Argumentative writing: Practice Questions

A student wrote: "Dogs are better pets than cats. Dogs are very loyal and they love to play fetch."

What is the main argument in this statement?

Imagine you are trying to convince your class that everyone should participate in the school clean-up day. Which statement is the most effective reason to use?

Read the argument:

"Our school should have a longer lunch break. Students get very hungry and tired during the morning, and a longer break would give them more time to eat and relax properly. This would help them concentrate better in the afternoon lessons."

Which of the following is the main benefit mentioned that directly supports the idea of having a longer lunch break?

Read the argument: "Cycling to school is better than taking the bus. It helps you stay fit, it's good for the environment, and you save money on bus fares."

Which of the following statements would most strengthen this argument?

Which of these statements provides a clear claim and a specific reason to support it?

Read the two sentences below:

1. The sun is a star.

2. Blue is the most beautiful colour.

Which sentence is a fact, and which is an opinion?

Write a very short paragraph (2-3 sentences) arguing that pets should be allowed in school, including a main claim and at least one reason to support it.

Read the following sentence:

"Eating vegetables every day is the best way to stay healthy because they have many vitamins."

Which part of this sentence states an opinion?

Do you think primary schools should have a longer summer holiday? Write an argumentative paragraph to convince your principal, giving at least three reasons for your opinion.

Many schools are trying to decide how much time to spend on different subjects. Some people believe that schools should focus more on academic subjects like Mathematics and Science, because these subjects are very important for future jobs and understanding the world. Others argue that schools should focus more on creative subjects like Art, Music, and Drama, because these subjects help children express themselves, develop their imagination, and become well-rounded individuals.

Imagine your school principal has asked students to write an argumentative essay to share their opinion on this topic.

Write an essay to explain which type of subjects (academic or creative) you think schools should spend more time on. In your essay, you must:

• a) Clearly state your main opinion.
• b) Provide at least three distinct reasons to support your opinion, explaining each reason in detail.
• c) Acknowledge one argument that someone with the opposite opinion might make, and then explain why your chosen focus is still more beneficial for students.
• d) Conclude your essay by summarising your main point.