Question

construct your argument
prompt: should class participation be a required and graded part of your final grade? state your claim and support it with a reason and evidence.
claim: state your position.
reason: explain why you believe this.
evidence: provide a specific example.
conclusion: summarize your argument.
vocabulary builder

1. what is the meaning of the word ravage?

a) to build carefully
b) to cause severe and extensive damage
c) to whisper softly
d) to organize neatly

1. what is a synonym for the word assure?

a) to question
b) to surprise
c) to guarantee
d) to confuse
use the words in context
write a short paragraph using the word ravage correctly.
write a short paragraph using the word assure correctly.

Explanation:

Construct Your Argument

Claim:

Class participation should be a required and graded part of the final grade.

Reason:

It encourages active learning. When students participate, they engage more deeply with the material, ask questions, and share ideas, which enhances their understanding.

Evidence:

In a history class, students who regularly participated in discussions about historical events showed a 20% higher average on essay questions related to those events compared to non - participating students, as per a teacher's grade book analysis.

Conclusion:

Class participation is a valuable component of learning. By requiring and grading it, educators promote active engagement, which leads to better comprehension and performance, so it should be part of the final grade.

Vocabulary Builder

1.

The word "ravage" means to cause severe and extensive damage. Option a is about building carefully, which is the opposite of damaging. Option c is about whispering softly, and option d is about organizing neatly, neither of which relate to damage. So the correct answer is about causing damage.

The word "assure" means to guarantee or give confidence. Option a is to question, option b is to surprise, and option d is to confuse. Only option c, "to guarantee", has a similar meaning to "assure".

Answer:

b) To cause severe and extensive damage

2.