Research Workshop: Writing and Presenting the Argumentative Essay, Part 1 — Quiz
Question 6 • English Language Arts 11
Read this claim from an argumentative essay about high-sugar foods. High-sugar foods should have the same sales restrictions as other harmful substances, such as alcohol and tobacco. Which statement best represents a counterclaim to this claim?
Answer
A
Studies have shown that sugar can be addictive.
B
Sugar is cheaper to buy than alcohol and tobacco.
C
Consuming too much sugar over time can lead to diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
D
Sugar is a nutrient that the body uses as a source of energy; alcohol and tobacco are not.
Explanation
A counterclaim challenges the essay’s claim that high-sugar foods should face the same sales restrictions as alcohol and tobacco. Choice D gives a reason to treat sugar differently: unlike alcohol and tobacco, sugar is a nutrient the body uses for energy. The other choices describe similarities or concerns about sugar, which support rather than challenge the claim.
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