Explain How Evidence Supports a Claim - AP English Language and Composition

1. What is a key characteristic of strong evidence?

   It is both relevant and credible. Strong evidence meets both relevance and credibility standards.

2. What type of evidence is derived from surveys and polls?

   Statistical evidence. Numerical data collected from population samples.

3. Which fallacy misinterprets a weaker version of an argument?

   Straw man fallacy. Misrepresents opponent's position to easily defeat it.

4. What type of evidence relies on personal stories?

   Anecdotal evidence. Personal experiences used as supporting examples.

5. Identify the fallacy: 'Smoking must be healthy; my grandmother smoked and lived to 90.'

   Hasty generalization. Single example wrongly applied to all cases.

6. Identify the fallacy: 'He is wrong because he has no experience.'

   Ad hominem. Attacks the person rather than their argument.

7. Identify the fallacy: 'Since most people agree, it must be true.'

   Bandwagon fallacy. Appeals to popularity rather than logical reasoning.

8. What is the function of a rebuttal in argumentation?

   To counter opposing claims and strengthen the argument. Responds to objections and reinforces main argument.

9. Identify the type of evidence: 'Dr. Smith states that the treatment is effective.'

   Testimonial evidence. Expert opinion from qualified medical professional.

10. What is the role of a counterclaim in argumentation?

    To address and refute opposing viewpoints. Acknowledges and challenges opposing perspectives.

11. What is the effect of using irrelevant evidence?

    Weakens the argument by confusing the audience. Unrelated evidence distracts from the main point.

12. What does it mean for evidence to be 'credible'?

    Evidence is reliable and comes from a trustworthy source. Trustworthy source with established expertise or authority.

13. Which type of evidence is based on historical records?

    Documentary evidence. Written records from past events and sources.

14. Which evidence is considered the weakest form of support?

    Anecdotal evidence. Personal stories lack broad applicability.

15. Identify the type of evidence: 'Studies reveal that 80% of people...'

    Statistical evidence. Research studies provide numerical, measurable data.

16. What type of evidence is data from controlled experiments?

    Empirical evidence. Based on systematic observation and measurement.

17. What type of evidence draws from studies and reports?

    Documentary evidence. Formal written sources like research and publications.

18. What is the primary purpose of using evidence in writing?

    To substantiate claims and persuade the audience. Evidence makes arguments convincing and credible.

19. Identify the fallacy: 'If you do not support this, you are against us.'

    False dichotomy. Creates artificial either-or choice between extremes.

20. Identify the type of evidence: 'The experiment showed a 20% increase in growth.'

    Empirical evidence. Experimental data provides measurable, observable results.

21. Identify the type of evidence: 'According to the CDC, vaccination prevents disease.'

    Statistical evidence. CDC provides numerical data from official health organization.

22. Which type of evidence includes figures and percentages?

    Statistical evidence. Numerical data that quantifies information.

23. What does it mean for evidence to be 'relevant'?

    Directly relates to and supports the claim. Evidence must connect logically to the specific claim.

24. What is required for evidence to be 'sufficient'?

    Enough quantity and quality to convincingly support the claim. Must have both adequate amount and quality.

25. What type of evidence is often used in scientific papers?

    Empirical evidence. Scientific research relies on observable, measurable data.

26. Identify the logical fallacy: 'Everyone is doing it, so it must be good.'

    Bandwagon fallacy. Following the crowd doesn't prove correctness.

27. Which type of evidence includes expert opinions?

    Testimonial evidence. Includes statements from qualified professionals or witnesses.

28. What is the role of evidence in an argumentative essay?

    To support and justify the claim made by the author. Evidence provides logical foundation for arguments.

29. What type of evidence includes firsthand accounts?

    Testimonial evidence. Direct personal experiences and expert statements.

30. What is an anecdote in the context of evidence?

    A short personal story used to illustrate a point. Brief narrative example that supports a larger argument.

31. What role does evidence play in a counterargument?

    It challenges the validity of the opposing claim. Supports the counterargument with logical proof.

32. Identify the fallacy: 'Either we ban cars or face extinction.'

    False dilemma. Presents only two extreme options unfairly.

33. Identify the type of evidence: 'Historical data shows a pattern.'

    Documentary evidence. Historical records provide factual, documented information.

34. What is the importance of evidence credibility?

    Ensures trustworthiness of the support for a claim. Credible evidence strengthens argument persuasiveness.

35. What is the term for evidence that directly addresses the claim?

    Relevant evidence. Evidence that directly connects to the claim.

36. What type of evidence relies on personal observations?

    Anecdotal evidence. Personal experiences and individual observations.

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