Analyzing Argument Structure Flashcards

Read this passage: 'The city has invested millions in bike lanes. Cycling injuries have decreased. Therefore, bike lanes save lives.' What additional information would most strengthen this argument?

Answer: Evidence ruling out other factors that may have reduced cycling injuries

To establish that bike lanes caused the decrease in injuries, the argument needs to rule out alternative explanations, such as fewer cyclists or improved safety gear.

Which of the following is an example of an appeal to emotion rather than logic?

Answer: 'If you don't donate now, thousands of helpless children will suffer tonight.'

This sentence uses vivid emotional imagery of suffering children to pressure the audience into donating rather than presenting logical reasons for giving.

An author concedes a point to the opposition but then explains why the main argument still holds. This technique is called:

Answer: Concession and qualification

Concession and qualification involves admitting the validity of a counterpoint while explaining why it does not undermine the overall argument.

Which of the following sentences contains an implicit assumption that weakens the argument?

Answer: 'Since all students learn the same way, one teaching method should work for everyone.'

This sentence assumes a false premise — that all students share the same learning style — which is unsupported and undermines any policy built on it.

A writer presents three expert opinions, two government reports, and one eyewitness account to support a claim. Which source type is generally the weakest form of evidence in formal argumentation?

Answer: Eyewitness accounts

Eyewitness accounts are generally the weakest formal evidence because human memory is fallible and subject to bias, making them less reliable than documented data or expert analysis.

The phrase 'begging the question' in logic refers to:

Answer: Using the conclusion as part of the premise, creating circular reasoning

Begging the question is a fallacy where the argument's conclusion is assumed within its premise, so the claim is used to prove itself rather than being independently supported.

Which of the following most accurately describes the role of a thesis statement in an argument?

Answer: It states the writer's central claim and the direction the argument will take

A thesis statement articulates the writer's main position and signals the argument's focus, giving the reader a clear understanding of what claim will be supported.