All flashcards
Flashcard 1: Identify the logical fallacy: attacking the person instead of the argument.
Answer: Ad hominem. Latin for "to the person" - targets character, not ideas.
Flashcard 2: What is a rebuttal in an argument?
Answer: A response that refutes a counterclaim. Shows why the counterclaim is wrong or weak.
Flashcard 3: What is a counterclaim?
Answer: An opposing claim to the author’s position. Acknowledges what critics might argue against the thesis.
Flashcard 4: What is an irrelevant piece of evidence?
Answer: A detail that does not help prove the claim. Off-topic information that doesn't support the argument.
Flashcard 5: Identify the flaw: "Either we ban phones at school or students will never learn."
Answer: False dilemma (either-or fallacy). Presents only two extreme options, ignoring middle ground.
Flashcard 6: What is a central claim in an argumentative informational text?
Answer: The main position the author argues for. The thesis or main idea the author wants readers to accept.
Flashcard 7: What does it mean to trace an argument in a text?
Answer: Follow claims, reasons, and evidence in order. Map how the author builds their case step by step.
Flashcard 8: What is a supporting claim in an argument?
Answer: A smaller point that helps prove the central claim. Specific reasons that build toward the main argument.
Flashcard 9: Identify whether this reasoning is sound: "Later starts increase sleep; more sleep improves focus; focus helps learning."
Answer: Sound. Each step logically follows from the previous one.
Flashcard 10: Identify whether this evidence is relevant to later start times: "Many students like pizza."
Answer: Irrelevant. Pizza preferences don't relate to start time benefits.
Flashcard 11: Which option best defines reasoning in an argument: evidence, logic, topic, or tone?
Answer: Logic. The thinking process that connects evidence to claims.
Flashcard 12: What is sound reasoning?
Answer: Logical thinking that validly connects evidence to claims. Uses valid logic without gaps or fallacies.
Flashcard 13: What does it mean for evidence to be relevant?
Answer: It directly relates to the claim being supported. Must connect to and help prove the specific claim.
Flashcard 14: Identify the claim in this sentence: "School should start later to improve learning."
Answer: School should start later to improve learning. States the author's position on school schedules.
Flashcard 15: Which question best checks sufficiency of evidence: Is it interesting, or is it enough to prove the claim?
Answer: Is it enough to prove the claim. Sufficiency means having adequate proof, not just appeal.
Flashcard 16: Identify the evidence type: "A 2023 study of 5,000 students found higher grades with later start times."
Answer: Research study / statistics. Numerical data from formal research supports claims.
Flashcard 17: Which option is the strongest evidence for a factual claim: opinion, rumor, data, or insult?
Answer: Data. Objective facts beat subjective opinions for proof.
Flashcard 18: Identify the logical fallacy: using one story to prove a general rule.
Answer: Anecdotal evidence (hasty generalization). One example can't prove a universal truth.
Flashcard 19: Which term names a statement expressing beliefs or judgments?
Answer: Opinion. Opinions reflect personal views, not objective truth.
Flashcard 20: Which term names a statement that can be proven true or false?
Answer: Verifiable fact. Facts can be verified through objective evidence.
Flashcard 21: Identify the best label for this evidence: "A 2023 study found a 15% drop."
Answer: Statistic (data-based evidence). Numerical data provides measurable, objective support.
Flashcard 22: Identify the best label for this evidence: "Dr. Lee, a cardiologist, states…"
Answer: Expert testimony. Credentials establish the source's authority on the topic.
Flashcard 23: Which option is the strongest evidence type for a factual claim: anecdote, statistic, or personal opinion?
Answer: Statistic. Statistics offer objective, measurable proof.
Flashcard 24: Which flaw is present: "It worked for my friend, so it will work for everyone"?
Answer: Hasty generalization. One example cannot prove a universal truth.
Flashcard 25: Which evaluation fits: Evidence about recycling rates used to prove "school lunches are healthier"?
Answer: Irrelevant evidence. The evidence doesn't connect to the claim about lunches.
Flashcard 26: Which flaw is present: "Do not trust her plan; she is lazy"?
Answer: Ad hominem attack. Attacks the person instead of addressing the argument.
Flashcard 27: Which flaw is present: "Either we ban phones at school or nobody will learn"?
Answer: False dilemma (either-or reasoning). This fallacy ignores other possible solutions.
Flashcard 28: Which flaw is present: "After the new principal arrived, test scores fell; the principal caused it"?
Answer: False cause (post hoc). Assumes correlation equals causation without proof.
Flashcard 29: What is a claim in an informational text’s argument?
Answer: A statement the author asserts as true. Claims form the foundation of arguments that authors defend.
Flashcard 30: What is the central claim in an argument?
Answer: The main point the author wants the reader to accept. Central claims unify all supporting points in the text.