RLA - Reasoning through Language Arts Evaluating Claims and Evidence Questions and Answers

Question 1

A city council member argues against building a new skate park: "If we build this skate park, it will attract loitering teenagers.
This will inevitably lead to an increase in vandalism and petty crime throughout the neighborhood, and soon our entire community will become unsafe." What is the primary weakness in the council member's argument?

Accepted Answer

It assumes a series of negative events will happen without providing evidence.

Answer

It attacks the character of teenagers rather than the merits of the park.

Answer

It claims the community will be unsafe just because a few people are worried.

Answer

It presents only two options: build the park or have a safe community.

Question 2

An article makes the claim that mandatory school uniforms improve the learning environment by reducing distractions and improving student focus. Which of the following pieces of evidence is LEAST relevant to supporting this specific claim?

Accepted Answer

A report indicating that local clothing stores saw a 30% increase in sales of uniform-compliant apparel.

Answer

A survey in which 70% of teachers reported fewer classroom disruptions after implementing a uniform policy.

Answer

Data showing a 15% increase in average test scores at a school in the year following the adoption of uniforms.

Answer

Testimonials from students who said they feel less pressure to keep up with fashion trends.

Question 3

A blogger writes, "Our town must ban plastic straws immediately. I saw a sea turtle on a documentary that was harmed by a straw, and it proves that our town's straw usage is directly contributing to a global crisis." Why is the evidence provided insufficient to support the blogger's claim?

Accepted Answer

The conclusion is based on a single, emotional example rather than broad data.

Answer

Documentaries are often biased and cannot be used as evidence.

Answer

The blogger fails to propose an alternative to plastic straws.

Answer

The problem of plastic waste is too large for one town to solve.

Question 4

A student is writing a research paper arguing that industrial farming practices are a major contributor to water pollution. Which of the following sources would provide the most credible and relevant evidence to support this claim?

Accepted Answer

A peer-reviewed study from a scientific journal on agricultural runoff and water quality.

Answer

The website of a corporation that sells large-scale farming equipment.

Answer

A newspaper opinion piece written by a local organic farmer.

Answer

A social media post from an activist group that opposes all forms of farming.

Question 5

Read the following passage: "The city council has proposed a 1% increase in the local sales tax. This is an outrageous and unacceptable burden on hardworking families. A far better solution would be to cut wasteful spending in the city's bloated administrative departments. Any sensible person knows that the government should tighten its belt before asking citizens for more money." Which of the following is a statement of fact presented in the passage?

Accepted Answer

The city council has proposed a 1% increase in the local sales tax.

Answer

The proposed tax increase is an unacceptable burden on families.

Answer

Cutting wasteful spending is a better solution than raising taxes.

Answer

The city has bloated administrative departments.

Question 6

Read the following argument: "Recent studies have shown that employees who work from home are 15% more productive than their in-office counterparts. Furthermore, companies can save thousands of dollars annually on overhead costs like rent and utilities. A flexible work-from-home policy also improves employee morale and retention, reducing costly turnover. Therefore, it is clear that businesses should transition to a remote-first work model." What is the author's primary claim?

Accepted Answer

Businesses should adopt a remote-first work model.

Answer

Working from home improves employee morale.

Answer

Companies can save money by reducing office space.

Answer

Remote workers are more productive than in-office workers.