PRAXIS PRAXIS Core Academic Skills: Writing 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a thesis statement in an argumentative essay?
- To summarize the entire essay
- To state the writer's main claim and position (Correct answer)
- To list supporting evidence
- To introduce background information
Correct answer: To state the writer's main claim and position
A thesis statement presents the writer's central argument or position that will be supported throughout the essay.
Question 2: Which paragraph structure best supports a well-organized argumentative essay?
- Introduction, body paragraphs with evidence, conclusion (Correct answer)
- Conclusion, evidence, introduction
- Evidence, introduction, body paragraphs
- Introduction, conclusion, body paragraphs
Correct answer: Introduction, body paragraphs with evidence, conclusion
An effective argumentative essay follows the structure of introduction, body paragraphs with supporting evidence, and conclusion.
Question 3: What is the function of a topic sentence in a body paragraph?
- To conclude the paragraph's argument
- To introduce a new topic unrelated to the thesis
- To state the main idea of the paragraph and connect it to the thesis (Correct answer)
- To provide a transitional phrase only
Correct answer: To state the main idea of the paragraph and connect it to the thesis
A topic sentence introduces the paragraph's main point and shows how it relates to the essay's overall thesis.
Question 4: Which of the following best describes a counterargument in an essay?
- An argument that supports the thesis
- A perspective that opposes the writer's position, which the writer then addresses (Correct answer)
- A restatement of the thesis
- A piece of evidence supporting the main claim
Correct answer: A perspective that opposes the writer's position, which the writer then addresses
A counterargument presents an opposing view that the writer acknowledges and then refutes to strengthen their own argument.
Question 5: In an argumentative essay, what does 'concession' mean?
- Providing a final summary of all arguments
- Introducing new evidence at the end
- Acknowledging a valid point made by the opposing side (Correct answer)
- Restating the thesis in different words
Correct answer: Acknowledging a valid point made by the opposing side
A concession acknowledges the merit of an opposing argument before the writer explains why their position is still stronger.
Question 6: What is the primary purpose of the conclusion in an argumentative essay?
- To introduce new arguments not previously discussed
- To restate the thesis and summarize how evidence supports it (Correct answer)
- To provide additional evidence for the main claim
- To list all sources used in the essay
Correct answer: To restate the thesis and summarize how evidence supports it
The conclusion restates the thesis and synthesizes how the body paragraphs' evidence supports the central argument.
PRAXIS PRAXIS Core Academic Skills: Writing 1
What is the primary purpose of a thesis statement in an argumentative essay?