AWA Argument Deconstruction 2

Question 1

An argument states: 'Sales of our product dropped after we changed the packaging, so the new packaging caused the decline.' What logical flaw is present?

Accepted Answer

Post hoc ergo propter hoc

Answer

The argument assumes causation from mere temporal sequence, which is the post hoc fallacy.

Question 2

Which question best challenges: 'Our city should ban fast food restaurants because obesity rates have risen in recent years'?

Accepted Answer

Are there other factors contributing to rising obesity rates?

Answer

Identifying alternative causes of obesity undermines the causal link the argument assumes.

Question 3

When an AWA argument cites a survey of 50 volunteers at a health clinic to represent the general population's views, the best critique targets:

Accepted Answer

The sample's lack of representativeness

Answer

Clinic volunteers are not representative of the general population, making the sample biased.

Question 4

An argument concludes that a policy will work in City B because it worked in City A. Which assumption must be true for this to hold?

Accepted Answer

The two cities are sufficiently similar in relevant respects

Answer

Transferring a result from one context to another requires that the contexts share relevant characteristics.

Question 5

The phrase 'either we raise taxes or public services will collapse' exemplifies which fallacy?

Accepted Answer

False dilemma

Answer

Presenting only two options when more exist is a false dilemma (false dichotomy).

(AWA) Analytical Writing Assessment Practice Test

(AWA) Analytical Writing Assessment Practice Test

AWA Argument Deconstruction 2