose in such writing is to construct and support a well-reasoned argument.

Explanation

In most college and work-related writing, the primary aim or purpose is to present an argument. This means that the writer is trying to persuade or convince the reader of a certain viewpoint or idea. Therefore, the most common aim or purpose in such writing is to construct and support a well-reasoned argument.

2. When you write an argument paragraph, you

Attack others' ideas in a heated, emotional way.

Define the meaning of a term or issue.

Take a position on an issue and try to defend your position.

Make a point by telling a story.

An argument paragraph involves taking a stance on a particular issue and providing evidence and reasoning to support that position. It requires presenting a clear and logical argument, rather than attacking others' ideas emotionally. The purpose is to persuade the reader by presenting a strong case for the chosen position.

Explanation

An argument paragraph involves taking a stance on a particular issue and providing evidence and reasoning to support that position. It requires presenting a clear and logical argument, rather than attacking others' ideas emotionally. The purpose is to persuade the reader by presenting a strong case for the chosen position.

3. Identify the type of statement in the sentence below: I believe that the voting age should be lowered to sixteen.

Fact

Opinion

Debatable argument

None of the above

The statement "I believe that the voting age should be lowered to sixteen" expresses a personal belief or viewpoint rather than a verifiable fact. It is subjective and based on the speaker's opinion, making it an opinion statement.

Explanation

The statement "I believe that the voting age should be lowered to sixteen" expresses a personal belief or viewpoint rather than a verifiable fact. It is subjective and based on the speaker's opinion, making it an opinion statement.

4. When writing an argument paragraph, it's best to choose a topic that

Everyone else agrees with your opinion.

You know well.

Requires extensive research.

You don't know well.

When writing an argument paragraph, it is best to choose a topic that you know well. This is because having a deep understanding of the topic allows you to provide strong and convincing evidence to support your argument. It also enables you to anticipate counterarguments and address them effectively. Additionally, writing about a topic you are knowledgeable about helps you maintain a clear and coherent structure, making your argument more persuasive to the reader.

Explanation

When writing an argument paragraph, it is best to choose a topic that you know well. This is because having a deep understanding of the topic allows you to provide strong and convincing evidence to support your argument. It also enables you to anticipate counterarguments and address them effectively. Additionally, writing about a topic you are knowledgeable about helps you maintain a clear and coherent structure, making your argument more persuasive to the reader.

5. Which other writing patterns also use argument as their purpose

Comparison and contrast

Narration

Cause and effect

All of the above

All of the writing patterns mentioned - comparison and contrast, narration, and cause and effect - can also use argument as their purpose. In a comparison and contrast essay, the writer argues for the superiority or significance of one thing over another. In a narration, the writer may argue for a particular interpretation or lesson to be learned from the story. In a cause and effect essay, the writer argues for the causal relationship between two or more events or phenomena. Therefore, all of these writing patterns can involve making an argument.

Explanation

All of the writing patterns mentioned - comparison and contrast, narration, and cause and effect - can also use argument as their purpose. In a comparison and contrast essay, the writer argues for the superiority or significance of one thing over another. In a narration, the writer may argue for a particular interpretation or lesson to be learned from the story. In a cause and effect essay, the writer argues for the causal relationship between two or more events or phenomena. Therefore, all of these writing patterns can involve making an argument.