English Language and Composition Exam AP English Language and Composition Argumentation 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the term for the logical error of assuming that because one event followed another, the first caused the second?
- Begging the question
- Post hoc ergo propter hoc (Correct answer)
- Ad hominem
- Non sequitur
Correct answer: Post hoc ergo propter hoc
Post hoc ergo propter hoc ('after this, therefore because of this') incorrectly equates sequence with causation.
Question 2: A writer uses the phrase 'scientists say' without naming specific researchers or studies. This weakens the argument primarily because:
- It relies too heavily on logos
- It lacks specific, verifiable evidence that the reader can evaluate (Correct answer)
- It is an example of the straw man fallacy
- It makes the argument too emotional
Correct answer: It lacks specific, verifiable evidence that the reader can evaluate
Vague attribution ('scientists say') cannot be verified, making the logos appeal weak and the ethos of the source questionable.
Question 3: In the context of AP argument essays, what does 'line of reasoning' refer to?
- A list of all the evidence used in the essay
- The sequence of logically connected claims that move the reader from the thesis to the conclusion (Correct answer)
- The citation format used in academic writing
- The emotional tone sustained throughout the essay
Correct answer: The sequence of logically connected claims that move the reader from the thesis to the conclusion
A line of reasoning is the chain of linked claims and evidence that progressively builds and supports the central argument.
Question 4: Which sentence demonstrates the most effective use of evidence commentary in a body paragraph?
- According to Smith, 'test scores dropped 15%.'
- Test scores dropped 15%, which proves schools are failing.
- Smith reports a 15% drop in test scores, suggesting that current instructional methods may not be meeting students' needs. (Correct answer)
- There is evidence that scores are dropping.
Correct answer: Smith reports a 15% drop in test scores, suggesting that current instructional methods may not be meeting students' needs.
Effective commentary cites the source, presents the evidence, and then interprets its significance without overclaiming.
Question 5: An author writes: 'My opponent has been divorced twice, so his views on family policy are worthless.' This is an example of:
- Appeal to authority
- Ad hominem (Correct answer)
- False analogy
- Slippery slope
Correct answer: Ad hominem
Ad hominem attacks the person rather than their argument, which is a logical fallacy that does not address the actual claims.
Question 6: What is the rhetorical effect of using short, declarative sentences in a persuasive essay?
- They signal that the writer lacks sophisticated ideas
- They create a sense of authority, urgency, and clarity (Correct answer)
- They are always less persuasive than complex sentences
- They are used exclusively for emotional appeals
Correct answer: They create a sense of authority, urgency, and clarity
Short declarative sentences convey confidence and directness, which can make a claim feel self-evident and authoritative.
Question 7: When a writer anticipates and addresses a potential objection within the body of the essay, this strategy is called:
- Synthesis
- Prolepsis (or anticipatory rebuttal) (Correct answer)
- Anaphora
- Parallelism
Correct answer: Prolepsis (or anticipatory rebuttal)
Prolepsis strengthens an argument by raising and then refuting likely objections before the reader can object independently.
English Language and Composition Exam AP English Language and Composition Argumentation 5
What is the term for the logical error of assuming that because one event followed another, the first caused the second?