NM-MSSA Critical Analysis 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An author states: 'Studies show that students who eat breakfast perform better academically.' What additional information would most strengthen this claim?
- The types of foods served at school cafeterias
- Details about the studies' sample sizes and methodology (Correct answer)
- The cost of providing free breakfast programs
- Statistics on how many students skip breakfast
Correct answer: Details about the studies' sample sizes and methodology
The strength of a claim based on studies depends on the quality and rigor of those studies, including sample size and methodology.
Question 2: Which sentence contains a logical fallacy known as 'false dilemma'?
- Running is healthy because doctors recommend exercise.
- Either you support the new park, or you don't care about children. (Correct answer)
- The team won three games after changing their strategy.
- Most students prefer shorter homework assignments.
Correct answer: Either you support the new park, or you don't care about children.
A false dilemma presents only two options when more exist; one can have concerns about a park without being indifferent to children.
Question 3: A persuasive essay argues that the school library should stay open later. Which evidence would be LEAST relevant to support this argument?
- Data showing students who use the library earn higher grades
- A survey of students requesting extended library hours
- The history of when the library building was constructed (Correct answer)
- Statistics on how many students lack internet access at home
Correct answer: The history of when the library building was constructed
The age of the library building has no bearing on whether it should have extended hours.
Question 4: When an author uses the word 'however' to begin a sentence, what is the author most likely signaling?
- A supporting example is about to be given
- A contrasting or opposing idea is about to be introduced (Correct answer)
- A conclusion is about to be stated
- A list of items is about to follow
Correct answer: A contrasting or opposing idea is about to be introduced
'However' is a transitional word that signals a contrast or shift from the previous idea.
Question 5: A passage describes how a new traffic law reduced accidents by 20% in one city. A student concludes the same law will reduce accidents in all cities. This is an example of:
- Valid inductive reasoning based on solid evidence
- An overgeneralization from limited evidence (Correct answer)
- A deductive argument with a sound conclusion
- An appeal to authority to support the claim
Correct answer: An overgeneralization from limited evidence
Drawing a broad conclusion from a single example is an overgeneralization because other cities may have different conditions.
Question 6: Which question best helps a reader evaluate the credibility of a source?
- How long is the article?
- Does the author have relevant expertise and cite evidence? (Correct answer)
- Is the article interesting to read?
- Was the article written recently?
Correct answer: Does the author have relevant expertise and cite evidence?
Author expertise and use of cited evidence are primary indicators of a source's credibility.
Question 7: A paragraph begins: 'Renewable energy is essential for our future.' The rest of the paragraph provides statistics on solar and wind power growth. What role does the opening sentence play?
- It serves as a supporting detail for the conclusion
- It functions as the topic sentence stating the main idea (Correct answer)
- It provides background context from the past
- It introduces a counterargument to be refuted
Correct answer: It functions as the topic sentence stating the main idea
An opening claim that is then supported by evidence throughout the paragraph is functioning as a topic sentence.
NM-MSSA Critical Analysis 2
An author states: 'Studies show that students who eat breakfast perform better academically.' What additional information would most strengthen this claim?