AWA Evaluating Evidence and Assumptions 4

Question 1

An argument uses the phrase 'studies show' without citing specific research. How should an AWA evaluator treat this evidence?

Accepted Answer

Question it because vague references to studies cannot be verified or assessed for quality

Answer

Unspecified 'studies' cannot be evaluated for methodology, sample size, peer review status, or relevance, making them weak evidentiary support.

Question 2

Which of the following is an example of the 'slippery slope' fallacy in an AWA argument?

Accepted Answer

If we allow students to retake one exam, eventually no exam will have any standards at all

Answer

The slippery slope fallacy assumes that one small step will inevitably lead to extreme consequences without demonstrating why each step would necessarily follow.

Question 3

An argument concludes that a policy is effective because 'experts agree.' What question most directly evaluates this evidence?

Accepted Answer

Are the experts qualified in the relevant field, and is there genuine consensus or just a few voices?

Answer

Expert evidence requires assessing whether the experts have relevant credentials and whether their view represents a genuine consensus rather than a minority opinion.

Question 4

What does it mean to 'distinguish correlation from causation' in AWA argument analysis?

Accepted Answer

To recognize that two variables moving together does not prove one causes the other

Answer

Distinguishing correlation from causation means recognizing that even a strong statistical relationship between variables does not by itself prove a causal connection.

Question 5

An argument claims: 'No complaints were filed against our product last quarter, so our product has no defects.' What assumption makes this reasoning flawed?

Accepted Answer

Customers file complaints whenever they experience defects

Answer

The argument assumes all defects lead to complaints, but customers may tolerate minor issues, not know how to complain, or simply stop using the product instead.

(AWA) Analytical Writing Assessment Practice Test

(AWA) Analytical Writing Assessment Practice Test

AWA Evaluating Evidence and Assumptions 4