Structuring an Argument · seed 1 · A4, ink-friendly. The answer key prints on its own page for grown-ups.

Building an argument that climbs

English · Writing Composition · ages 15-16
Name ______________________   Date ____________

  1. An essay proposes computer bookings to reduce queues. Readers do not yet know why the queues are a problem. Which outline establishes the need before assessing the proposal?

    • Assess the bookings, explain the queues, then weigh the costs.
    • Weigh the costs, assess the bookings, then explain the queues.
    • Explain the queues, assess the bookings, then weigh the costs.

  2. Which sentence gives a policy position for an argument about school art-club funding?

    • The school should cover art-club fees so that cost does not prevent pupils joining.
    • The school collects art-club fees at the office before the start of each term.
    • The school lists art-club fees alongside meeting times on its activity timetable.

  3. To test your argument fairly, answer only the easiest version of a relevant objection.

    Circle one:   True   False

  4. Your essay argues for more bike racks. A paragraph about the school's founding date has no connection to that claim. What revision fits?

    • Remove the history paragraph and keep the essay focused on bike racks.
    • Move the history paragraph into the opening as background to the proposal.
    • Use the history paragraph to close the essay.

  5. You propose an after-school club. A critic shows that the last bus leaves before your proposed finish. Which check directly investigates a change that could address this concern?

    • Check whether pupils prefer a longer club session after their lessons.
    • Check whether an earlier finish would let pupils catch the last bus.
    • Check whether the club's activities justify the proposed session length.

  6. A conclusion should explain what the discussion supports, including relevant limits on the claim.

    Circle one:   True   False

  7. Your strongest paragraph judges a policy using your definition of fair access. Readers have not seen that definition. Which order makes the reasoning clear?

    • Judge the policy, explain fair access, then state the conclusion.
    • Explain fair access, judge the policy, then state the conclusion.
    • State the conclusion, judge the policy, then explain fair access.

  8. A proposal promises access for all pupils. Its room is upstairs. Some pupils cannot use stairs, and there is no lift or alternative access. Which revision responds to this objection?

    • Keep the access promise and add evidence about the room's popularity.
    • Keep the access promise and explain the benefits of meeting in that room.
    • Revise the promise of access for all pupils to match the limits of the current plan.
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Answer key

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Building an argument that climbs W1-mt_HYPdD7Zqxu-s1

  1. Explain the queues, assess the bookings, then weigh the costs. · Explaining the queues establishes the problem before readers assess bookings as a remedy. The other outlines assess bookings before explaining that need.
  2. The school should cover art-club fees so that cost does not prevent pupils joining. · Covering fees is a proposed policy, with access as its reason. Collecting fees and listing them on a timetable describe arrangements rather than recommend a funding policy.
  3. False · A fair response addresses the objection's strongest relevant reasons. An easier version can leave those reasons unanswered.
  4. Remove the history paragraph and keep the essay focused on bike racks. · The paragraph has no stated role in the bike-rack argument. Moving it to the opening or conclusion does not create a connection to the claim.
  5. Check whether an earlier finish would let pupils catch the last bus. · An earlier finish could address the bus clash. Preferences and the activities' time needs may matter to planning, but neither establishes whether pupils can catch the bus.
  6. True · A conclusion brings together the argument's support and limits. It need not describe the thesis as certain or fully proved.
  7. Explain fair access, judge the policy, then state the conclusion. · Readers need the definition before assessing a judgment that uses it. The paragraph's strength does not remove that dependency.
  8. Revise the promise of access for all pupils to match the limits of the current plan. · The stated barrier prevents the current plan from providing access for all pupils. Popularity and other benefits do not resolve it, so the access promise needs revision.
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