Writing Workshop: An Argumentative Essay about the American Revolution
Question 17 • Pathways U.S. History I
Read the thesis statement from an argumentative essay about former US president Richard Nixon.President Nixon disgraced the US presidency through his involvement in the Watergate Scandal. This marks him as history’s worst president. Which statement could the essay’s writer use to support the central claim made here?
Answer
A
It was under Nixon’s leadership that the Vietnam War ended.
B
It was under Nixon’s leadership that the Vietnam War ended.
C
The Watergate Scandal created a strong national distrust of the government.
D
The Watergate Scandal created a strong national distrust of the government.
E
Nixon began practicing law in 1937.
F
Nixon began practicing law in 1937.
G
Nixon’s trip to China opened relations between that nation and the United States.
H
Nixon’s trip to China opened relations between that nation and the United States.
Explanation
The thesis argues that Nixon’s involvement in Watergate disgraced the presidency. The statement that the scandal created strong national distrust of the government supports that claim by showing its harmful effect on the country. The statements about the Vietnam War, Nixon’s legal career, and his trip to China do not support the claim about Watergate.
AI-written and checked against the verified answer.