Regents English Argument and Research Skills 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: On the Regents English exam, a 'claim' in an argumentative text is:
- A proven scientific fact
- A position or assertion the author is trying to prove (Correct answer)
- A summary of opposing views
- A list of sources used
Correct answer: A position or assertion the author is trying to prove
A claim is the central assertion or position in an argument that the author aims to prove or defend using evidence and reasoning.
Question 2: What is the role of 'evidence' in an argumentative text on the Regents English exam?
- To entertain the reader
- To support and prove the central claim (Correct answer)
- To introduce the author's personal history
- To summarize an opposing argument
Correct answer: To support and prove the central claim
Evidence consists of facts, statistics, examples, and expert opinions used to support and substantiate the central claim of an argument.
Question 3: Which type of evidence is considered most credible on the Regents English exam?
- Unverified internet posts
- Peer-reviewed research, expert opinions, and data from reliable institutions (Correct answer)
- Personal anecdotes from the author
- Popular opinion polls from entertainment websites
Correct answer: Peer-reviewed research, expert opinions, and data from reliable institutions
The most credible evidence comes from peer-reviewed research, qualified experts, and reliable institutions because it is verifiable and unbiased.
Question 4: On the Regents English exam, what is a 'logical fallacy'?
- A well-supported argument
- An error in reasoning that weakens an argument (Correct answer)
- A type of textual evidence
- A grammar mistake in writing
Correct answer: An error in reasoning that weakens an argument
A logical fallacy is a flaw or error in reasoning that undermines the logic and validity of an argument.
Question 5: What does it mean to 'evaluate the credibility of a source' on the Regents English exam?
- Choosing sources with the most colorful presentation
- Assessing whether the source is reliable, accurate, and unbiased (Correct answer)
- Selecting only the longest sources
- Picking sources written most recently regardless of quality
Correct answer: Assessing whether the source is reliable, accurate, and unbiased
Evaluating source credibility means assessing the reliability, accuracy, expertise, and potential bias of a source before using it as evidence.
Question 6: On the Regents English exam, 'reasoning' in an argument refers to:
- The emotional appeals used to manipulate the reader
- The logical explanation that connects evidence to the claim (Correct answer)
- A list of facts without explanation
- A restatement of the thesis
Correct answer: The logical explanation that connects evidence to the claim
Reasoning is the logical explanation that shows how and why the evidence supports the claim being made in the argument.
Regents English Argument and Research Skills 1
On the Regents English exam, a 'claim' in an argumentative text is: