RLA - Reasoning through Language Arts Analyzing Argument Structure Questions and Answers

Question 1

Read the following argument: 'Our city’s public transportation system is critically underfunded.
Bus routes have been cut, leading to longer wait times, and many of the buses are old and unreliable.
A recent survey showed that 65% of riders have been late for work or school in the past month due to transit issues.
Therefore, the city council must allocate a larger portion of the annual budget to improve and expand public transit to serve our community effectively.' Which of the following statements best represents the central claim of the argument?

Accepted Answer

The city council should increase funding for public transportation.

Answer

A recent survey showed that 65% of riders have been late.

Answer

Many of the city's buses are old and unreliable.

Answer

Bus routes have been cut, which has resulted in longer wait times.

Question 2

An author argues that implementing a four-day school week would be beneficial for student well-being. Which of the following statements would serve as the most relevant piece of evidence to support this claim?

Accepted Answer

A study from a neighboring district that switched to a four-day week showed a 20% decrease in student absenteeism and a 15% increase in student-reported morale.

Answer

A four-day school week would require longer school days to meet instructional time requirements.

Answer

Many parents would need to find childcare for the fifth day of the week.

Answer

The cost of electricity and heating for the school would be reduced by closing the building for an extra day.

Question 3

Read the following argument: 'Adopting a city-wide composting program is an essential step towards becoming a more environmentally responsible community. It would divert tons of organic waste from landfills, reducing methane gas emissions. While some residents might be concerned about the initial cost of providing compost bins, the long-term savings in landfill fees and the positive environmental impact far outweigh this upfront expense.' What is the author's primary purpose in mentioning the 'initial cost'?

Accepted Answer

To acknowledge and respond to a potential counterclaim.

Answer

To suggest that the program is too expensive to implement.

Answer

To provide evidence that the program will be financially successful.

Answer

To shift the focus of the argument from the environment to finances.

Question 4

An argument states: 'Standardized tests are the most effective way to measure student achievement.' Which of the following is a key, unstated assumption in this argument?

Accepted Answer

Student achievement can be accurately and fully measured by a single test.

Answer

All students perform well on standardized tests.

Answer

Teachers enjoy preparing students for standardized tests.

Answer

Standardized tests are inexpensive to administer.

Question 5

Read the following excerpt from an argumentative essay: 'Last year, our state legislature cut arts funding in public schools by 30%. This decision is undeniably detrimental because it deprives students of crucial creative outlets. Furthermore, a 2019 study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology found a direct correlation between arts education and higher scores in math and science.' Which part of this excerpt is a statement of fact?

Accepted Answer

The state legislature cut arts funding in public schools by 30% last year.

Answer

This decision is undeniably detrimental.

Answer

It deprives students of crucial creative outlets.

Answer

Arts education leads to higher scores in math and science.

Question 6

A speaker argues, 'If we allow the city to install one traffic camera at the main intersection, soon they will install cameras on every street corner. Before we know it, we'll be living in a surveillance state with no privacy.' This argument is weakened by its reliance on which type of flawed reasoning?

Accepted Answer

Slippery Slope

Answer

Hasty Generalization

Answer

Appeal to Authority

Answer

Circular Reasoning