Praxis Writing Quiz: Produce Argumentative Essay
20 questions · exam conditions
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Produce Argumentative EssayQuestion 1 of 20

A student is writing an argumentative essay defending the position that colleges should eliminate standardized test requirements for admission. The student plans to argue that these tests are culturally biased, don't predict college success accurately, and create unnecessary stress for students.

To make this argument most effective, which additional element should the student include?

Alternative assessment methods that colleges could use to evaluate applicants fairly while maintaining academic standards and institutional quality.
Detailed historical background about how standardized testing was first developed and implemented in American educational institutions over time.
Personal anecdotes from the student's own experience taking standardized tests and observing their effects on classmates and friends.
Extended discussion of testing anxiety and its psychological effects on students without connecting it to the main argument about admissions.
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Praxis Writing Quiz

Praxis Writing Quiz: Produce Argumentative Essay

Practice Produce Argumentative Essay in Praxis Writing with focused quiz questions that help you check what you know, review explanations, and build confidence with test-style prompts.

What this quiz covers

This quiz focuses on Produce Argumentative Essay, giving you a quick way to practice the rules, question types, and explanations that matter most for Praxis Writing.

How to use this quiz

Try each quiz question before looking at the correct answer. Use the explanations to review missed ideas, then come back to similar questions until the pattern feels familiar.

All questions

Question 1

A student is writing an argumentative essay defending the position that colleges should eliminate standardized test requirements for admission. The student plans to argue that these tests are culturally biased, don't predict college success accurately, and create unnecessary stress for students.

To make this argument most effective, which additional element should the student include?

  1. Alternative assessment methods that colleges could use to evaluate applicants fairly while maintaining academic standards and institutional quality. (correct answer)
  2. Detailed historical background about how standardized testing was first developed and implemented in American educational institutions over time.
  3. Personal anecdotes from the student's own experience taking standardized tests and observing their effects on classmates and friends.
  4. Extended discussion of testing anxiety and its psychological effects on students without connecting it to the main argument about admissions.
Explanation: Option A is correct because presenting viable alternatives addresses a key concern readers might have about eliminating standardized tests—how colleges would maintain fair evaluation processes. This strengthens the argument by showing the proposal is practical and well-considered. Option B is incorrect because historical background, while potentially interesting, doesn't strengthen the argument for elimination or address practical concerns about implementation. Option C is incorrect because personal anecdotes provide weak evidence compared to research-based support and don't address institutional concerns about assessment alternatives. Option D is incorrect because discussing testing anxiety without connecting it to the main argument creates a tangential focus that weakens the essay's coherence and persuasive impact.

Question 2

In an argumentative essay about implementing four-day school weeks, a student writes: 'Four-day school weeks benefit everyone involved in education. Students get more rest, teachers have time for professional development, and schools save money on utilities and transportation. Critics worry about childcare issues, but these concerns are easily addressed through community programs.'

What revision would most improve the argumentative effectiveness of this passage?

  1. Add specific evidence such as studies showing academic outcomes and actual cost savings data from districts using four-day schedules. (correct answer)
  2. Include more detailed personal opinions about why four-day weeks feel more natural and align better with human biological rhythms.
  3. Expand the discussion of childcare concerns to show deeper understanding of opposing viewpoints before addressing them briefly.
  4. Remove the mention of critics entirely to maintain a more positive tone and avoid introducing doubt about the proposal.
Explanation: Option A is correct because the passage makes several claims (benefits for students, teachers, schools) without providing concrete evidence to support them. Adding specific studies and data would transform unsupported assertions into a credible argument. Option B is incorrect because personal opinions about 'natural' schedules don't provide the objective evidence needed to support the argument's claims. Option C is incorrect because the main weakness is lack of evidence for the claims, not insufficient discussion of counterarguments. Option D is incorrect because removing mention of critics would weaken the argument by making it appear one-sided and less credible.

Question 3

In an argumentative essay supporting year-round schooling, a student writes: 'Traditional summer breaks are outdated. Year-round schooling prevents learning loss and provides more flexible scheduling. Some people worry about family vacation time, but education should be the priority.'

What is the most significant weakness in this argumentative passage?

  1. The argument makes claims about preventing learning loss and scheduling benefits without providing evidence to support these assertions effectively. (correct answer)
  2. The argument dismisses family concerns too quickly without showing adequate respect for traditional values and family time together.
  3. The argument uses overly simplistic language that fails to demonstrate the sophisticated vocabulary expected in academic argumentative writing.
  4. The argument focuses too heavily on problems with the current system rather than adequately explaining the proposed alternative scheduling model.
Explanation: Option A is correct because the passage makes several factual claims (prevents learning loss, provides flexible scheduling) without offering any evidence such as studies, statistics, or examples to support them. Strong argumentative writing requires evidence to back up assertions. Option B is incorrect because while the dismissal is brief, the main weakness is the lack of evidence for the central claims, not the treatment of counterarguments. Option C is incorrect because language simplicity isn't the primary issue; clear, supported arguments are more important than complex vocabulary. Option D is incorrect because the passage does explain the alternative (year-round schooling); the problem is the lack of evidence for claimed benefits.

Question 4

A student is writing an argumentative essay claiming that schools should ban single-use plastic water bottles. In the body of the essay, the student wants to include evidence about environmental impact, health concerns, and cost-effectiveness of alternatives.

Which strategy would most effectively organize this evidence to support the argument?

  1. Present all environmental evidence first, then health evidence, then cost evidence, with each section building logically toward the conclusion. (correct answer)
  2. Mix different types of evidence randomly throughout each paragraph to show the complexity of the issue and maintain reader interest.
  3. Focus exclusively on environmental impact since it is the most compelling evidence and ignore the other types of support.
  4. Present evidence in chronological order based on when the research studies were conducted rather than by topic or importance.
Explanation: Option A is correct because organizing evidence by category (environmental, health, cost) creates a logical structure that allows each type of evidence to be fully developed and helps readers follow the argument clearly. This systematic approach strengthens the overall persuasive impact. Option B is incorrect because randomly mixing evidence types creates confusion and weakens the impact of each argument strand. Option C is incorrect because using only one type of evidence limits the argument's persuasive power and ignores relevant supporting material. Option D is incorrect because chronological organization by research dates doesn't create a logical argumentative structure and may confuse readers about the main points.

Question 5

A student is developing an argumentative essay about whether cities should ban plastic bags. The student has found the following evidence: a study showing 40% reduction in litter after bag bans, testimony from business owners about implementation costs, research on marine life impacts, and data about consumer behavior changes.

Which strategy would most effectively strengthen the student's argument in favor of plastic bag bans?

  1. Emphasize the environmental benefits (litter reduction and marine life protection) while acknowledging business concerns and showing how other cities addressed them. (correct answer)
  2. Focus exclusively on the marine life impacts since environmental protection creates the most emotional response from readers and policymakers.
  3. Present all evidence equally without prioritizing any particular type of impact or concern to appear completely balanced and objective.
  4. Highlight consumer behavior changes as the primary argument since this shows that people can adapt to policy changes successfully.
Explanation: Option A is correct because it uses the strongest evidence (environmental benefits) while addressing the main counterargument (business costs) and showing practical solutions. This approach demonstrates thorough reasoning and practical consideration of implementation challenges. Option B is incorrect because focusing on only one type of evidence, even if compelling, creates a narrower argument that's more vulnerable to counterattack. Option C is incorrect because treating all evidence equally fails to build a persuasive case; effective arguments emphasize their strongest points. Option D is incorrect because consumer behavior, while relevant, is less compelling than environmental benefits and doesn't address the core environmental justification for the policy.

Question 6

A student writes: 'Schools should ban homework for elementary students. Homework causes stress and takes time away from family activities. Other countries with less homework have higher test scores. Critics say homework teaches responsibility, but students can learn responsibility in other ways.'

Which revision would most strengthen this argumentative passage?

  1. Add specific research citations about stress effects, identify which countries have higher scores, and provide examples of alternative responsibility-building activities. (correct answer)
  2. Include more emotional language about family stress and childhood happiness to create stronger parent appeal and community support for policy changes.
  3. Expand the criticism section to include detailed counterarguments about homework benefits before addressing them in the conclusion with stronger rebuttals.
  4. Remove the international comparison entirely and focus exclusively on American students' experiences with homework and documented family time management research.
Explanation: Option A is correct because the passage makes several unsupported claims (stress effects, international comparisons, alternative responsibility methods) that would be much stronger with specific evidence and examples. Adding research and specifics transforms weak assertions into credible arguments. Option B is incorrect because adding emotional language without supporting evidence would create a weaker argument based primarily on appeals rather than facts. Option C is incorrect because the main weakness is lack of evidence for the primary claims, not insufficient development of counterarguments. Option D is incorrect because removing the international comparison eliminates potentially strong evidence; the problem is lack of specificity, not the type of evidence used.

Question 7

A student is writing an argumentative essay claiming that social media platforms should implement age verification systems. The essay includes evidence about online safety, identity theft prevention, and compliance with privacy laws designed to protect minors.

Which approach would most effectively address potential counterarguments about privacy and implementation costs?

  1. Acknowledge these concerns as valid while presenting evidence that benefits outweigh costs and suggesting phased implementation to address privacy through secure systems. (correct answer)
  2. Argue that privacy concerns are exaggerated by people who don't understand modern technology and that costs are irrelevant compared to child safety.
  3. Admit that privacy and cost issues are serious problems that make age verification impractical, then suggest alternative solutions like parental controls.
  4. Ignore privacy and cost concerns entirely and focus only on the safety benefits to maintain a clear argumentative focus throughout the essay.
Explanation: Option A is correct because acknowledging valid concerns while providing counter-evidence and practical solutions demonstrates intellectual honesty and thorough reasoning, making the argument more credible and persuasive. Option B is incorrect because dismissing legitimate concerns as exaggerated undermines the writer's credibility and fails to address real implementation challenges. Option C is incorrect because conceding that counterarguments make the proposal impractical essentially defeats the writer's own position rather than strengthening it. Option D is incorrect because ignoring significant counterarguments makes the essay less persuasive since readers will think of these objections even if the writer doesn't address them.

Question 8

A student is developing an argumentative essay about whether high schools should require students to complete community service hours before graduation. The student has gathered the following evidence: statistics showing improved college admission rates for students with community service experience, testimonials from students who found volunteer work fulfilling, data on increased civic engagement among young adults who volunteered in high school, and information about the time constraints many students already face with academics and extracurricular activities.

Which approach would most effectively strengthen the student's argument in favor of mandatory community service?

  1. Focus primarily on the emotional testimonials from students who enjoyed their volunteer experiences and found them personally rewarding.
  2. Present the statistical evidence about college admissions and civic engagement while acknowledging and refuting the time constraint concerns. (correct answer)
  3. Emphasize only the positive outcomes without mentioning any potential drawbacks or opposing viewpoints about the requirement.
  4. Organize the essay around personal anecdotes and avoid using statistical data that might seem impersonal to readers.
Explanation: Option B is correct because effective argumentative writing requires using strong evidence (statistics about college admissions and civic engagement) while also addressing counterarguments (time constraints) to strengthen the overall argument. This approach demonstrates thorough reasoning and acknowledges complexity. Option A is incorrect because relying primarily on emotional appeals without substantial evidence weakens an argument. Option C is incorrect because ignoring opposing viewpoints makes an argument less persuasive and less credible. Option D is incorrect because avoiding statistical evidence eliminates some of the strongest support for the position.

Question 9

In an argumentative essay about implementing mental health days for students, which evidence would provide the strongest foundation for the argument?

  1. Research studies showing correlation between mental health support and academic performance, combined with data from schools that have implemented similar policies. (correct answer)
  2. Detailed personal accounts from students describing their stress levels and emotional challenges during particularly difficult academic periods throughout the year.
  3. Expert opinions from school counselors and psychologists about the general importance of mental health awareness in educational settings and communities.
  4. Statistical information about rising mental health issues among teenagers without specific connection to school policies or educational interventions and outcomes.
Explanation: Option A is correct because research showing correlation between mental health support and academic outcomes, combined with real implementation data, provides both theoretical justification and practical evidence of effectiveness. This dual approach creates strong, credible support. Option B is incorrect because personal accounts, while emotionally compelling, provide anecdotal rather than systematic evidence and are vulnerable to being dismissed as individual cases. Option C is incorrect because general expert opinions about mental health importance, while valuable, don't specifically support the policy proposal or demonstrate its effectiveness. Option D is incorrect because statistics about mental health issues alone don't prove that mental health days would be an effective solution to these problems.

Question 10

A student is writing an argumentative essay about whether social media companies should be required to verify user identities. The student's thesis states: 'Social media companies should implement mandatory identity verification to reduce cyberbullying, prevent the spread of misinformation, and protect user safety, despite concerns about privacy and freedom of expression.'

Which element of this thesis makes it most effective for an argumentative essay?

  1. The thesis acknowledges opposing concerns about privacy and freedom of expression while maintaining a clear argumentative stance on the issue. (correct answer)
  2. The thesis uses technical terminology like 'mandatory identity verification' that demonstrates the writer's expertise on social media policy issues.
  3. The thesis presents exactly three supporting reasons, which provides a traditional and familiar structure for readers to follow throughout the essay.
  4. The thesis focuses on multiple complex issues like cyberbullying and misinformation that will allow for extensive research and detailed analysis.
Explanation: Option A is correct because acknowledging opposing concerns while maintaining a clear stance shows intellectual sophistication and makes the argument more credible. This approach demonstrates that the writer has considered multiple perspectives, which strengthens the overall argumentative position. Option B is incorrect because technical terminology alone doesn't make a thesis effective; clarity and argumentation are more important than specialized vocabulary. Option C is incorrect because the number of supporting reasons is less important than their quality and the overall argument structure. Option D is incorrect because complexity alone doesn't make a thesis effective; the key is the balanced approach to argumentation, not the number of issues addressed.

Question 11

A student writes in an argumentative essay: 'School dress codes should be eliminated because they restrict student freedom. Many students feel that dress codes prevent them from expressing their individuality. Additionally, enforcing dress codes takes time away from education.'

Which revision would most strengthen this argument?

  1. Add specific evidence such as research on the relationship between self-expression and academic performance, plus data on time spent on dress code enforcement. (correct answer)
  2. Include more detailed descriptions of specific clothing items that are typically banned by dress codes in various school districts.
  3. Expand the discussion of student feelings and emotions about dress codes to create stronger emotional appeal for readers and administrators.
  4. Provide extensive background information about the historical development of dress codes in American public schools over several decades.
Explanation: Option A is correct because the current argument relies on unsupported claims about freedom and education time. Adding research evidence about self-expression's impact on learning and concrete data about enforcement time would transform weak assertions into a credible argument supported by facts. Option B is incorrect because listing specific banned items would provide detail but not evidence for the argument's claims about freedom and educational impact. Option C is incorrect because expanding emotional appeals without factual support would create a weaker argument vulnerable to counterattack with evidence. Option D is incorrect because historical background doesn't strengthen the argument for elimination or provide evidence for the claims about current educational impacts.

Question 12

In an argumentative essay about requiring digital literacy courses in middle school, a student plans to structure the argument with three main points: preparing students for high school technology use, developing critical thinking about online information, and building practical skills for future careers.

Which approach to supporting these three main points would create the most effective argumentative structure?

  1. Provide specific evidence for each point individually, then show how all three points support the overall argument. (correct answer)
  2. Combine evidence for all three points in each paragraph to demonstrate their interconnected nature throughout the essay structure.
  3. Focus primarily on career preparation since it has strongest practical appeal, while briefly mentioning the other supporting points.
  4. Present the three points as equally important without providing evidence, relying on readers to understand their common sense value.
Explanation: Option A is correct because developing each point with specific evidence creates strong individual arguments, while connecting them shows how they reinforce each other to support the overall thesis. This structure provides both depth and coherence. Option B is incorrect because mixing evidence for different points in each paragraph creates confusion and weakens the development of individual arguments. Option C is incorrect because neglecting two of the three main points weakens the overall argument and wastes potentially strong supporting evidence. Option D is incorrect because arguments require evidence to be persuasive; relying on common sense without support creates weak argumentation vulnerable to counterattack.

Question 13

In an argumentative essay about requiring students to take a gap year before college, a student writes: 'Many students rush into college without clear goals. A mandatory gap year would solve this problem. Students could work, volunteer, or travel during this time.'

What is the primary weakness in this argument that needs to be addressed?

  1. The argument lacks specific evidence to support the claim that a gap year would effectively help students develop clearer educational goals. (correct answer)
  2. The argument uses language that is too informal and conversational for an academic argumentative essay about education policy.
  3. The argument focuses too heavily on the problems with current college preparation rather than the benefits of the proposed solution.
  4. The argument fails to use sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures that demonstrate advanced writing skills to readers.
Explanation: Option A is correct because the argument makes a claim about cause and effect (gap years helping students develop goals) without providing evidence such as studies, statistics, or examples to support this assertion. Strong argumentative writing requires evidence to back up claims. Option B is incorrect because the language, while simple, is appropriately formal for academic writing; the main issue is lack of evidence, not tone. Option C is incorrect because identifying problems is a valid part of argumentative structure; the issue is the unsupported solution, not the problem identification. Option D is incorrect because vocabulary complexity is less important than providing evidence; clear, supported arguments are more effective than unnecessarily complex language.

Question 14

Which strategy most effectively establishes credibility when presenting an argument about implementing renewable energy requirements for schools?

  1. Use current data from reputable sources about costs and impact, acknowledge implementation challenges, and cite successful examples from similar institutions. (correct answer)
  2. Present the argument with absolute certainty and confidence, avoiding mention of potential difficulties or costs that might weaken environmental support.
  3. Focus primarily on personal environmental values and emotional commitment to protecting the planet for future generations of students and communities.
  4. Rely mainly on general statements about renewable benefits without specific data about costs, timelines, or documented institutional success examples.
Explanation: Option A is correct because using reputable sources, acknowledging challenges honestly, and providing concrete examples demonstrates thorough research and intellectual honesty, which establishes strong credibility with readers. This balanced approach shows thoughtful consideration of multiple aspects. Option B is incorrect because absolute certainty without acknowledging any challenges appears unrealistic and can damage credibility when readers recognize obvious implementation difficulties. Option C is incorrect because personal values and emotions, while understandable, don't establish the factual credibility needed for policy arguments about institutional changes. Option D is incorrect because general statements without specific supporting data fail to establish the evidence-based credibility essential for persuasive argumentative writing.

Question 15

Which approach to using expert testimony would most effectively support an argumentative essay about implementing later start times for high schools?

  1. Cite sleep researchers and educational psychologists who have studied adolescent circadian rhythms and their impact on academic performance and health. (correct answer)
  2. Include opinions from any adults in education-related fields, regardless of their specific expertise in sleep research or adolescent development.
  3. Focus on testimonials from parents and students who personally prefer later start times based on their individual family schedules.
  4. Reference general statements from school administrators about scheduling challenges without specific expertise in sleep science or student wellness.
Explanation: Option A is correct because expert testimony is most effective when it comes from authorities with specific, relevant expertise in the subject matter. Sleep researchers and educational psychologists have the scientific background to provide credible evidence about circadian rhythms and academic performance. Option B is incorrect because general education experience doesn't provide the specialized knowledge needed to support claims about sleep and learning. Option C is incorrect because personal preferences, while understandable, don't constitute expert testimony and provide weak evidence for policy arguments. Option D is incorrect because administrative concerns about scheduling, while practical, don't provide expert evidence for the scientific claims about benefits of later start times.

Question 16

When addressing counterarguments in an argumentative essay about implementing school uniforms, which approach most effectively strengthens the writer's position?

  1. Acknowledge valid concerns about individual expression while presenting evidence that uniforms improve academic focus and reduce social pressures. (correct answer)
  2. Dismiss opposing viewpoints as outdated and irrelevant without providing specific reasons for why they should be rejected by readers.
  3. Ignore potential counterarguments entirely to maintain a clear focus on the positive aspects of the proposed uniform policy.
  4. Present counterarguments in great detail but provide only minimal response to show respect for opposing viewpoints and perspectives.
Explanation: Option A is correct because acknowledging valid concerns shows intellectual honesty and credibility, while providing evidence to refute those concerns demonstrates the strength of the writer's position. This approach makes the argument more persuasive by showing thorough consideration of the issue. Option B is incorrect because dismissing opposing views without reasoning appears arrogant and weakens the writer's credibility with readers. Option C is incorrect because ignoring counterarguments makes the essay less persuasive since readers may think of objections the writer hasn't considered. Option D is incorrect because extensive presentation of counterarguments without adequate response may actually strengthen the opposition rather than the writer's position.

Question 17

In developing an argumentative essay about raising the minimum wage, which approach to using evidence would be most persuasive?

  1. Combine economic data about wage impacts with real-world examples from cities that have implemented higher minimum wages successfully. (correct answer)
  2. Focus exclusively on emotional appeals by sharing personal stories from workers struggling to make ends meet on current wages.
  3. Present only theoretical economic models without reference to actual implementation data or real-world outcomes from policy changes.
  4. Rely primarily on expert opinions from economists while avoiding statistical data that might confuse or overwhelm general readers.
Explanation: Option A is correct because combining different types of strong evidence (statistical data and real-world examples) creates a more comprehensive and persuasive argument that appeals to both logical reasoning and practical concerns. This multi-faceted approach strengthens credibility. Option B is incorrect because relying exclusively on emotional appeals without factual support creates a weak argument that can be easily challenged. Option C is incorrect because theoretical models without real-world evidence fail to demonstrate practical effectiveness of the proposed policy. Option D is incorrect because expert opinions alone, without supporting data, provide insufficient evidence for such a complex economic policy argument.

Question 18

In an argumentative essay about mandatory financial literacy courses in high school, which type of evidence would provide the strongest support for the argument?

  1. Personal stories from individual students who struggled with financial decisions after graduation from schools without such courses.
  2. Statistical data comparing debt levels and financial decision-making skills between graduates from schools with and without financial literacy requirements. (correct answer)
  3. Expert opinions from financial advisors who believe young people need better preparation for managing money and making investment decisions.
  4. Historical examples of how financial education has been approached differently in various countries throughout the past century.
Explanation: Option B is correct because statistical data comparing outcomes between similar groups provides objective, measurable evidence that directly supports the argument's claims about the effectiveness of financial literacy courses. This type of evidence is difficult to dispute and shows clear cause-and-effect relationships. Option A is incorrect because personal anecdotes, while compelling, represent limited individual experiences rather than broader proof of the argument's validity. Option C is incorrect because expert opinions, though valuable, are less persuasive than concrete data showing actual outcomes. Option D is incorrect because historical examples don't directly prove the effectiveness of current financial literacy requirements in modern educational contexts.

Question 19

Which characteristic most distinguishes effective evidence in an argumentative essay from evidence that appears credible but actually weakens the argument?

  1. Effective evidence is directly relevant to the specific claim being made and comes from credible, unbiased sources with clear methodology. (correct answer)
  2. Effective evidence always includes statistical data and numerical information rather than relying on qualitative research or observational studies.
  3. Effective evidence comes exclusively from recent sources published within the past year to ensure all information reflects current conditions.
  4. Effective evidence focuses on emotional impact and personal connection with readers rather than dry facts that might seem impersonal.
Explanation: Option A is correct because effective evidence must be directly relevant to the claim, credible, and unbiased to genuinely support an argument. Evidence that seems impressive but lacks these qualities can actually undermine the writer's credibility. Option B is incorrect because both quantitative and qualitative evidence can be effective; the key is relevance and credibility, not the type of data. Option C is incorrect because while recent sources are often valuable, some older sources may still be highly relevant and credible; currency alone doesn't determine effectiveness. Option D is incorrect because emotional impact without factual support creates weak arguments that can be easily challenged by opponents with better evidence.

Question 20

In an argumentative essay about mandatory community service for high school graduation, which conclusion strategy would most effectively reinforce the argument?

  1. Restate the main benefits of community service while connecting them to broader goals of education and civic engagement in democratic society. (correct answer)
  2. Introduce new evidence about volunteer programs in other countries that wasn't discussed in the body of the essay to expand perspective.
  3. Acknowledge that the proposal might not work perfectly but suggest that any improvement in civic engagement is better than none.
  4. Focus primarily on refuting one major counterargument in detail to leave readers with a strong sense of the opposition's weakness.
Explanation: Option A is correct because effective conclusions reinforce main arguments while connecting them to larger significance, helping readers understand the broader implications of the position. This approach strengthens the argument's overall impact and memorability. Option B is incorrect because conclusions should synthesize existing evidence rather than introduce new information that hasn't been developed in the essay body. Option C is incorrect because ending with uncertainty ('might not work perfectly') weakens the argument rather than reinforcing confidence in the position. Option D is incorrect because conclusions should reinforce the positive case rather than focus primarily on attacking opposition, which can leave a negative final impression.