Analyzing Argument Structure Flashcards

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?

Answer: The city council should increase funding for public transportation.

The central claim is the main point the author is trying to persuade the audience to accept. While the other statements are pieces of evidence or reasons used to support the argument, the core message and call to action is that the city council must increase the budget for public transit.

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?

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.

Relevant evidence directly supports the specific claim being made. The claim is about student well-being. The study showing decreased absenteeism and increased morale directly relates to the well-being of students. The other options discuss logistical challenges, parental concerns, or financial benefits, which are not directly about the students' well-being.

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'?

Answer: To acknowledge and respond to a potential counterclaim.

By bringing up the 'initial cost,' the author is anticipating a potential objection or opposing argument (a counterclaim) from the audience. The author then immediately refutes this counterclaim by highlighting the long-term savings and environmental benefits, which strengthens the overall argument.

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?

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

An assumption is an unstated belief that must be true for the argument to work. For standardized tests to be the 'most effective way' to measure achievement, one must assume that a test is capable of capturing the full scope of a student's learning and achievement. The other options are not necessary assumptions for the claim to be considered valid.

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?

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

A fact is a statement that can be objectively verified. The claim that the legislature cut funding by a specific percentage can be proven true or false by checking public records. The other statements are opinions or interpretations of the effects and implications of that fact, even if they are supported by a study.

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?

Answer: Slippery Slope

This is a classic example of a slippery slope fallacy. The argument suggests that a single, relatively small action (installing one camera) will inevitably lead to a series of increasingly negative consequences (a surveillance state) without providing sufficient evidence to support this chain reaction.