Trace and Evaluate Arguments Practice Test

Read the passage and answer the question.

A student blogger argues, “The library should stay open until 6 p.m. every weekday.” The blogger’s main reason is that more open hours would help students finish homework in a quiet place. As evidence, the blogger writes, “I often need a calm place to work, and last Tuesday I couldn’t concentrate at home.” The blogger also adds that “lots of students probably feel the same,” but does not provide attendance numbers, surveys, or information about staffing costs.

Which flaw best describes the evidence used to support the claim?

Read the passage and answer the question.

A student argues that the school library should stay open one hour later after school. The claim is that longer hours would increase academic support and make the school more fair. First, she reasons that many students need a quiet place to work, especially if their homes are crowded or noisy. As evidence, she cites a school survey in which 48% of students said they often cannot find a quiet study space at home. Second, she argues that later hours would improve access to help and resources. She notes that the library’s tutoring table is currently full most days, and library sign-in data shows an average of 60 students try to use the library in the last 20 minutes before it closes. Finally, she claims fairness improves because bus riders and students in after-school clubs often can’t reach the library before it closes; she points to club schedules showing practices end 10 minutes after the library closes on three days each week.

Which option best evaluates whether the reasons and evidence logically support the claim?