Mark each sentence True (T) or False (F)

1____A persuasive essay should NOT include an argument against your thesis.
2____ A persuasive essay explains what happens and why it happens.
3 ____ An effective thesis statement for a persuasive essay contains the topic, the writer’s opinion about
the topic, a course of action, and the reason the course of action is necessary.
4____ It is often a good idea to let a partner read your essay and look for errors that you may have
missed.
5. ___ A persuasive essay is like an imaginary dialogue between a reader and the writer.
6.____ Body paragraphs in persuasive essays, therefore, often have a unique organization

Read the arguments and counterarguments. Then write one or two sentences that introduce them using
a persuasive signal/transition word.

7. Counterargument: Riding the bus can save money.

Argument: Time is money, and taking the bus usually takes much longer.
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8. Counterargument: Private gun ownership keeps us safe because guns may deter criminals from
entering homes.
Argument: Guns are too dangerous for private citizens because of the possibility of accidents.
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9. Counterargument: Plastic is bad for the environment.

Argument: Some newer plastics are readily biodegradable.
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10. Counterargument: Change can be very difficult and stressful.

Argument: If we don’t make changes in our lives, our lives would be very boring.
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11. Counterargument: Studying overseas is expensive.

Argument: Studying overseas gives invaluable exposure to another culture.
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12. Counterargument: Most fast-food places offer salads as a choice.
Argument: Most fast food is very high in calories.
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13. Which of the following is NOT a good question to ask when choosing a persuasive topic?
a. Is this really a controversial topic that people will have different opinions about?
b. Do I have a strong opinion about this topic?
c. Do I have enough knowledge about this topic?
d. Will my readers have a professional connection to this topic?
14. Which of the following is a good thesis for a persuasive essay?
a. Video games are popular
b. I hate video games
c. Video games negatively affect teens’ health.
d. Video games used to use cartridges, but now they use discs.
15. Each of the following is a type of effective support for a persuasive essay EXCEPT:
a. Personal experience: The writer tells about an experience he or she has had.
b. Cause and Effect: The writer uses reasoning or logic to argue the point.
c. Examples: The writer describes an instance of something to illustrate the point.
d. Analogy: The writer compares the situation to another similar situation.
16. Which of the following is an example to support animals being kept in a zoo?
a. Animals are becoming extinct
b. Animals are overhunted for food, hides, or sport.
c. Dodo birds disappeared in the 1500’s.
d. Animals are losing their natural habitat.
17. Which of the following is a strong reason for using automatic motion-sensing hand dryers?
a. They save money.
b. They are fun to use.
c. They warm your hands on cold days.
d. They dry your hands quicker than paper towels.
18. Which of the following is NOT a good way to start a persuasive essay?
a. State both sides of the issue and point of view directly.
b. Begin with a quote or anecdote that draws the reader in right from the start.
c. Ask a short yes/no question.
d. State an interesting statistic or a fact.
19. Which of the following should NOT be considered in a conclusion for a persuasive paper?
a. Use a thought provoking question to begin your paragraph.
b. Summarize the reasons.
c. Urge your audience to do something or to change their mind.
d. End with a statement that urges a call to action.
20. All of the following are parts of the Persuasive Essay Rubric EXCEPT:
a. Organization
b. Elaboration of Evidence
c. Language and Vocabulary
d. Summary
 21. All of these are good topics for a persuasive paper EXCEPT:
a. Skateboards should be allowed on sidewalks.
b. Dogs are better than cats.
c. People should be allowed to keep exotic animals like chimpanzees or tigers.
d. Students should be allowed to have cell phones in elementary school.

Vocabulary

Section 1
Complete the sentences. Choose the correct completion.
1 Something strange ________ in our house last night. There was a power outage, and when the power
came back on, the computer was working perfectly. It hadn't been working at all for two days.
was happened
happened
was happen
happening
2 A: Does this factory have any special regulations?
B: Yes. Factory regulations require a sign in every area where there is machinery. The sign says: "Safety
goggles ________ at all times."
should be wearing
must be worn
to wear
ought be worn
3 Last night, Manuel ________ first prize in a poetry contest.
was awarding
was awarded
is awarding
will be awarded
4 Our downtown area has had tremendous growth in the past two years. Two large office buildings and
a hotel opened last year, and a new hotel ________ now. It's supposed to open at the end of the year.
builds
is building
is built
is being built
5 A: What happened to the meeting yesterday? No one came but me.
B: Didn't you read your email? Yesterday Mr. Rivera changed the time of the meeting and ________ all
of you of the change by email.
was informed by
was inform
informed
was informed
Section 2
Complete the sentences. Complete the sentences with the correct form of the following verbs:
occur repair save be bored should change
1 When we last drove on this route, we had to take a long detour because the bridge ___________. Now
that the bridge is open again, the trip takes less than two hours.
2 Because of extraordinary efforts by the Chinese government and several zoos around the world, the
panda bear ______________ from extinction.
3 When you hear a siren in St. Louis, it can mean a tornado warning. A lot of tornados _____________ in
the American Midwest every spring.
4 Emily was so ___________________ in class that she fell asleep while the professor was lecturing.
5 The tires on your car are worn and dangerous. They ________________ months ago.

Section 3
Complete the sentences. Write the correct form of the verbs in parentheses. Use the correct active or
passive form.
1
A: This package __________________(must / send) immediately!
B: OK, I'll take care of it right away.
2
A: Mr. Peterson _____________(have to / sign) the document.
B: Unfortunately, he's on vacation until next week.
3
A: Who are you going to vote for?
B: Alice Chambers. I sure hope she _____________ (elect).
4
A: Alice Chambers! I _________________ (not agree) with anything she stands for!
B: Oh. Well, I like her a lot.
5
A: I've heard that a lot of companies are laying people off in an effort to save money. You're not
the only one to lose your job.
B: That's right. Stella _________________ (lay off) yesterday. And a lot of other people I know.