Evaluating Arguments in Non-Fiction

Question 1

Read the following excerpt: "School uniforms are said to improve student learning because they reduce distractions. A recent study at Lincoln High reported that test scores rose 5% after the school adopted uniforms. However, the study did not examine other changes that occurred at the same time, such as new teaching methods or curriculum revisions." Which statement best evaluates the author's claim about the sufficiency of the evidence presented?

Accepted Answer

The evidence is insufficient because the study does not account for other variables that could affect test scores.

Answer

The evidence is sufficient because the study directly links uniforms to higher test scores.

Answer

The evidence is irrelevant because test scores are not related to learning.

Answer

The evidence is strong because a 5% increase is a large improvement.

Question 2

Read the two arguments below about whether our town should install electric car charging stations in the downtown public parking lot. Argument A (by Maya): "Our town should add electric car charging stations to the downtown parking lot. Last year, 12% of the cars parked there were electric, and a survey of 150 residents showed that 70% would use a charger if it were available. Adding stations would let those drivers charge their cars and encourage more people to buy electric vehicles, reducing air pollution." Argument B (by Leo): "We should not add electric car charging stations to the downtown lot. A recent article in a national magazine says electric cars are just a fad and that the government will soon ban them. Also, building chargers would cost 25,000, which could be spent on fixing potholes. Since we don’t know the future, we should wait." Which argument is more convincing, and why?

Accepted Answer

Argument A is more convincing because it provides specific local statistics and survey results that directly support the claim that charging stations would be useful and help the environment.

Answer

Argument A is more convincing because the author mentions a national magazine article, showing the issue is important everywhere.

Answer

Argument B is more convincing because it points out the 25,000 cost, which could be used for repairing potholes, a higher priority for the town.

Answer

Argument B is more convincing because it warns that electric cars might be banned, so spending money on chargers now could be wasted.

Question 3

Read the excerpt below: "Many schools have adopted uniform policies, arguing that uniforms improve student focus. The author claims that uniforms lead to higher academic performance. To support this, the author cites a study in which 10 schools that required uniforms saw a 5% increase in test scores compared to the previous year. The author also mentions that uniforms reduce bullying, noting that a survey found a 20% drop in reported bullying incidents after uniforms were introduced." Which statement most accurately evaluates the author's claim that uniforms lead to higher academic performance?

Accepted Answer

The evidence is insufficient because the study does not compare schools with uniforms to similar schools without uniforms.

Answer

The evidence is sufficient because the decrease in bullying also supports higher academic performance.

Answer

The evidence is sufficient because the study directly shows a 5% increase in test scores after uniforms were required.

Answer

The evidence is irrelevant because test scores are not related to uniform policies.

Try three questions

Keep going on this shelf