SAT Reading & Writing: Expression of Ideas + Standard English Conventions
An author argues that all citizens should have access to free healthcare, citing the constitutions of several European countries as examples. However, they fail to address the potential economic costs of such a system. What is a potential flaw in the author's reasoning?
The author relies too heavily on emotional appeals.
The author does not provide enough evidence.
The author fails to address counterarguments.
The author's reasoning is based on faulty logic.
What is 'word choice' in the context of stylistic elements?
The length of sentences used.
How language conveys meaning and evokes emotions.
The use of rhetorical devices.
The overall structure of an argument.
Which technique is most useful for understanding how two authors' arguments agree or disagree on a topic?
Identifying themes
Analyzing contributions
Compare & Contrast
Examining strategies
Which of the following best describes a 'claim' in the context of argument construction?
A fact that is widely accepted.
The main point or assertion an author is making.
Background information about a topic.
A personal opinion without supporting evidence.
An author claims that a new policy will significantly reduce crime rates, presenting statistics from a similar policy implemented in another city. However, the author doesn't acknowledge that the two cities have very different demographics and economic conditions. What is the most significant weakness in the argument?
The evidence lacks relevance.
The evidence lacks sufficiency.
The source lacks credibility.
The reasoning is unsound.
Two historians write about the causes of World War I. Historian A argues that economic factors were the primary driver, while Historian B emphasizes the role of nationalism. What is the most significant difference in their approaches?
The length of their books.
The specific historical events they mention.
The relative importance they assign to different causal factors.
Their writing style.
Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies rhetorical synthesis?
Reading a single novel for a book club.
Analyzing multiple news reports to understand different perspectives on a current event.
Writing a summary of one research article.
Attending a lecture on a historical topic.

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In the sentence, 'Because of increased carbon emissions, global temperatures are rising,' what component of an argument does 'increased carbon emissions' represent?
The reasoning
The claim
The evidence
The counterargument
A study shows that students who study in groups perform better on exams. An author concludes that group study is essential for academic success. What type of reasoning is the author using?
Cause-and-effect
Analogical
Deductive
Inductive
An author describes a politician as a 'seasoned leader' rather than an 'old politician.' What stylistic element is primarily at play here?
Sentence structure
Figurative language
Word choice
Rhetorical device