3 Constructing Academic Arguments Online Quiz Questions

True or false: A writer concludes that a new class schedule caused student scores to rise solely because scores rose after the schedule changed. The timing alone establishes causation.

What argument term names an assumption that explains why a piece of evidence supports a claim?

A writer uses records showing that study spaces fill early at one university to claim that study spaces fill early at every university. What is the main weakness in this reasoning?

A report says that attendance improved after a school introduced a new reminder system, then concludes that the system caused the improvement without considering other possible explanations. Which flaw best describes this reasoning?

A writer responding to the objection that students can study at home acknowledges that this works for some students, then explains that it does not address the needs of those without quiet, reliable study space. This is a fair way to respond to a counterargument.

A writer changes an opponent’s modest proposal into a much more extreme position, then refutes the extreme version. What fallacy is this?

You are assessing a source before using it to support a specific claim. Select all the checks that are recommended for judging the source’s evidence.

A writer argues that a university should extend library hours, but an objection points out that the added hours may be costly and used by few students. Which response best applies the guidance for handling a serious objection?

Before submitting an argument, which checks can help prevent unsupported reasoning? Select all that apply.

A university shuttle pilot recorded 30% fewer late arrivals among students who used the shuttle. Students volunteered to use it, and the university is considering expanding service to every route. Write a focused, qualified claim about what the university should do. Explain how the pilot evidence supports your claim and what it cannot establish, and include one relevant objection or type of additional evidence the university should consider.

A committee member argues that a transit proposal is unnecessary because ridership data show that few students use the current service. The proposal’s supporter does not address the data and instead begins discussing plans to improve campus landscaping. Which flaw best describes the reply?

A student argues that a proposed policy is mistaken because the researcher who supports it is careless, without examining the researcher’s evidence or reasoning. Which flaw is most evident?

Which claim is the most focused and arguable while avoiding an absolute conclusion?

A writer finds two sources that reach different conclusions about a policy. What is the best next step for evaluating whether either source is reliable?

A survey at one campus finds that many students cannot find a quiet place to study. What conclusion is best supported by this evidence alone?

True or false: Including a relevant-looking statistic beside a claim is enough to show that the statistic supports the claim, even if the writer does not explain its relevance or limits.

A writer concludes that all students prefer online classes after speaking with only two students from one course. What reasoning flaw is this? Enter the name of the flaw.

During a debate about whether a campus should extend library hours, a speaker responds by discussing the quality of campus landscaping instead. What reasoning flaw is this? Enter the name of the flaw.