RLA Analyzing Argument Structure 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: 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?
- Data on the number of cyclists who prefer helmets
- Evidence ruling out other factors that may have reduced cycling injuries (Correct answer)
- A survey of drivers' opinions about bike lanes
- Statistics on bike lane construction costs in other cities
Correct 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.
Question 2: Which of the following is an example of an appeal to emotion rather than logic?
- 'Three peer-reviewed studies confirm this treatment is effective.'
- 'If you don't donate now, thousands of helpless children will suffer tonight.' (Correct answer)
- 'The data shows a 40% reduction in symptoms over six months.'
- 'Experts in the field support this policy based on a decade of research.'
Correct 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.
Question 3: An author concedes a point to the opposition but then explains why the main argument still holds. This technique is called:
- Equivocation
- Concession and qualification (Correct answer)
- Circular reasoning
- Ad hominem response
Correct answer: Concession and qualification
Concession and qualification involves admitting the validity of a counterpoint while explaining why it does not undermine the overall argument.
Question 4: Which of the following sentences contains an implicit assumption that weakens the argument?
- 'Test scores improved after the tutoring program began.'
- 'Since all students learn the same way, one teaching method should work for everyone.' (Correct answer)
- 'The new curriculum was adopted by twelve school districts.'
- 'Reading levels increased by two grade levels on average.'
Correct 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.
Question 5: 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?
- Expert opinions
- Government reports
- Eyewitness accounts (Correct answer)
- Statistical analyses
Correct 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.
Question 6: The phrase 'begging the question' in logic refers to:
- Raising a question the audience hasn't thought of
- Using the conclusion as part of the premise, creating circular reasoning (Correct answer)
- Asking the audience to accept a claim on faith
- Posing a rhetorical question to engage readers
Correct 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.
Question 7: Which of the following most accurately describes the role of a thesis statement in an argument?
- It summarizes all the evidence the writer will use
- It states the writer's central claim and the direction the argument will take (Correct answer)
- It provides background information so readers understand the topic
- It presents the counterargument the writer will refute
Correct 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.
RLA Analyzing Argument Structure 4
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?