Writing a Strong Argument — Practice · Grade 9 English

Chapter: Argument & Rhetoric

What this practice covers

By the end of Writing a Strong Argument you should be able to:

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

Vocabulary used: thesis statement, counterargument, transition, call to action.

Problem 1

Which sentence is the STRONGEST thesis statement?
  1. Cell phones are a big part of school life.
  2. This essay will discuss cell phones in schools.
  3. Schools should allow cell phone use during lunch because it does not disrupt instructional time and helps students manage their schedules.
  4. Some people like cell phones and some do not.
Answer and explanation

Schools should allow cell phone use during lunch because it does not disrupt instructional time and helps students manage their schedules.

Only this option makes a specific, arguable claim and previews the reasoning behind it.

Problem 2

Explain why including a counterargument (and then rebutting it) makes an argumentative essay more convincing, not less.
Answer and explanation

It shows the writer has considered the other side fairly and can still explain why their claim holds up, which builds the reader's trust rather than making the writer look one-sided or unaware of objections.

Problem 3

Which transition word would best introduce a counterargument?
  1. Additionally
  2. Similarly
  3. However
  4. For example
Answer and explanation

However

'However' signals a shift toward a contrasting or opposing idea, which fits introducing a counterargument.

Problem 4

Write one body-paragraph topic sentence that states a reason supporting this thesis: 'Middle schools should offer a later start time.'
Answer and explanation

Answers vary; look for a specific reason such as, 'A later start time would align the school schedule with adolescents' natural sleep cycles, improving focus and mood throughout the day.'

Problem 5

A student's conclusion simply restates the introduction word-for-word. What is the BEST revision strategy?
  1. Leave it as is, since repetition reinforces the claim.
  2. Delete the conclusion entirely.
  3. Restate the claim in new words and add a broader implication or call to action.
  4. Introduce a brand-new claim not discussed in the essay.
Answer and explanation

Restate the claim in new words and add a broader implication or call to action.

An effective conclusion echoes the claim in fresh language and extends it outward (implication or call to action) rather than copying the introduction or introducing new, unsupported claims.

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 writing a strong argument. Aim for 180–250 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 archive proposal values participation, the historian asks for traceable uncertainty, and the resident asks for consent. A labeled memory layer with dates and participant approval connects these concerns without turning memory into the original map. 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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