English Language and Composition Exam AP English Language and Composition Argumentation 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which organizational structure presents the strongest arguments first and weaker ones last?
- Climactic order
- Anti-climactic order (Correct answer)
- Chronological order
- Problem-solution order
Correct answer: Anti-climactic order
Anti-climactic order leads with the most compelling argument, which can engage readers quickly but may end on a weaker note.
Question 2: In Toulmin's model of argument, what term describes the qualifiers that limit a claim?
- Backing
- Rebuttal
- Modal qualifier (Correct answer)
- Grounds
Correct answer: Modal qualifier
Modal qualifiers (words like 'usually,' 'probably,' 'in most cases') limit the claim's scope and make it more defensible.
Question 3: A writer appeals to the audience's shared value of fairness to support a policy argument. This is best described as:
- A logical appeal using statistical proof
- An ethical appeal grounded in shared values (Correct answer)
- An emotional appeal based on personal testimony
- A causal claim backed by research
Correct answer: An ethical appeal grounded in shared values
Appealing to shared values like fairness is an ethos-based strategy that establishes common ground with the audience.
Question 4: Which sentence most effectively uses a concession to strengthen an argument?
- Remote work has no drawbacks for productivity.
- While remote work can increase isolation, studies show it boosts output for most knowledge workers. (Correct answer)
- Remote work is either great or terrible depending on the person.
- Remote work should be universally adopted immediately.
Correct answer: While remote work can increase isolation, studies show it boosts output for most knowledge workers.
Acknowledging a genuine drawback (isolation) before presenting evidence builds credibility and anticipates objections.
Question 5: What is the function of 'backing' in Toulmin's argument model?
- It introduces new evidence not related to the claim
- It provides support for the warrant itself when the warrant is not widely accepted (Correct answer)
- It summarizes all previous arguments
- It restates the claim in different words
Correct answer: It provides support for the warrant itself when the warrant is not widely accepted
Backing gives additional justification for the warrant when the audience may not accept the underlying assumption without proof.
Question 6: When analyzing a persuasive text, which question best helps identify the author's implicit assumptions?
- What is the word count of the text?
- What must be true for the evidence to logically lead to the conclusion? (Correct answer)
- How many sources does the author cite?
- What is the publication date of the text?
Correct answer: What must be true for the evidence to logically lead to the conclusion?
Identifying what must be true for the argument to hold reveals the unstated assumptions the author relies on.
Question 7: A candidate says, 'You're either with us or against us.' This is an example of:
- Ad populum fallacy
- False dichotomy (Correct answer)
- Red herring
- Appeal to tradition
Correct answer: False dichotomy
A false dichotomy presents only two options when more exist, forcing a binary choice that oversimplifies the issue.
English Language and Composition Exam AP English Language and Composition Argumentation 3
Which organizational structure presents the strongest arguments first and weaker ones last?