9.3 Practical Exercises for The Classroom
Let’s now engage in the contemplation, examination and assessment of events, issues and elements taken from our everyday occurrences.
A. First Sample Prompt
Should governments ban single-use plastic products to reduce environmental pollution?
Now, let’s apply the steps we have previously mentioned:
Step-by-Step Argument Analysis Breakdown
- Look for the Task Directive
- The verb here is “should” – This tells us the essay is asking for an argumentative stance.
- Identify the Controversial Element
- The phrase “ban single-use plastic products” is a policy issue that sparks considerable debate. It is controversial due to concerns regarding economic, environmental, and consumer convenience.
- Examine the Prompt’s Focus
- The primary focus is on the connection between government bans and reductions in environmental pollution.
- Break Down Multi-Part Prompts
- This one is simple and single-layered—no sub-questions—so you can zero in on the policy vs. impact angle.
- Rephrase as a Thesis Statement:
Governments should ban single-use plastic products because such policies significantly reduce environmental pollution and promote sustainable consumer habits.
Now you have a focused thesis that is defendable with evidence.
B. Second Sample Prompt
Topic: School Uniforms Should Be Mandatory in Public Schools
Paragraph: Requiring school uniforms in public schools helps reduce socioeconomic disparities among students. A study by the National Association of Elementary School Principals found that schools with uniform policies reported fewer incidents of peer pressure related to clothing brands. This evidence suggests that uniforms create a more level playing field, minimizing distractions caused by visible income differences and allowing students to focus more on academics and personal development.”
Argument Analysis Breakdown
Claim: School uniforms help reduce socioeconomic disparities. This is the main idea the writer is trying to prove.
Evidence: A Study by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) showed fewer peer pressure incidents. It is factual support pulled from a reputable source.
Reasoning: Uniforms level the playing field and reduce distractions. The writer explains why the evidence supports the claim—connecting peer pressure to income visibility.
Now, let’s look at a possible counterargument paragraph:
Mandating school uniforms in public schools may suppress student individuality and self-expression, which are crucial during formative years. According to a report by the American Civil Liberties Union, uniform policies can disproportionately impact students’ ability to express cultural, religious, or personal identities. While uniforms may aim to reduce visible inequalities, they can unintentionally stifle creativity and diminish students’ sense of autonomy—qualities that are essential for developing confident, independent thinkers.
Claim: Uniforms suppress individuality and self-expression. This challenges the original claim by highlighting a potential negative consequence.
Evidence: ACLU report on cultural/personal identity restrictions. This support adds legitimacy and points to broader societal concerns.
Reasoning: Uniforms can hinder personal development and autonomy. This line of thought connects the evidence to the broader educational values being affected.
C. Third Sample Prompt
Topic: Four-Day Workweek
Academic/Persuasive text: Implementing a four-day workweek can increase productivity and improve employee well-being. A report by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) shows that countries with shorter average workweeks tend to rank higher in worker satisfaction and output per hour. By reducing burnout and promoting a better work-life balance, the four-day model enables companies to retain talent and enhance performance.
Claim: Four-day workweek boosts productivity and well-being. This is the central assertion the writer is arguing for.
Evidence: OECD report comparing countries’ workweek lengths and outcomes. This report provides credible support for the claim, backed by factual data.
Reasoning: Shorter workweeks reduce burnout and improve retention and performance. The line of thought here explains how the evidence logically supports the claim.
D. Fourth Sample Prompt
Let’s now dive into an emotionally charged, policy-centred passage and break it down. This one leans on pathos while still playing a part in public discourse (Emotional appeal and Policy debate)
Banning animal testing in the cosmetics industry isn’t just a matter of ethics—it’s a matter of compassion. Behind every mascara wand and lipstick tube may lie the suffering of rabbits, mice, and other sentient beings subjected to painful procedures. Humane alternatives now exist, making this cruelty not only unnecessary but barbaric. Countries like Norway and the UK have already enacted bans, proving that beauty doesn’t need to come at the cost of life.
Argument Analysis Breakdown
Claim: Animal testing in cosmetics production should be banned. This represents a central policy position grounded in both ethical and practical reasoning.
Evidence: The existence of humane alternatives with examples of countries that have banned the practice. This kind of support offers real-world validation and leaves an open door to technological feasibility.
Reasoning: Testing is cruel and avoidable; bans by other countries prove the feasibility. The argument provides an emotional and logical connection between ethics, suffering, and legislative action.
An additional note regarding Emotional Appeal in this case: The writer employs emotionally vivid imagery (“suffering… mascara wand… barbaric”) to evoke empathy and moral urgency, making the argument not just logical but also visceral.
Vocabulary isn’t just decoration in persuasive writing—it is the fuel that can add emotional impact, credibility, and clarity. Choosing the right words can mean the difference between convincing your audience and losing their attention.
