RLA Analyzing Argument Structure 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An argument contains the following structure: Premise 1: All mammals are warm-blooded. Premise 2: Whales are mammals. Conclusion: Whales are warm-blooded. This is an example of:
- Inductive reasoning
- Deductive reasoning (Correct answer)
- Abductive reasoning
- Analogical reasoning
Correct answer: Deductive reasoning
Deductive reasoning moves from general premises to a specific conclusion; if the premises are true, the conclusion must logically follow.
Question 2: A researcher observes that cities with more coffee shops also have higher rates of college enrollment and concludes that coffee shops cause people to pursue education. What error in reasoning is this?
- False analogy
- Confusing correlation with causation (Correct answer)
- Overgeneralization
- Appeal to ignorance
Correct answer: Confusing correlation with causation
Just because two variables occur together does not mean one causes the other; both might be caused by a third factor, such as urbanization or higher income levels.
Question 3: Which of the following sentences uses hedging language that appropriately qualifies a claim?
- 'This method always produces perfect results in every situation.'
- 'Research suggests this approach may improve outcomes for most patients.' (Correct answer)
- 'Nobody disputes that this treatment is the only effective option.'
- 'This is the single most important discovery in modern medicine.'
Correct answer: 'Research suggests this approach may improve outcomes for most patients.'
Hedging words like 'suggests,' 'may,' and 'most' accurately reflect the limits of the evidence without overstating certainty, making the claim more defensible.
Question 4: When a writer uses the phrase 'it stands to reason' before making a claim, this signal phrase:
- Guarantees the claim is based on verified data
- Implies a logical connection but does not substitute for actual evidence (Correct answer)
- Indicates the claim comes from an expert source
- Marks the claim as the writer's personal opinion only
Correct answer: Implies a logical connection but does not substitute for actual evidence
'It stands to reason' is an empty rhetorical phrase that asserts logical connection without actually providing evidence or demonstrating the reasoning.
Question 5: A debate coach tells students: 'Address the strongest version of your opponent's argument, not the weakest.' This advice is meant to help students avoid which fallacy?
- Red herring
- Straw man fallacy (Correct answer)
- Tu quoque
- Hasty generalization
Correct answer: Straw man fallacy
The straw man fallacy involves misrepresenting or oversimplifying an opponent's argument to make it easier to attack; addressing the strongest version prevents this.
Question 6: In analyzing an argument, the term 'scope' refers to:
- The number of sources cited in the argument
- The range or extent of the claim — how broadly or narrowly it applies (Correct answer)
- The emotional tone used throughout the argument
- The length of the conclusion relative to the introduction
Correct answer: The range or extent of the claim — how broadly or narrowly it applies
Scope describes the breadth of an argument's claim — whether it applies universally, to most cases, to a specific group, or only under certain conditions.
Question 7: Which revision makes this weak argument stronger? Original: 'We should ban junk food in schools because kids need to be healthy.'
- 'Banning junk food in schools is the most important issue facing education today.'
- 'Studies show students who eat nutritious school meals score higher on standardized tests and show improved concentration, supporting policies that remove junk food from school cafeterias.' (Correct answer)
- 'Junk food is bad, and schools are responsible for student well-being, so a ban makes sense.'
- 'Many parents agree that junk food should be removed from schools nationwide.'
Correct answer: 'Studies show students who eat nutritious school meals score higher on standardized tests and show improved concentration, supporting policies that remove junk food from school cafeterias.'
The revision strengthens the argument by providing specific, evidence-based support (test scores, concentration) that connects the policy to measurable educational benefits.
RLA Analyzing Argument Structure 5
An argument contains the following structure: Premise 1: All mammals are warm-blooded.
Premise 2: Whales are mammals.
Conclusion: Whales are warm-blooded.
This is an example of: