ILEARN Critical Thinking 3

Question 1

Which strategy BEST helps a reader identify the main argument in a persuasive text?

Accepted Answer

Locate the thesis and supporting claims

Answer

The thesis states the central claim, and supporting claims build the argument; together they reveal the author's main argument.

Question 2

A weather report predicts a 70% chance of rain. A student says, 'It will definitely rain.' This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Overgeneralization from probability

Answer

Treating a probability as a certainty is an overgeneralization; 70% means it might not rain.

Question 3

What is a COUNTERARGUMENT used for in persuasive writing?

Accepted Answer

To acknowledge and then refute an opposing viewpoint

Answer

Addressing and then refuting a counterargument strengthens a persuasive essay by showing the author considered other views.

Question 4

Which of the following is the STRONGEST example of inductive reasoning?

Accepted Answer

Every dog I have ever seen has four legs; therefore all dogs probably have four legs.

Answer

Inductive reasoning draws a general conclusion from specific observations, making it probable but not certain.

Question 5

A politician says, 'You are either with us or against us.' Which fallacy is this?

Accepted Answer

False dilemma

Answer

Presenting only two options when more exist is a false dilemma (either/or fallacy).

(ILEARN) Indiana Learning Evaluation Assessment Readiness Network Practice Test