AP English Language and Composition Argumentation Flashcards

Which rhetorical strategy involves acknowledging and then refuting an opposing viewpoint?

Answer: Concession and rebuttal

Concession and rebuttal strengthens an argument by showing the writer understands opposing views and can counter them.

In argumentation, what is the primary purpose of a warrant?

Answer: To connect evidence to the claim by explaining the underlying assumption

A warrant is the logical link that explains why the evidence supports the claim, often an unstated assumption.

A writer states: 'Studies show teens sleep-deprived; therefore, school should start later.' What is missing from this argument?

Answer: A warrant explaining why later start times address sleep deprivation

Without a warrant, the argument assumes—but does not prove—that changing start times will solve the sleep problem.

Which of the following best describes a 'straw man' fallacy?

Answer: Misrepresenting an opponent's argument to make it easier to attack

A straw man fallacy distorts or exaggerates the opposing view so it can be more easily defeated.

When a writer uses the phrase 'We must act now—every second of delay costs a child's future,' which appeal is most dominant?

Answer: Pathos

The urgent emotional language about children's futures is a pathos appeal designed to evoke fear and compassion.

What distinguishes inductive reasoning from deductive reasoning in argumentation?

Answer: Inductive moves from specific observations to a general conclusion; deductive applies a general principle to a specific case

Inductive reasoning builds generalizations from examples, while deductive reasoning applies established generalizations to specific situations.

A college essay argues that online learning is inferior by citing one student's bad experience. This is an example of which fallacy?

Answer: Hasty generalization

Drawing a broad conclusion about online learning from one anecdote is a hasty generalization.