RLA Analyzing Argument Structure 2

Question 1

A writer states: 'Studies show people who eat breakfast perform better at work. Therefore, all employees should be required to eat breakfast.' What logical flaw does this argument contain?

Accepted Answer

It jumps from correlation to mandatory policy without justification

Answer

The argument leaps from a correlation between breakfast and performance to a prescriptive policy requiring all employees to eat breakfast, which is an unjustified logical leap.

Question 2

Which element distinguishes a rebuttal from a counterargument in a formal argument?

Accepted Answer

A counterargument opposes the claim; a rebuttal responds to and refutes that opposition

Answer

A counterargument presents an opposing view, while a rebuttal directly addresses and attempts to disprove that opposing view.

Question 3

An author argues that a new tax will reduce inequality, citing data from three Scandinavian countries. A critic responds that those countries have unique cultural factors that make comparison invalid. The critic is using which technique?

Accepted Answer

Challenging the evidence's applicability

Answer

The critic questions whether the evidence is applicable to the author's context by pointing out that the cited examples may not transfer due to unique circumstances.

Question 4

Read this claim: 'Either we cut the school budget or students will fail.' This is an example of which reasoning error?

Accepted Answer

False dilemma

Answer

A false dilemma presents only two options as if no other possibilities exist, when in reality there may be other solutions besides cutting the budget.

Question 5

Which sentence functions as a warrant in Toulmin's model of argument?

Accepted Answer

'Communities with more officers consistently show lower crime rates.'

Answer

The warrant is the general principle that connects the evidence to the claim, here asserting that more officers lead to lower crime as a logical bridge.

RLA - Reasoning through Language Arts Practice Test

RLA - Reasoning through Language Arts Practice Test

RLA Analyzing Argument Structure 2