Argumentative Writing interactive worksheet - Free Printable

Let’s go step by step to solve both parts of this worksheet.

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Part 1: Matching Column A to Column B

We need to match each definition in Column A with the correct term from Column B.

Let’s look at each one:

Column A #1: “what you need to substantially defend and support your claims”
→ This is talking about the *proof* or *facts* you use to back up your argument. That’s supporting evidence.
✔ Match: E

Column A #2: “where you point out the negatives of or contradict an opposing view”
→ This is when you argue against the other side — that’s called a rebuttal.
✔ Match: D

Column A #3: “contains the background of the issue and your stand”
→ At the beginning of your essay, you introduce the topic and say what you believe — that’s the introduction.
✔ Match: C

Column A #4: “a statement that you need to discuss, explain, or prove in your writing”
→ This is your main idea or position — your claim. (Sometimes also called thesis, but here “claim” fits best as it’s something you must prove.)
Wait — let’s check Column B again. There’s also “thesis statement”. But note: #5 says “summary or synthesis”, which is conclusion. And #3 already took introduction. Let’s hold on.

Actually, re-reading: “a statement that you need to discuss, explain, or prove” — that’s exactly what a claim is. In argumentative writing, you make claims and then support them. So yes, A.

But wait — sometimes “thesis statement” is the overall claim of the whole essay. Let’s compare with #5.

Column A #5: “contains a summary or synthesis of the information presented in your writing”
→ That’s clearly the conclusion.
✔ Match: B

Now we have left: F. thesis statement

And Column A #4: “a statement that you need to discuss, explain, or prove in your writing”

In many curricula, the thesis statement is the central claim of the entire essay — the big idea you’re proving. So actually, #4 might be better matched with F, and then what about #1?

Wait — let’s rethink carefully.

Standard definitions:

- Claim: A specific point you make that needs support.
- Thesis statement: The main claim of the whole essay — usually in the introduction.
- Supporting evidence: Facts, examples, data used to back up claims.
- Rebuttal: Addressing counterarguments.
- Introduction: Sets up the topic and includes thesis.
- Conclusion: Summarizes everything.

So:

#1: “what you need to substantially defend and support your claims” → This is NOT the claim itself — it’s what supports the claim → E. supporting evidence

#2: “point out negatives of opposing view” → D. rebuttal

#3: “background and your stand” → C. introduction (because intro gives background and states your position/thesis)

#4: “a statement that you need to discuss, explain, or prove” → This is your main argument → could be A. claim OR F. thesis statement

But note: in Column B, both “claim” and “thesis statement” are listed. Usually, the thesis statement IS the main claim of the essay. However, in some contexts, “claim” refers to any arguable point, while “thesis” is the overarching one.

Looking at #5: “summary or synthesis” → definitely B. conclusion

That leaves us with matching #4 to either A or F.

Let’s see the exact wording:

#4: “a statement that you need to discuss, explain, or prove in your writing”

This sounds like the thesis statement — because it’s the core thing your whole essay revolves around proving.

Whereas “claim” can be smaller points within the essay.

Also, in many school worksheets, they distinguish:

- Thesis statement = main argument of the whole paper
- Claim = individual arguments supporting the thesis

But here, since #1 is about supporting claims, and #4 is about “the statement you need to prove”, it’s likely referring to the thesis statement.

Moreover, if we assign:

#4 → F. thesis statement

Then what’s left for A. claim? We’ve used all others.

Wait — we have 5 items in Column A and 6 in Column B? No — Column B has A through F — that’s 6 options, but only 5 questions. So one option won’t be used.

Column B: A, B, C, D, E, F → 6 terms

Column A: 1 to 5 → 5 definitions

So one term will not be matched.

Let’s list our matches so far:

1 → E (supporting evidence)
2 → D (rebuttal)
3 → C (introduction)
5 → B (conclusion)

Left: A (claim), F (thesis statement)

For #4: “a statement that you need to discuss, explain, or prove in your writing”

This is most accurately the thesis statement — because it’s the central proposition of the entire essay.

“Claim” is more general — you can have multiple claims in an essay, each supported by evidence.

But the phrase “in your writing” suggests the main thing you’re proving — so F. thesis statement

Then A. claim is unused — which is fine, since there are 6 options and only 5 questions.

Alternatively, maybe #4 is “claim”, and thesis statement is part of introduction? But #3 already covers introduction including “your stand”, which would include thesis.

I think safest is:

#4 → F. thesis statement

Because the thesis is THE statement you set out to prove.

Final matching:

1 - E
2 - D
3 - C
4 - F
5 - B

And A (claim) is not used — acceptable.

But let me double-check common curriculum usage.

Upon second thought — in many middle/high school materials:

- “Claim” = your position or argument (same as thesis in simple essays)
- “Thesis statement” = formal name for the claim in the introduction

But here, since both are listed, and #3 says “contains... your stand” — that’s where the thesis goes — so #3 is introduction, which contains the thesis.

Then #4: “a statement that you need to discuss, explain, or prove” — that’s the claim/thesis itself.

Perhaps the worksheet intends:

#4 → A. claim

And thesis statement is considered part of introduction.

But then why have both?

Another way: look at #1: “what you need to substantially defend and support your claims” — plural “claims” — so claims are things you support with evidence.

Then #4: “a statement” singular — that you need to prove — that’s the main claim, i.e., thesis.

I think it's ambiguous, but based on standard pairing:

Let me search my knowledge: in argumentative writing structure:

- Introduction: presents topic, background, and thesis statement (which is the main claim)
- Body: makes claims (sub-points) supported by evidence
- Rebuttal: addresses counterclaims
- Conclusion: summarizes

So:

#3: “contains background and your stand” → introduction → C

#4: “a statement that you need to discuss, explain, or prove” → this is the thesis statement → F

#1: “what you need to defend and support your claims” → supporting evidence → E

Yes.

And “claim” (A) might refer to sub-claims, but since it’s not directly defined here, and we have to choose, F fits #4 better.

So I’ll go with:

1-E, 2-D, 3-C, 4-F, 5-B

Unused: A (claim)

Okay.

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Part 2: True or False

Read each statement and decide if it’s true or false.

Statement 1: “The topic should be explained with a concise background that would give readers an idea on why the topic is important.”

→ Yes, in the introduction, you provide background and show why it matters.
✔ True

Statement 2: “The claims you make in your paper should be doubtful and debatable rather than a view that is already proven or generally agreed upon by the majority.”

→ Exactly! Argumentative writing is about debating issues that aren’t settled. If everyone agrees, there’s no argument.
✔ True

Statement 3: “To produce well-written argumentative writing, you should research in order to substantially defend and support your claims.”

→ Absolutely. You need evidence, which comes from research.
✔ True

Statement 4: “To rebut means to point out the advantages or contradict an opposing view.”

→ Wait — “point out the advantages”? No! To rebut means to argue AGAINST the opposing view — point out its weaknesses, not advantages.
✘ False — it should be “disadvantages” or “flaws”, not “advantages”.

Statement 5: “In the conclusion, you may restate your thesis as well as the main claims you made.”

→ Yes, that’s standard — summarize your main points and restate your position.
✔ True

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Now, compiling final answers.

Final Answer:

Matching:
1 - E
2 - D
3 - C
4 - F
5 - B

True/False:
1. True
2. True
3. True
4. False
5. True