Perspectives and How Arguments Relate
Which example indicates circular reasoning in a political candidate’s campaign speech?
Arguing they are trustworthy because they say honest things and mean what they say.
Using citizen testimonials to illustrate public support for their platform.
Highlighting their legislative track record to prove experience in policymaking.
Presenting data from non-partisan sources regarding their accomplishments in office.
Which rhetorical strategy can undermine an author's credibility if the audience perceives it as overused or inappropriate for the context?
Excessive pathos to invoke emotional response.
Ethical appeals related to the audience's values.
Logical reasoning with clear evidence.
Use of credible expert testimonials.
Which tactic should be avoided when trying to establish credibility in an argumentative essay?
Overgeneralizing from a single example
Acknowledging potential counterarguments
Defining key terms related to your argument
Citing reputable sources for claims made
Which stylistic choice is most likely to weaken an argument’s appeal to a logical audience?
Colloquial expressions
Systematic organization
Formal vocabulary
Factual data
What kind of reasoning creates a parallel to illustrate a point?
Analogical reasoning
Deductive reasoning
Circular logic
Causal relationship
If a writer argues that something must be true because it has not been proven false, which logical fallacy are they committing?
Appeal to Ignorance
Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc
False Dichotomy
Circular Reasoning
Which of the following statements best demonstrates a hasty generalization?
Since the two teenagers I met at the park were rude, it's clear that all teenagers nowadays have no respect.
Research shows that studying with music can improve concentration for some people.
The governor has been in office for six months and crime rates have fallen; therefore, her policies are effective.
Despite several attempts to improve school lunches, students remain dissatisfied; more changes must be considered.

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What is an example of using anecdotal evidence inappropriately when making an argument?
"'Smoking kills' warnings are printed on cigarette packages because there's strong scientific consensus on tobacco’s dangers."
"Statistics show smoking increases the risk of lung cancer; thus, smoking is hazardous to your health."
"Numerous studies have linked cigarette smoke to heart disease in addition to lung issues."
"My grandfather smoked his entire life and lived to be 90; therefore, smoking cannot be very harmful."
Identify the error made when interpreting stylistic decisions affecting comprehension within challenging texts:
Believing dense material often requires external research supplement understanding particular references
Presuming that repeated obscurity or ambiguity always signals poor craftsmanship rather than intentional complexity
Accepting some works defy immediate interpretative efforts, prompting deeper analytical engagement
Suggesting varying degrees naunce necessitates close reading or rereading passages multiple times
In debating climate change policy, what flaw might arise if one side argues that there will be economic collapse without immediate action?
False cause by claiming direct causation
Red Herring by introducing irrelevant facts
Ad hominem attack by criticizing opponents character
Catastrophizing without sufficient evidence