Constructing Sophisticated Arguments — Practice · Grade 12 English

Chapter: Argument & Rhetoric

What this practice covers

By the end of Constructing Sophisticated Arguments you should be able to:

11 questions, multiple choice and written answer, each with a worked explanation.

Vocabulary used: nuanced claim, qualifier, concession, rebuttal, enthymeme.

Problem 1

Which is the most nuanced, defensible claim for a demanding audience?
  1. Homework is an important part of education.
  2. Homework should be abolished completely because it never helps anyone.
  3. People have always disagreed about homework.
  4. High schools should cap graded homework at about an hour a night, because beyond that point the academic gains shrink sharply while the costs to sleep and well-being keep rising.
Answer and explanation

High schools should cap graded homework at about an hour a night, because beyond that point the academic gains shrink sharply while the costs to sleep and well-being keep rising.

Only this option takes a real, arguable side, adds a qualifier ('about an hour'), and acknowledges a trade-off — the marks of a nuanced claim. The others are a topic, an absolute, and a truism.

Problem 2

In a mature argument, a 'concession' is…
  1. an honest acknowledgment that part of the opposing view is fair or true, offered before the rebuttal
  2. the statistic offered as the argument's main proof
  3. the final call to action in the conclusion
  4. a transition word that signals a contrast
Answer and explanation

an honest acknowledgment that part of the opposing view is fair or true, offered before the rebuttal

A concession honestly grants what is reasonable in the opposing view; the rebuttal that follows then explains why the claim still stands.

Problem 3

An argument states: 'The new tutoring program raised scores at Lincoln High, so every school in the state should adopt it.' Identify the unstated premise (warrant) this argument relies on, and explain why a demanding audience will insist that it be defended.
Answer and explanation

The unstated warrant is that the results at Lincoln High would transfer to every other school in the state — that Lincoln is representative and the program's effect does not depend on conditions unique to that school. A demanding audience will insist this be defended because the evidence only supports the sweeping conclusion if the assumption holds; schools differ in resources, staffing, and student needs, so without a defense of why Lincoln's results would generalize, the argument is just a hopeful leap dressed as a proof.

Problem 4

Add a qualifier to this overstated claim and explain how your change makes it more defensible: 'Requiring community service turns students into engaged citizens.'
Answer and explanation

Answers vary. For example: 'Requiring a modest amount of well-designed community service can strengthen civic engagement for many students.' Replacing the absolute 'turns students into engaged citizens' with 'can strengthen… for many students' means a single unmoved student no longer disproves the claim; the qualifier limits the promise to what evidence can actually support, which is exactly what a skeptical reader will demand.

Problem 5

A writer names the strongest objection to their plan and then answers it only with the line, 'But progress always has its doubters.' What is the flaw in this counterargument?
  1. The writer should never have mentioned the objection at all
  2. The concession is genuine, but the 'rebuttal' is a slogan that reframes the objection emotionally instead of answering it with a reason or evidence
  3. The writer has committed a false dilemma
  4. There is no flaw; naming the objection is all a rebuttal requires
Answer and explanation

The concession is genuine, but the 'rebuttal' is a slogan that reframes the objection emotionally instead of answering it with a reason or evidence

A real rebuttal answers the objection with a reason, mechanism, or evidence. 'Progress always has its doubters' dismisses the objection with a flattering slogan rather than engaging it, so the counterargument is only half-built.

Problem 6

Construct an argument that addresses the concern. Give a detail and explain its relevance.
Answer and explanation

Add a labeled memory layer while preserving the original map. Contributor dates, permissions, and visible conflicts would make memories useful without silently turning them into the original record.

Use the criteria to compare your reasoning, not to copy the model’s wording. A supported alternative interpretation may earn full credit.

Response criteria

  • Make an accurate, focused claim or revision.
  • Use a relevant detail or a clearly explained language choice.
  • Explain the relationship and recognize a relevant limit.

Problem 7

A learner writes: “Anyone opposing our plan does not care about students.” Explain the problem and produce a better response.
Answer and explanation

Represent the staffing objection accurately. Respond with a feasible condition or evidence, not an attack on motives.

Use the criteria to compare your reasoning, not to copy the model’s wording. A supported alternative interpretation may earn full credit.

Response criteria

  • Make an accurate, focused claim or revision.
  • Use a relevant detail or a clearly explained language choice.
  • Explain the relationship and recognize a relevant limit.

Problem 8

Compare what you must inspect in these two cases. What can transfer, and what must be checked again?
Answer and explanation

An argumentative thesis answers a debatable question with a reasoned position. Qualify its scope so the evidence can support it. The method transfers, but the particular detail, scope, and context must be read again. Add a labeled memory layer while preserving the original map. Contributor dates, permissions, and visible conflicts would make memories useful without silently turning them into the original record.

Use the criteria to compare your reasoning, not to copy the model’s wording. A supported alternative interpretation may earn full credit.

Response criteria

  • Make an accurate, focused claim or revision.
  • Use a relevant detail or a clearly explained language choice.
  • Explain the relationship and recognize a relevant limit.

Problem 9

Using an assigned reading or one exercise source, write a developed response applying constructing sophisticated arguments. Aim for 300–450 words; name the reading or reproduce the sentence you revise.
Answer and explanation

A six-week, twice-weekly trial is worth testing if staffing is funded and attendance is recorded. The survey suggests interest but does not establish schoolwide demand; a trial can answer that limited question. A complete response supplies context, a focused claim, a brief supporting detail, explanation, and a relevant qualification. Do not simply repeat this model.

Use the criteria to compare your reasoning, not to copy the model’s wording. A supported alternative interpretation may earn full credit.

Response criteria

  • Make an accurate, focused claim or revision.
  • Use a relevant detail or a clearly explained language choice.
  • Explain the relationship and recognize a relevant limit.

Problem 10

Write two specific feedback comments on a response to this unit: one on accuracy or meaning and one on evidence or language. Then state a revision priority.
Answer and explanation

Check whether the response explains an argumentative thesis answers a debatable question with a reasoned position. qualify its scope so the evidence can support it. Ask for a relevant detail and the reason it supports the conclusion. Prioritize the mistaken assumption shown here: “Anyone opposing our plan does not care about students.”

Use the criteria to compare your reasoning, not to copy the model’s wording. A supported alternative interpretation may earn full credit.

Response criteria

  • Make an accurate, focused claim or revision.
  • Use a relevant detail or a clearly explained language choice.
  • Explain the relationship and recognize a relevant limit.

Problem 11

Choose a fresh sentence or detail from the assigned selection. Explain how this unit’s method applies, and identify one uncertainty or limitation.
Answer and explanation

The contractor’s attractiveness rating does not establish faithful representation; the coalition identifies a possible distortion without measuring its frequency. The staffing memo supports a bounded review pilot with costs and limits clearly stated. The response must supply its own precise detail and explain it; copying the model without fresh evidence is insufficient.

Use the criteria to compare your reasoning, not to copy the model’s wording. A supported alternative interpretation may earn full credit.

Response criteria

  • Make an accurate, focused claim or revision.
  • Use a relevant detail or a clearly explained language choice.
  • Explain the relationship and recognize a relevant limit.

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