AD
« Back

STEPCAI

« All free sample lessons

Argumentative Writing: Practice Questions with Answers

Curriculum: Argumentative WritingGrades: 9–12Questions: 12Mode: Practice

These are the real questions from this STEPCAI practice lesson. Read each question, pick your answer, then open Show the answer to check yourself and read why it is right. On STEPCAI the same lesson runs interactively: you click an answer and get instant feedback, and a free account keeps your scores.

Practice this lesson free with instant feedback

Free. New visitors accept the Software License Agreement first.

1. What is the main purpose of an argumentative essay?

  1. To summarize someone else's essay
  2. To describe a personal experience in detail
  3. To entertain readers with a story
  4. To persuade the reader to accept a claim or position
Show the answer
Answer: D. To persuade the reader to accept a claim or position
An argumentative essay uses evidence and reasoning to convince readers that a specific claim is valid.

2. Which sentence best states a clear, arguable claim?

  1. Some students like homework and some do not.
  2. Pizza is a popular food in many countries.
  3. The school cafeteria serves lunch at noon.
  4. Schools should eliminate all standardized testing.
Show the answer
Answer: D. Schools should eliminate all standardized testing.
This is arguable because reasonable people could disagree with it, and it takes a clear position rather than just stating a fact.

3. In argumentative writing, what is 'evidence'?

  1. The introduction paragraph
  2. A summary of the whole essay
  3. The writer's opinion restated in different words
  4. Facts, statistics, examples, or expert opinions that support a claim
Show the answer
Answer: D. Facts, statistics, examples, or expert opinions that support a claim
Evidence is the factual support - data, examples, expert testimony - that backs up the claim and makes the argument credible.

4. What is a 'counterargument'?

  1. A restatement of the thesis in different words near the ending
  2. The concluding sentence that sums up the essay's main points
  3. An opposing viewpoint the writer acknowledges and addresses
  4. A list of the sources cited at the end of the essay
Show the answer
Answer: C. An opposing viewpoint the writer acknowledges and addresses
A counterargument presents an opposing view, which the writer then responds to, showing they have considered other perspectives.

5. Which is an example of ethos (an appeal based on credibility) in an argument?

  1. Quoting a well-respected scientist's research findings
  2. Using statistics from a graph
  3. Citing a heartbreaking personal story
  4. Asking a question like, 'Wouldn't you want to be treated fairly?'
Show the answer
Answer: A. Quoting a well-respected scientist's research findings
Ethos appeals to credibility, and quoting a respected expert shows the writer is relying on trustworthy authority.

6. Which is an example of pathos (an emotional appeal)?

  1. A story about a family losing their home in a flood
  2. A statistic showing crime rates
  3. A dictionary definition
  4. A citation from a peer-reviewed journal
Show the answer
Answer: A. A story about a family losing their home in a flood
Pathos appeals to the reader's emotions, and a vivid personal story about hardship stirs feelings like sympathy.

7. What does 'logos' refer to in an argument?

  1. An appeal to humor
  2. An appeal to logic and reasoning, using facts and data
  3. An appeal using colorful language
  4. An appeal to the writer's personality
Show the answer
Answer: B. An appeal to logic and reasoning, using facts and data
Logos means an appeal to logic, built from facts, statistics, and clear reasoning that leads to a conclusion.

8. What is a 'thesis statement' in argumentative writing?

  1. The final sentence of the essay, which thanks the reader for their time
  2. A question the writer cannot answer, placed at the start to spark interest
  3. A sentence, usually in the introduction, that states the writer's main claim
  4. A list of the writer's sources, placed at the end of the essay in order
Show the answer
Answer: C. A sentence, usually in the introduction, that states the writer's main claim
The thesis statement announces the essay's central, arguable claim so readers know what position the writer will defend.

9. Why should a writer avoid 'loaded language' (words with strong emotional bias) in a formal argumentative essay?

  1. Because loaded language makes essays too short, since emotional words replace longer explanations
  2. Because loaded language is impossible to fact-check, since no dictionary lists the meanings of emotional words
  3. Because loaded language can make the essay seem less objective and manipulative rather than persuasive
  4. Because loaded language breaks grammar rules, since emotional words cannot be used as the subject of a sentence
Show the answer
Answer: C. Because loaded language can make the essay seem less objective and manipulative rather than persuasive
Loaded language can undermine credibility because it appeals to emotion in a way that feels manipulative rather than fair and reasoned.

10. What is the purpose of a rebuttal in an argumentative essay?

  1. To apologize to the reader for making such a strong claim
  2. To leave every opposing view out of the essay entirely
  3. To respond to and refute an opposing argument with reasoning or evidence
  4. To restate the same evidence a second time for emphasis
Show the answer
Answer: C. To respond to and refute an opposing argument with reasoning or evidence
A rebuttal directly answers an opposing argument, showing why it is weaker than the writer's own position.

11. Which transition word or phrase would best introduce a counterargument?

  1. Similarly,
  2. On the other hand,
  3. For example,
  4. In conclusion,
Show the answer
Answer: B. On the other hand,
'On the other hand' signals a shift to a contrasting viewpoint, which is exactly what introducing a counterargument requires.

12. What should a strong conclusion in an argumentative essay do?

  1. Reinforce the thesis and leave the reader with a final, compelling thought
  2. Simply repeat the introduction word for word
  3. Introduce a brand new claim not discussed before
  4. List every source used in random order
Show the answer
Answer: A. Reinforce the thesis and leave the reader with a final, compelling thought
An effective conclusion reminds readers of the main claim and reinforces why it matters, often leaving a lasting impression.
Practice this lesson free with instant feedback

Free. New visitors accept the Software License Agreement first.

More free sample lessons
AD
AD
Free Sample Lessons  •  Free Homeschool Curriculum  •  Privacy Policy  •  Terms of Use  •  Contact Us