AWA Argument Deconstruction 4

Question 1

An argument asserts: 'Students who eat breakfast score higher on tests, so schools should provide free breakfast.' Which is the most significant missing piece?

Accepted Answer

Whether the correlation between breakfast and scores is causal

Answer

A correlation between breakfast and scores does not prove that providing breakfast will raise scores.

Question 2

An argument compares two dissimilar products to draw a conclusion. This is best identified as a:

Accepted Answer

False analogy

Answer

A false analogy draws conclusions by comparing things that differ in crucial ways.

Question 3

Which of the following best describes 'begging the question' in an AWA argument?

Accepted Answer

Using the conclusion as a premise without independent support

Answer

Begging the question means the argument assumes what it is trying to prove.

Question 4

An AWA passage argues: 'Most of our survey respondents rated our service highly, so customers are satisfied.' The weakest point is:

Accepted Answer

Dissatisfied customers may have been less likely to respond

Answer

Non-response bias means dissatisfied customers often skip surveys, skewing results positive.

Question 5

If an argument provides evidence that is true but irrelevant to its conclusion, it commits the fallacy of:

Accepted Answer

Red herring

Answer

A red herring introduces irrelevant information to distract from the real issue.

(AWA) Analytical Writing Assessment Practice Test

(AWA) Analytical Writing Assessment Practice Test

AWA Argument Deconstruction 4