Language Arts: Argumentative Writing Worksheet

Question 1

Read this claim: 'School uniforms should be required in all middle schools.' Write one reason that supports this claim.

Accepted Answer

One reason that supports this claim is that school uniforms can reduce distractions about clothing and help students focus more on learning.

Question 2

Read this sentence: 'Students should have longer lunch periods because they need enough time to eat and relax.' What is the claim in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

The claim is that students should have longer lunch periods.

Question 3

A student writes: 'Our town should build a new skate park because it would give teens a safe place to exercise.' Identify the reason in this sentence.

Accepted Answer

The reason is that a new skate park would give teens a safe place to exercise.

Question 4

Which sentence is the best evidence for the claim 'Reading every day improves vocabulary'? A. 'Books are fun to read.' B. 'A 2023 school survey found that students who read at least 20 minutes a day scored higher on vocabulary quizzes.' C. 'Many students like graphic novels.' Explain your choice.

Accepted Answer

The best evidence is B because it gives specific information from a survey and directly connects daily reading to higher vocabulary quiz scores.

Question 5

Write a counterclaim to this claim: 'Homework should be banned in middle school.'

Accepted Answer

A counterclaim is that homework should not be banned because it can help students review skills and prepare for tests.

Question 6

Read the statement: 'Cell phones should be allowed in class because students can use them for research.' Is this evidence, a claim, or a reason? Explain.

Accepted Answer

This statement is a claim with a reason because it states a position, that cell phones should be allowed in class, and gives a reason, that students can use them for research.

Question 7

Choose the stronger claim. A. 'Recess is nice.' B. 'Middle school students should have a daily recess period to improve focus and reduce stress.' Explain why it is stronger.

Accepted Answer

Claim B is stronger because it clearly states a position and includes specific reasons about focus and stress.

Question 8

Read this evidence: 'According to the school nurse, students who drink water during the day report fewer headaches.' Which claim does this evidence best support? A. 'Schools should sell more candy.' B. 'Students should be encouraged to drink water at school.' C. 'Homework should be shorter.'

Accepted Answer

This evidence best supports claim B, that students should be encouraged to drink water at school, because it shows a health benefit linked to drinking water.

Question 9

Write one sentence that could serve as a conclusion for an argument about why schools should start later in the morning.

Accepted Answer

In conclusion, schools should start later in the morning because students are more likely to be rested, alert, and ready to learn.

Question 10

A writer says, 'School gardens are important because they teach students about science.' Add one more reason to strengthen the argument.

Accepted Answer

Another reason is that school gardens can also teach responsibility and teamwork as students care for plants together.

Question 11

Which source would be the most reliable for an argumentative essay about teen sleep? A. A random online comment B. A medical association website C. A classmate's guess. Explain your choice.

Accepted Answer

The most reliable source is B, a medical association website, because it is more likely to provide researched and trustworthy information from experts.

Question 12

Read this sentence: 'Some people believe students should choose all their own classes, but required classes make sure everyone learns important skills.' Which part of an argument does the first part of the sentence show?

Accepted Answer

The first part of the sentence shows a counterclaim because it presents a different viewpoint before the writer responds to it.

Question 13

Write a clear claim for the topic 'school recycling programs.'

Accepted Answer

A clear claim is that every school should have a recycling program to reduce waste and teach students environmental responsibility.

Question 14

A student writes, 'Pets in classrooms are good.' Rewrite this as a stronger argumentative claim.

Accepted Answer

A stronger argumentative claim is that classrooms should have small pets because they can teach students responsibility and create a calmer learning environment.

Question 15

Plan a short argument on this topic: 'Should students have assigned seats at lunch?' Write one claim, one reason, and one piece of evidence.

Accepted Answer

One possible response is: Claim: Students should not have assigned seats at lunch. Reason: Free seating helps students build friendships and social skills. Evidence: A student survey showed that many students feel more comfortable and included when they can sit with different classmates.

Language Arts: Argumentative Writing

Language Arts: Argumentative Writing

More Language Arts Worksheets

More Grade 6-8 Worksheets