Question

which sentence best demonstrates an appropriate style for an argumentative essay?
○ anyone who believes we should increase taxes is incapable of logical reasoning and should be discounted.
○ increasing taxes would place an unnecessary hardship on the citizens and should be avoided.
○ local legislative bodies are tasked with generating revenue to manage the needs of their districts.
○ taxes are already out of control; it is unbelievable that the legislature is considering an increase.

Explanation:

An argumentative essay style should be logical, objective, and present a claim with reasoning. The first option uses ad hominem (attacking people, not the argument) and is unprofessional. The third and fourth are statements of fact or description, not argumentative. The second option presents a claim (avoid increasing taxes) with a reason (unnecessary hardship on citizens), fitting argumentative style.

Answer:

B. Increasing taxes would place an unnecessary hardship on the citizens and should be avoided.