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English Quiz - Constructing an Argument (Questions)

Build convincing arguments for GCSE English. Learn to make clear claims, support them with evidence, and organise paragraphs so your reasoning is easy to follow.

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Fascinating Fact:

Avoid logical fallacies, do not attack the person, do not make slippery claims without proof, do not cherry pick.

In GCSE English, you construct arguments for essays, speeches, and letters. Examiners reward a focused thesis, clear structure, relevant evidence, and precise language that anticipates and answers counterarguments.

Key Terms

Claim: The main point you want the reader to accept.
Evidence: Quotations, facts, or examples that support your claim.
Counterargument: An opposing view that you address and refute.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

How do I structure a strong argument in GCSE English?

Start with a clear thesis. Use PEEL paragraphs: Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link. Add a short counterargument with rebuttal. Conclude by reinforcing your main claim.

What is the difference between a claim and evidence?

A claim is your viewpoint or assertion. Evidence is the support for it, such as quotations, data, or specific examples that prove the claim is reasonable.

How can I avoid logical fallacies in my writing?

Check each point for relevance and proof. Target ideas, not people. Use reliable sources, present balanced evidence, and explain how each example supports your thesis.

Try These Related Quizzes

1.

You have been asked to present a case for or against an issue. In this context, what is meant by 'argument'?

[ ]	A loud disagreement
[ ]	A well-supported point of view which takes other, opposing points of view into account
[ ]	A heated disagreement
[ ]	A well-supported case for a particular point of view

2.

You have been given an essay topic on the theme of fate in Macbeth. In this context, what is meant by 'argument'?

[ ]	A loud disagreement
[ ]	A well-supported point of view which takes other, opposing points of view into account
[ ]	A heated disagreement
[ ]	A well-supported case for a particular point of view

3.

In an essay, a statement of your point of view is called your...

[ ]	introductory paragraph
[ ]	thesis
[ ]	persuasion
[ ]	consideration

4.

'How does J.B. Priestley present the relationship of power and powerlessness through the character of Mr. Birling?' - Which key words should be included in an argument written in response to this question?

[ ]	How, Mr. Birling, through, themes
[ ]	Relationship, power, Mr. Birling
[ ]	Power, powerlessness
[ ]	Relationship, power, powerlessness, presented, character, Mr. Birling

5.

Some essay questions are given in the form of statements. Which of the following questions has the same meaning as this statement: 'Discuss Steinbeck's presentation of loneliness in Of Mice and Men.'

[ ]	How does Steinbeck present the theme of loneliness in Of Mice and Men?
[ ]	Who is lonely in Of Mice and Men?
[ ]	Does Steinbeck present the theme of loneliness in Of Mice and Men?
[ ]	All of the above

6.

When structuring your argument, how should you NOT order your paragraphs?

[ ]	Chronologically
[ ]	Randomly
[ ]	In order of importance
[ ]	Logically

7.

Some essays ask you to compare two texts, such as two poems. How should you organise your points in such an essay?

[ ]	Analyse the first poem before bringing in the other poem to compare and contrast
[ ]	Devote each paragraph to a topic (theme, language, mood, etc.) and write about both poems in each
[ ]	Either of the answers above
[ ]	Neither of the answers above

8.

What does it mean to 'develop' your argument?

[ ]	Each paragraph should slightly contradict the paragraph it follows
[ ]	Each paragraph should contribute to and strengthen your argument
[ ]	You should only place your argument in the final paragraph
[ ]	You shouldn't plan ahead, but develop your argument as you go along

9.

Sometimes it can seem as if an essay's points are hardly related. In order to ensure your argument flows and is logical, each paragraph should include...

[ ]	arrows and annotations
[ ]	numbered points
[ ]	phrases such as, 'Now I'm going to talk about...' and 'Now I'm going to make this point'
[ ]	transitions

10.

Which of the following is an effective way to structure an essay written to argue the case for or against an issue?

[ ]	Present your case first, then present the opposing case and refute it
[ ]	Present the opposing case first, then present your much stronger and more reasonable case
[ ]	Either of the above
[ ]	Neither of the above

You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - Organising information and ideas

English Quiz - Constructing an Argument (Answers)

1.

You have been asked to present a case for or against an issue. In this context, what is meant by 'argument'?

[ ]	A loud disagreement
[x]	A well-supported point of view which takes other, opposing points of view into account
[ ]	A heated disagreement
[ ]	A well-supported case for a particular point of view

2.

You have been given an essay topic on the theme of fate in Macbeth. In this context, what is meant by 'argument'?

[ ]	A loud disagreement
[ ]	A well-supported point of view which takes other, opposing points of view into account
[ ]	A heated disagreement
[x]	A well-supported case for a particular point of view

In this type of essay, a persuasive case for a point of view (the argument) does not include presenting an opposing viewpoint

3.

In an essay, a statement of your point of view is called your...

[ ]	introductory paragraph
[x]	thesis
[ ]	persuasion
[ ]	consideration

An introductory paragraph includes your thesis, which is simply your argument presented in a single statement

4.

'How does J.B. Priestley present the relationship of power and powerlessness through the character of Mr. Birling?' - Which key words should be included in an argument written in response to this question?

[ ]	How, Mr. Birling, through, themes
[ ]	Relationship, power, Mr. Birling
[ ]	Power, powerlessness
[x]	Relationship, power, powerlessness, presented, character, Mr. Birling

The most straightforward way to come up with your thesis statement is to rephrase the question: 'J.B. Priestley presents the relationship of power and powerlessness through the character of Mr. Birling by....' After rephrasing, you might wish to find a more elegant way of making the same statement

5.

Some essay questions are given in the form of statements. Which of the following questions has the same meaning as this statement: 'Discuss Steinbeck's presentation of loneliness in Of Mice and Men.'

[x]	How does Steinbeck present the theme of loneliness in Of Mice and Men?
[ ]	Who is lonely in Of Mice and Men?
[ ]	Does Steinbeck present the theme of loneliness in Of Mice and Men?
[ ]	All of the above

6.

When structuring your argument, how should you NOT order your paragraphs?

[ ]	Chronologically
[x]	Randomly
[ ]	In order of importance
[ ]	Logically

It can be difficult to decide in which order to write your paragraphs. Thinking about how your points are logically connected will certainly help. Chronological order suits some essays (i.e. development of a theme throughout a text) and order of importance suits other essays (especially writing to argue)

7.

Some essays ask you to compare two texts, such as two poems. How should you organise your points in such an essay?

[ ]	Analyse the first poem before bringing in the other poem to compare and contrast
[ ]	Devote each paragraph to a topic (theme, language, mood, etc.) and write about both poems in each
[x]	Either of the answers above
[ ]	Neither of the answers above

Both of these structures can work for a compare and contrast essay - practise each form and decide which works best for you

8.

What does it mean to 'develop' your argument?

[ ]	Each paragraph should slightly contradict the paragraph it follows
[x]	Each paragraph should contribute to and strengthen your argument
[ ]	You should only place your argument in the final paragraph
[ ]	You shouldn't plan ahead, but develop your argument as you go along

9.

Sometimes it can seem as if an essay's points are hardly related. In order to ensure your argument flows and is logical, each paragraph should include...

[ ]	arrows and annotations
[ ]	numbered points
[ ]	phrases such as, 'Now I'm going to talk about...' and 'Now I'm going to make this point'
[x]	transitions

Paragraphs must be linked together by transitional phrases (usually connectives) so that your reader can easily follow your argument

10.

Which of the following is an effective way to structure an essay written to argue the case for or against an issue?

[ ]	Present your case first, then present the opposing case and refute it
[ ]	Present the opposing case first, then present your much stronger and more reasonable case
[x]	Either of the above
[ ]	Neither of the above

Both of these structures work equally well - people often show a strong preference for one or the other of these methods