Critical Thinking and Text Analysis Flashcards

On the VCLA, which element of an argument is defined as the central claim the author wants to prove?

Answer: Thesis

The thesis is the central claim or position that the author seeks to prove or support throughout an argumentative text.

Which of the following is an example of an author using a logical fallacy known as 'hasty generalization'?

Answer: Two students failed the test, so all students in the school are failing.

Concluding that all students in a school are failing based on only two students failing is a hasty generalization—drawing a broad conclusion from insufficient evidence.

What is the purpose of a counterargument in a persuasive essay tested on the VCLA?

Answer: To acknowledge and then refute an opposing viewpoint

A counterargument acknowledges an opposing viewpoint and then refutes it, strengthening the author's overall argument.

On the VCLA, which question requires you to evaluate how well an author supports their argument with evidence?

Answer: An author's craft and evidence question

Author's craft and evidence questions evaluate how effectively the author uses evidence and reasoning to support their argument.

Which type of bias occurs when an author only presents information that supports their viewpoint and ignores contradicting evidence?

Answer: One-sided bias

One-sided bias (also called one-sided argument) occurs when an author presents only evidence supporting their view while ignoring contradicting information.

In a VCLA passage, the author writes: 'Everyone knows that this is the best solution.' Which persuasive technique is being used?

Answer: Bandwagon appeal

The phrase 'everyone knows' is a bandwagon appeal—suggesting that because it is widely believed, the claim must be true.