All flashcards
Flashcard 1: Identify the evidence type: “A pediatrician states that teens need 8–10 hours of sleep.”
Answer: Expert testimony. A qualified professional provides specialized knowledge.
Flashcard 2: Which question best tests whether a speaker’s evidence is sufficient?
Answer: Is there enough credible support to justify the claim. Tests if evidence adequately proves the speaker's point.
Flashcard 3: What does it mean for evidence to be sufficient?
Answer: Enough credible support exists to justify the claim. The evidence fully proves the claim without gaps.
Flashcard 4: What is the difference between relevant evidence and irrelevant evidence?
Answer: Relevant supports the claim; irrelevant does not connect to it. Relevant evidence directly relates to and helps prove the claim.
Flashcard 5: What is evidence in an argument?
Answer: Facts, examples, data, or expert sources that support a claim. Concrete proof that backs up what the speaker claims.
Flashcard 6: What is a reason in an argument (as opposed to evidence)?
Answer: A reason is the “why” that connects a claim to the argument. Reasons provide logical justification, while evidence provides proof.
Flashcard 7: What does it mean to delineate a speaker’s argument in a speech or debate?
Answer: Identify the position, claims, reasons, and evidence structure. Break down the speech into its logical components and connections.
Flashcard 8: What is the difference between a speaker’s central argument and a specific claim?
Answer: Argument = main position; claim = one supporting statement. The argument is the overall thesis; claims are specific points supporting it.
Flashcard 9: What does it mean for reasoning to be sound?
Answer: Logic is valid and evidence is relevant, credible, and sufficient. Sound reasoning follows logical rules with strong support.
Flashcard 10: Which term describes evidence from a trustworthy, knowledgeable source?
Answer: Credible evidence. The source has expertise and no bias on the topic.
Flashcard 11: Which term names a claim that can be proven true or false with evidence?
Answer: Verifiable (fact-based) claim. Can be tested objectively, unlike opinion-based claims.
Flashcard 12: Identify the fallacy: “Either we ban phones in school or students will never learn.”
Answer: False dilemma (either-or fallacy). Presents only two extreme options, ignoring middle ground.
Flashcard 13: Identify the fallacy: “My friend used a supplement and got stronger, so it works for everyone.”
Answer: Hasty generalization. Draws broad conclusions from limited examples.
Flashcard 14: Identify the fallacy: “Do not trust her plan; she is lazy.”
Answer: Ad hominem attack. Attacks the person instead of addressing their argument.
Flashcard 15: Identify the fallacy: “If we allow one late assignment, soon no one will meet deadlines.”
Answer: Slippery slope. Predicts extreme consequences without logical steps.
Flashcard 16: Which choice is the most relevant evidence for the claim “School lunches should be healthier”?
Answer: Nutrition data showing high sugar and low fiber in current lunches. Directly addresses the health aspect of the claim.
Flashcard 17: Which choice is the best example of sufficient evidence for a broad claim about a whole school?
Answer: Multiple sources over time (surveys, records, and observations). Comprehensive data from varied sources ensures reliability.
Flashcard 18: Identify the missing part: “We should start later because teens need more sleep.” What is “teens need more sleep”?
Answer: Reason. It explains why the action should be taken.
Flashcard 19: What is the best definition of sound reasoning in an argument?
Answer: Logic that validly connects reasons and evidence to the claim. Reasoning follows logical principles without errors.
Flashcard 20: What does relevant evidence mean when evaluating a speaker’s claims?
Answer: Evidence that directly supports the specific claim being made. Must connect to and prove the exact point argued.
Flashcard 21: What does sufficient evidence mean in an argument?
Answer: Enough high-quality support to justify accepting the claim. Quality and quantity meet the burden of proof.
Flashcard 22: What is the difference between a fact and an opinion in a speech?
Answer: Fact is verifiable; opinion is a belief or judgment. Facts can be proven true/false; opinions cannot.
Flashcard 23: What is a counterclaim in a spoken argument?
Answer: An opposing position or alternative claim to the speaker’s claim. Challenges the main argument with a different view.
Flashcard 24: What is a rebuttal in a debate or argumentative speech?
Answer: A response that refutes a counterclaim using reasons and evidence. Defends against opposing views with proof.
Flashcard 25: Identify the fallacy: “Do not listen to her plan; she is lazy.”
Answer: Ad hominem (attacking the person). Attacks character instead of addressing the argument.
Flashcard 26: Identify the fallacy: “My friend tried the diet and failed, so it never works.”
Answer: Hasty generalization. Draws broad conclusion from limited evidence.
Flashcard 27: Identify the fallacy: “If we allow one late assignment, students will stop working entirely.”
Answer: Slippery slope. Assumes one action inevitably leads to extreme consequences.
Flashcard 28: Identify the fallacy: “The mayor says the plan is safe, so it must be safe.”
Answer: Appeal to authority (unsupported reliance on status). Authority alone doesn't prove truth without evidence.
Flashcard 29: What is the best quick test for whether a speaker’s evidence is credible?
Answer: Check source expertise, accuracy, currency, and possible bias. Evaluates reliability through multiple criteria.
Flashcard 30: Which statement is the claim: “School should start later because teens need more sleep.”?
Answer: “School should start later.”. The main position being argued, not the supporting reason.