7.W.1:Argumentative Writing

A student is writing an argumentative essay about violent video games. Read the excerpt from her essay and the directions that follow.

Violent video games seem to be everywhere and although the First Amendment of the Constitution protects our rights to free speech, it does not protect people from advertising games that may harm others. It seems as if there is a news story almost every day about someone who is trying to mimic the actions of their favorite virtual character. In some instances, these games are played by very young children who may not understand the consequences if their actions.The only way to prevent violent video games from entering the hands of young children is to create tougher laws that make it more difficult for these games to be marketed to and purchased for young children.

Part A: What is the student’s claim?

  1. Violent video games should be banned.
  2. Violent video games should be restricted.
  3. Violent video games are protected under the law.
  4. Violent video games are morally wrong.

Part B. What additional evidence does the student need to support her claim?

  1. a story about her younger brother playing games
  2. a statistic about the number of young people who play video games
  3. data about the number of video games purchased every year
  4. a quote from an expert about the affect of video games

A student is writing an argumentative essay about funding for public schools. Read the excerpt from her essay and the directions that follow.

For many students, public education provides them with a quality education that prepares them for college and careers beyond high school. According to recent statistics from the Department of Education, it costs almost $12,000 per pupil for one year of funding at a public school. This costs includes direct expenses as well as indirect expenses, including operational costs. Unfortunately, in some school districts, this per student funding is not enough. Programs such as performing arts, music and even sports have been cut to offset growing costs. In order to improve education for all students, it is important to increase funding for public schools.

Part A: What is the student’s claim?

  1. Public education is superior.
  2. Public education is better than private education.
  3. Public education needs additional funding.
  4. All public schools are funded equally.

Part B. Which of the following is evidence that the student uses in her essay?

  1. a law
  2. a statistic
  3. a quote
  4. data

Part C. What additional evidence should the student include to strengthen her argument?

  1. specific information about costs
  2. specific information about schools
  3. specific information about laws
  4. specific information about students