Deck 10: Reading and Writing Arguments

Question 1

Straw man, red herring, and broad generalization are all types of

A) factual evidence
B) explanations
C) expert opinion
D) logical fallacies

Answer 1

D

Question 2

Application of Skills
Directions: Apply the knowledge you have gained from Chapter 10 to select the best answer to the questions about the following reading passage.
Invisible Threat
¹Any electrically charged conductor generates two kinds of invisible fields: electric and magnetic. Together they're called electromagnetic fields (EMFs). For years, these fields, produced by household appliances, home wiring, lighting fixtures, electric blankets, and overhead power lines, were considered harmless. However, epidemiological studies have revealed a link between exposure to high-voltage lines and cancer (especially leukemia, a blood cancer) in electrical workers and children.
²Laboratory studies on animals have shown that alternating current, which changes strength and direction 60 times a second (and electrifies most of North America), emits EMFs that may interfere with the normal functioning of human cell membranes, which have their own electromagnetic fields. The result may be mood disorders, changes in circadian rhythms (our inner sense of time), miscarriage, developmental problems, or cancer. Researchers have documented increases in breast cancer deaths in women who worked as electrical engineers, electricians, or in other high-exposure jobs, and a link between EMF exposure and increased risk of leukemia and possibly brain cancer.
³The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences concluded that the evidence of a risk of cancer and other human disease from the electric and magnetic fields around power lines is "weak." This finding applies to the extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields surrounding both the big power lines that distribute power and the smaller but closer electric lines in homes and appliances. However, the researchers also noted that EMF exposure "cannot be recognized as entirely safe." Clearly, these invisible magnetic fields are more dangerous than we know, and we must stop being so complacent. We need to urge our congressmen to support research into the effects of electromagnetic fields and to propose stringent measures to keep us safe from this type of exposure.
-adapted from Hales, An Invitation to Health , p. 458
How does the author counter the opposing view?

A) The author gives examples of specific victims of EMF exposure.
B) The author explains how EMF exposure may cause disorders.
C) The author provides contradictory statements from researchers.
D) none of the above

Answer 2

C

Question 3

Looking at the graphic below of a student's plan for an argument essay, what would be the best statement to replace "X"?

A)Building more affordable housing is essential if our city wants to retain working class families.
B)Building more affordable housing is important but unlikely in the current political climate.
C)Working class families cannot afford the current housing market.
D)Working class families want more affordable housing.

Answer 3

A

Question 4

Application of Skills
Directions: Apply the knowledge you have gained from Chapter 10 to select the best answer to the questions about the following reading passage.
Invisible Threat
¹Any electrically charged conductor generates two kinds of invisible fields: electric and magnetic. Together they're called electromagnetic fields (EMFs). For years, these fields, produced by household appliances, home wiring, lighting fixtures, electric blankets, and overhead power lines, were considered harmless. However, epidemiological studies have revealed a link between exposure to high-voltage lines and cancer (especially leukemia, a blood cancer) in electrical workers and children.
²Laboratory studies on animals have shown that alternating current, which changes strength and direction 60 times a second (and electrifies most of North America), emits EMFs that may interfere with the normal functioning of human cell membranes, which have their own electromagnetic fields. The result may be mood disorders, changes in circadian rhythms (our inner sense of time), miscarriage, developmental problems, or cancer. Researchers have documented increases in breast cancer deaths in women who worked as electrical engineers, electricians, or in other high-exposure jobs, and a link between EMF exposure and increased risk of leukemia and possibly brain cancer.
³The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences concluded that the evidence of a risk of cancer and other human disease from the electric and magnetic fields around power lines is "weak." This finding applies to the extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields surrounding both the big power lines that distribute power and the smaller but closer electric lines in homes and appliances. However, the researchers also noted that EMF exposure "cannot be recognized as entirely safe." Clearly, these invisible magnetic fields are more dangerous than we know, and we must stop being so complacent. We need to urge our congressmen to support research into the effects of electromagnetic fields and to propose stringent measures to keep us safe from this type of exposure.
-adapted from Hales, An Invitation to Health , p. 458
What is the author's main claim in this essay?

A) Electromagnetic fields are endangering our health and we must take action.
B) Most experts agree that electromagnetic fields are relatively harmless.
C) Electromagnetic fields may be linked to cancer and other disorders.
D) Electrical workers are more at risk for disorders than other people.

Question 5

Which of the following statements best describes an argument essay?

A) An argument essay arranges and organizes a subject according to classes or categories.
B) An argument essay describes the steps required to complete a process.
C) An argument essay explains why something happened and what the results were.
D) An argument essay provides a meaningful and logical examination of an issue in order to persuade and convince.

Question 6

Application of Skills
Directions: Apply the knowledge you have gained from Chapter 10 to select the best answer to the questions about the following reading passage.
Invisible Threat
¹Any electrically charged conductor generates two kinds of invisible fields: electric and magnetic. Together they're called electromagnetic fields (EMFs). For years, these fields, produced by household appliances, home wiring, lighting fixtures, electric blankets, and overhead power lines, were considered harmless. However, epidemiological studies have revealed a link between exposure to high-voltage lines and cancer (especially leukemia, a blood cancer) in electrical workers and children.
²Laboratory studies on animals have shown that alternating current, which changes strength and direction 60 times a second (and electrifies most of North America), emits EMFs that may interfere with the normal functioning of human cell membranes, which have their own electromagnetic fields. The result may be mood disorders, changes in circadian rhythms (our inner sense of time), miscarriage, developmental problems, or cancer. Researchers have documented increases in breast cancer deaths in women who worked as electrical engineers, electricians, or in other high-exposure jobs, and a link between EMF exposure and increased risk of leukemia and possibly brain cancer.
³The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences concluded that the evidence of a risk of cancer and other human disease from the electric and magnetic fields around power lines is "weak." This finding applies to the extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields surrounding both the big power lines that distribute power and the smaller but closer electric lines in homes and appliances. However, the researchers also noted that EMF exposure "cannot be recognized as entirely safe." Clearly, these invisible magnetic fields are more dangerous than we know, and we must stop being so complacent. We need to urge our congressmen to support research into the effects of electromagnetic fields and to propose stringent measures to keep us safe from this type of exposure.
-adapted from Hales, An Invitation to Health , p. 458
The author uses all of the following types of support for his claim except

A) laboratory studies
B) background information
C) statistics
D) quotations from experts

Question 7

In the sentence below, to whom does the pronoun she refer? Amy asked Maria if she could run to the store.

A) "she" is Amy
B) "she" is Maria
C) "she" is ambiguous
D) none of the above

Question 8

Application of Skills
Directions: Apply the knowledge you have gained from Chapter 10 to select the best answer to the questions about the following reading passage.
Invisible Threat
¹Any electrically charged conductor generates two kinds of invisible fields: electric and magnetic. Together they're called electromagnetic fields (EMFs). For years, these fields, produced by household appliances, home wiring, lighting fixtures, electric blankets, and overhead power lines, were considered harmless. However, epidemiological studies have revealed a link between exposure to high-voltage lines and cancer (especially leukemia, a blood cancer) in electrical workers and children.
²Laboratory studies on animals have shown that alternating current, which changes strength and direction 60 times a second (and electrifies most of North America), emits EMFs that may interfere with the normal functioning of human cell membranes, which have their own electromagnetic fields. The result may be mood disorders, changes in circadian rhythms (our inner sense of time), miscarriage, developmental problems, or cancer. Researchers have documented increases in breast cancer deaths in women who worked as electrical engineers, electricians, or in other high-exposure jobs, and a link between EMF exposure and increased risk of leukemia and possibly brain cancer.
³The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences concluded that the evidence of a risk of cancer and other human disease from the electric and magnetic fields around power lines is "weak." This finding applies to the extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields surrounding both the big power lines that distribute power and the smaller but closer electric lines in homes and appliances. However, the researchers also noted that EMF exposure "cannot be recognized as entirely safe." Clearly, these invisible magnetic fields are more dangerous than we know, and we must stop being so complacent. We need to urge our congressmen to support research into the effects of electromagnetic fields and to propose stringent measures to keep us safe from this type of exposure.
-adapted from Hales, An Invitation to Health , p. 458
According to other clues in the sentence, the phrase circadian rhythms means

A) electrical currents
B) internal sense of time
C) EMFs
D) all of the above

Question 9

Application of Skills
Directions: Apply the knowledge you have gained from Chapter 10 to select the best answer to the questions about the following reading passage.
Invisible Threat
¹Any electrically charged conductor generates two kinds of invisible fields: electric and magnetic. Together they're called electromagnetic fields (EMFs). For years, these fields, produced by household appliances, home wiring, lighting fixtures, electric blankets, and overhead power lines, were considered harmless. However, epidemiological studies have revealed a link between exposure to high-voltage lines and cancer (especially leukemia, a blood cancer) in electrical workers and children.
²Laboratory studies on animals have shown that alternating current, which changes strength and direction 60 times a second (and electrifies most of North America), emits EMFs that may interfere with the normal functioning of human cell membranes, which have their own electromagnetic fields. The result may be mood disorders, changes in circadian rhythms (our inner sense of time), miscarriage, developmental problems, or cancer. Researchers have documented increases in breast cancer deaths in women who worked as electrical engineers, electricians, or in other high-exposure jobs, and a link between EMF exposure and increased risk of leukemia and possibly brain cancer.
³The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences concluded that the evidence of a risk of cancer and other human disease from the electric and magnetic fields around power lines is "weak." This finding applies to the extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields surrounding both the big power lines that distribute power and the smaller but closer electric lines in homes and appliances. However, the researchers also noted that EMF exposure "cannot be recognized as entirely safe." Clearly, these invisible magnetic fields are more dangerous than we know, and we must stop being so complacent. We need to urge our congressmen to support research into the effects of electromagnetic fields and to propose stringent measures to keep us safe from this type of exposure.
-adapted from Hales, An Invitation to Health , p. 458
An alternate title for the reading passage could be

A) EMFs: No Link to Health Problems
B) The Danger We Cannot See
C) Argument Essay on EMFs
D) All of the above

Question 10

Application of Skills
Directions: Apply the knowledge you have gained from Chapter 10 to select the best answer to the questions about the following reading passage.
Invisible Threat
¹Any electrically charged conductor generates two kinds of invisible fields: electric and magnetic. Together they're called electromagnetic fields (EMFs). For years, these fields, produced by household appliances, home wiring, lighting fixtures, electric blankets, and overhead power lines, were considered harmless. However, epidemiological studies have revealed a link between exposure to high-voltage lines and cancer (especially leukemia, a blood cancer) in electrical workers and children.
²Laboratory studies on animals have shown that alternating current, which changes strength and direction 60 times a second (and electrifies most of North America), emits EMFs that may interfere with the normal functioning of human cell membranes, which have their own electromagnetic fields. The result may be mood disorders, changes in circadian rhythms (our inner sense of time), miscarriage, developmental problems, or cancer. Researchers have documented increases in breast cancer deaths in women who worked as electrical engineers, electricians, or in other high-exposure jobs, and a link between EMF exposure and increased risk of leukemia and possibly brain cancer.
³The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences concluded that the evidence of a risk of cancer and other human disease from the electric and magnetic fields around power lines is "weak." This finding applies to the extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields surrounding both the big power lines that distribute power and the smaller but closer electric lines in homes and appliances. However, the researchers also noted that EMF exposure "cannot be recognized as entirely safe." Clearly, these invisible magnetic fields are more dangerous than we know, and we must stop being so complacent. We need to urge our congressmen to support research into the effects of electromagnetic fields and to propose stringent measures to keep us safe from this type of exposure.
-adapted from Hales, An Invitation to Health , p. 458
In which paragraph does the author use expert opinion as a type of evidence?

A) first paragraph
B) second paragraph
C) third paragraph
D) The author does not use expert opinion.

Question 11

The most reliable type of evidence for an argument essay is opinion based, meaning it is tied to personal tastes and attitudes.

Question 12

Which of the following might be an effective way to open an argument essay?

A) a brief dramatic story
B) a surprising statistic
C) a personal confession
D) all of the above

Question 13

The writer's personality and attitude toward the subject and the reader is known as

A) the writer's voice
B) the writer's expertise
C) the writer's evidence
D) the writer's claim

Question 14

Application of Skills
Directions: Apply the knowledge you have gained from Chapter 10 to select the best answer to the questions about the following reading passage.
Invisible Threat
¹Any electrically charged conductor generates two kinds of invisible fields: electric and magnetic. Together they're called electromagnetic fields (EMFs). For years, these fields, produced by household appliances, home wiring, lighting fixtures, electric blankets, and overhead power lines, were considered harmless. However, epidemiological studies have revealed a link between exposure to high-voltage lines and cancer (especially leukemia, a blood cancer) in electrical workers and children.
²Laboratory studies on animals have shown that alternating current, which changes strength and direction 60 times a second (and electrifies most of North America), emits EMFs that may interfere with the normal functioning of human cell membranes, which have their own electromagnetic fields. The result may be mood disorders, changes in circadian rhythms (our inner sense of time), miscarriage, developmental problems, or cancer. Researchers have documented increases in breast cancer deaths in women who worked as electrical engineers, electricians, or in other high-exposure jobs, and a link between EMF exposure and increased risk of leukemia and possibly brain cancer.
³The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences concluded that the evidence of a risk of cancer and other human disease from the electric and magnetic fields around power lines is "weak." This finding applies to the extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields surrounding both the big power lines that distribute power and the smaller but closer electric lines in homes and appliances. However, the researchers also noted that EMF exposure "cannot be recognized as entirely safe." Clearly, these invisible magnetic fields are more dangerous than we know, and we must stop being so complacent. We need to urge our congressmen to support research into the effects of electromagnetic fields and to propose stringent measures to keep us safe from this type of exposure.
-adapted from Hales, An Invitation to Health , p. 458
The author's voice can be described as

A) light-hearted and hopeful.
B) sincere and knowledgeable.
C) angry and resentful.
D) confused and fearful.

Question 15

Which statement below is NOT a logical fallacy?

A) All teen drivers are reckless behind the wheel.
B) If the college library hours are not extended, students will fail their exams.
C) Either fast food restaurants must stop serving soda, or we will all face a shorter life span.
D) Credit card companies take advantage of financially precarious college students.

Question 16

Because clarity is especially important in an argument essay, ambiguous language should be revised for clarity during the editing stage.

Question 17

What are the two ways that a strong argument may address opposing points of view?

A) counter or concede
B) convince or argue
C) challenge or oppose
D) none of the above

Question 18

Which answer below is NOT a component of an argument essay?

A) a logical claim
B) solid evidence
C) dialogue
D) opposing points of view

Question 19

A type of argument essay that introduces a problem and attempts to convince the reader to take a particular course of action is called a/an ______________________.

A) personal commentary
B) problem-solution essay
C) editorial
D) position paper

Question 20

A main claim in an argument essay is made up of

A) a specific topic and evidence to support it
B) a main claim and a minor claim
C) a specific topic and a position about it
D) a position and evidence to support it