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ACT Writing study materials
ACT Writing study resources

ACT Writing practice questions

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Question 1Ideas and Analysis

A writer is drafting an essay that argues a city should expand its public transit system. Which of the following would best function as a clear, arguable thesis statement?

  1. Some people support expanding public transit, while others do not.
  2. Public transit is a topic that many cities have debated for decades.
  3. This essay will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of public transit.
  4. The city should expand its public transit system because it reduces traffic congestion and increases access to jobs. Correct answer.

Explanation

A strong thesis takes a defensible position and previews the reasoning that will support it. The statement about reducing congestion and increasing job access both asserts a claim and signals the argument's main lines.

Question 2Ideas and Analysis

In an argumentative essay, what is the primary purpose of analyzing evidence rather than simply listing it?

  1. To explain how the evidence supports the claim being made Correct answer.
  2. To present opposing viewpoints in a balanced way
  3. To increase the total word count of the essay
  4. To demonstrate that the writer has read many sources

Explanation

Analysis connects each piece of evidence back to the central claim, showing the reader why the evidence matters. Listing evidence without commentary leaves the reasoning implicit and weakens the argument.

Question 3Ideas and Analysis

A student writes: "Everyone knows that homework is harmful, so schools should ban it." Which flaw most directly weakens this reasoning?

  1. It fails to define the word 'schools'
  2. It relies on an unsupported assumption about what everyone believes Correct answer.
  3. It uses overly technical vocabulary
  4. It provides too many statistics

Explanation

The argument assumes a popular belief without evidence and treats that assumption as proof. Asserting that 'everyone knows' something does not establish that the claim is true.

Question 4Ideas and Analysis

Which sentence best introduces a counterargument in a persuasive essay?

  1. For example, one study found that reading improves vocabulary.
  2. Therefore, the evidence clearly supports my position.
  3. Critics of the proposal argue that the cost is too high, but this concern can be addressed. Correct answer.
  4. In conclusion, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

Explanation

A counterargument acknowledges an opposing view before the writer responds to it. The sentence naming critics' cost concern and signaling a rebuttal performs exactly that function.

Question 5Ideas and Analysis

An essay's introduction should generally accomplish which of the following?

  1. Present the strongest piece of evidence in full detail
  2. Engage the reader and establish the essay's central claim Correct answer.
  3. Provide a complete list of every source cited in the essay
  4. Resolve all objections raised by opposing viewpoints

Explanation

Introductions orient the reader and typically culminate in a thesis that states the essay's central claim. They set up the argument rather than exhaustively resolving it.

Question 6Ideas and Analysis

A writer claims that a new park will improve residents' health. Which detail would most directly support this claim?

  1. A survey found that residents who live near parks report exercising more often Correct answer.
  2. The park's design was chosen by a committee of volunteers
  3. The park will be located near the town center
  4. Several nearby towns have parks of similar size

Explanation

Relevant evidence directly connects the claim to its conclusion. A survey linking park proximity to increased exercise provides a mechanism by which the park could improve health.

Question 7Ideas and Analysis

What does it mean for an argument to be internally consistent?

  1. Its claims do not contradict one another Correct answer.
  2. It cites only sources published recently
  3. It includes at least one counterargument
  4. It is written in a formal tone throughout

Explanation

Consistency concerns whether the parts of an argument agree with each other. An argument that asserts conflicting claims undermines its own reasoning.

Question 8Ideas and Analysis

A student's essay argues that school start times should be later. The student writes, "Students are tired in the morning." Why is this statement weak as support?

  1. It contradicts the essay's thesis
  2. It is too long to be understood
  3. It is vague and offers no evidence connecting it to the claim Correct answer.
  4. It states a personal opinion rather than a fact

Explanation

Effective support is specific and evidenced. Saying students are tired is a general assertion that does not demonstrate a link to academic outcomes or show evidence.

Question 9Ideas and Analysis

A writer wants to strengthen an argument that a company's new policy will reduce employee turnover. Which addition would most improve the analysis?

  1. Data showing turnover fell after similar policies at comparable firms Correct answer.
  2. A list of all the policy's provisions
  3. A description of the company's history and founding
  4. A quotation from the company's CEO praising the policy

Explanation

Analysis is strengthened by evidence that directly bears on the causal claim. Comparable cases with measured outcomes provide relevant support for the policy's effect.

Question 10Ideas and Analysis

An essay argues: "Our school should require uniforms. After all, uniforms reduce distractions, and reducing distractions improves learning." What is the unstated assumption in this argument?

  1. Other schools have adopted uniforms
  2. Students prefer wearing uniforms
  3. Reducing distractions is a goal schools should pursue to improve learning Correct answer.
  4. Uniforms are less expensive than regular clothing

Explanation

The argument moves from reducing distractions to improving learning, assuming that this chain of effects is desirable and valid for the school. The hidden premise links distraction reduction to a legitimate educational aim.

Question 11Ideas and Analysis

Which revision best improves the analytical depth of this sentence: "The data shows the program worked"?

  1. The data shows the program worked because test scores rose 12 percent among participants. Correct answer.
  2. The data shows the program worked, which is good.
  3. The data shows that the program was successful in many ways.
  4. The data clearly and obviously shows the program worked.

Explanation

Analytical depth comes from explaining how or why a result occurred. Specifying the measured outcome and its size turns a bare assertion into supported analysis.

Question 12Ideas and Analysis

A writer's essay claims that social media harms teenagers' mental health. Which source would be most credible for supporting this claim?

  1. A peer-reviewed study examining mental health outcomes and social media use Correct answer.
  2. A social media company's marketing brochure
  3. A comment thread on a news article
  4. An anonymous blog post describing one teenager's experience

Explanation

Credibility depends on expertise, methodology, and review. A peer-reviewed study systematically examining the relationship provides the strongest evidence for a causal claim.

Question 13Ideas and Analysis

In an argument, a writer presents a statistic from a survey but does not explain who was surveyed or how the question was worded. Why does this weaken the argument?

  1. Statistics should never be used in essays
  2. The writer forgot to cite the year of publication
  3. The reader cannot judge whether the data is relevant and reliable Correct answer.
  4. Surveys are always biased in favor of the researcher

Explanation

Readers need enough context about a study's design to assess whether its findings support the claim. Missing details about sampling and wording leave the data's reliability and relevance uncertain.

Question 14Ideas and Analysis

An essay includes this sentence: "Although some argue that remote work reduces collaboration, studies of distributed teams show that structured virtual meetings can maintain communication." What function does this sentence serve?

  1. It introduces the essay's thesis for the first time
  2. It shifts the essay to an unrelated topic
  3. It concedes a point and then rebuts it Correct answer.
  4. It provides a concluding summary of the essay

Explanation

The sentence acknowledges an opposing concern and then offers evidence that counters it. This concede-and-rebut structure strengthens the argument by addressing objections directly.

Question 15Ideas and Analysis

A writer argues that a proposed law is bad because it was written by a politician the writer dislikes. Which fallacy does this reasoning illustrate?

  1. Circular reasoning
  2. Ad hominem Correct answer.
  3. False dilemma
  4. Slippery slope

Explanation

Ad hominem attacks the source of an argument rather than engaging with the argument's merits. Dismissing a law based on the author's identity rather than its content is a classic example.

Question 16Ideas and Analysis

Which sentence best states a thesis that is appropriately specific for a short essay?

  1. Some people like technology and some people do not.
  2. Schools should teach basic coding because it builds problem-solving skills and prepares students for a digital workforce. Correct answer.
  3. This essay will explore technology.
  4. Technology has changed many aspects of modern life in numerous ways.

Explanation

A good thesis is focused enough to be defended in the available space and previews supporting reasons. The coding statement makes a specific claim with two reasons.

Question 17Ideas and Analysis

A student writes: "If we allow students to use phones during lunch, soon they will use them during class, and eventually no one will pay attention at all." Which reasoning flaw is present?

  1. Straw man
  2. Slippery slope Correct answer.
  3. Begging the question
  4. Appeal to authority

Explanation

A slippery slope assumes that one step will inevitably lead to an extreme outcome without justifying each link in the chain. The progression from lunch use to total inattention is asserted rather than demonstrated.

Question 18Ideas and Analysis

When integrating a quotation into an argument, what should a writer do to make the quotation contribute to the analysis?

  1. Insert it without comment so readers interpret it themselves
  2. Explain how the quoted material supports the paragraph's claim Correct answer.
  3. Place it only in the conclusion
  4. Choose the longest available quotation

Explanation

Quotations should be framed and interpreted so their relevance to the argument is clear. Commentary after a quotation connects the source's words to the writer's claim.

Question 19Ideas and Analysis

An essay's body paragraph makes a claim, provides evidence, and then analyzes the evidence. Which element is most essential to add for a fully developed argumentative paragraph?

  1. A list of every source consulted
  2. A second unrelated claim
  3. A humorous anecdote
  4. A link connecting the analysis back to the essay's thesis Correct answer.

Explanation

Each body paragraph should tie its point back to the overall argument so the essay reads as a unified whole. A concluding link shows how the paragraph advances the thesis.

Question 20Ideas and Analysis

A writer cites a famous actor's opinion that a particular diet is healthiest. Why is this evidence weak in a nutrition argument?

  1. The actor lacks relevant expertise in nutrition Correct answer.
  2. The claim is too specific to be tested
  3. Actors are not allowed to discuss health
  4. Fame always makes a source unreliable

Explanation

Source credibility depends on relevant expertise. Fame in acting does not confer authority on nutrition, so the opinion carries little evidentiary weight.

Question 21Ideas and Analysis

An essay argues that a town should build a new library. The writer includes a paragraph describing the town's founding history. How does this paragraph most likely affect the argument?

  1. It strengthens the argument by adding useful background for the claim
  2. It weakens the argument because it does not support the claim about building a library Correct answer.
  3. It strengthens the argument by providing statistical evidence
  4. It has no effect on the argument either way

Explanation

Relevant support must bear on the specific claim being made. Founding history does not address whether a library should be built, so it distracts from rather than advances the argument.

Question 22Ideas and Analysis

Read this argument: "All effective teachers give feedback. Ms. Rivera gives feedback. Therefore, Ms. Rivera is an effective teacher." What is the flaw in this reasoning?

  1. It uses a definition that is too narrow
  2. It treats a necessary condition as a sufficient one Correct answer.
  3. It attacks Ms. Rivera personally
  4. It relies on an unreliable survey

Explanation

The first premise says effective teachers give feedback, but giving feedback alone does not guarantee effectiveness. The argument mistakenly treats a necessary trait as sufficient proof.

Question 23Ideas and Analysis

A writer's thesis states that standardized testing should be reduced. In one body paragraph, the writer presents a study showing that testing increases stress, then writes, "This proves testing is harmful and should be eliminated." What is the main analytical weakness?

  1. The paragraph cites too many studies
  2. The conclusion overstates what the evidence establishes Correct answer.
  3. The study is described in insufficient statistical detail
  4. The paragraph lacks a topic sentence

Explanation

The evidence shows increased stress, but the conclusion leaps to a sweeping call for elimination. Strong analysis matches the strength of its conclusion to what the evidence actually supports.

Question 24Ideas and Analysis

Two sources disagree about whether a policy reduced unemployment. Source A is a government report using payroll data from all firms in the region. Source B is an opinion column citing three business owners. How should a careful writer weigh these sources?

  1. Treat them as equally credible because both discuss unemployment
  2. Favor Source A because its comprehensive data and methodology make it more reliable Correct answer.
  3. Discard both because they disagree
  4. Favor Source B because it includes personal perspectives

Explanation

When sources conflict, credibility should be judged by methodology, scope, and evidence quality. Comprehensive payroll data across all firms provides stronger grounding than a handful of anecdotes.

Question 25Ideas and Analysis

An essay argues that a city should ban single-use plastics. The writer acknowledges that some businesses worry about costs, then responds that phased implementation and subsidies can ease the transition. How does this move affect the overall argument?

  1. It introduces an unrelated topic that distracts readers
  2. It concedes the thesis and abandons the original claim
  3. It strengthens the argument by anticipating and answering an objection Correct answer.
  4. It replaces evidence with emotional appeal

Explanation

Addressing a foreseeable objection with a concrete response makes an argument more resilient. The writer neither abandons the claim nor ignores the concern, which bolsters credibility.

Question 26Ideas and Analysis

A writer's essay argues that a community garden would improve neighborhood cohesion. Which sentence best introduces a counterargument that the writer could then rebut?

  1. Some residents might worry that a garden would require too much maintenance, but volunteer schedules can address this. Correct answer.
  2. Our neighborhood has several empty lots that could host a garden.
  3. A community garden would provide fresh produce and a shared space for residents.
  4. Community gardens have been shown to increase social interaction among neighbors.

Explanation

A counterargument acknowledges an opposing view before the writer responds to it. The sentence about maintenance concerns presents such a view and immediately signals a rebuttal. The other options either support the claim or provide background.

Question 27Ideas and Analysis

In an argumentative essay, what is the primary purpose of analyzing evidence after presenting it?

  1. To summarize the evidence without connecting it to the argument.
  2. To explain how the evidence supports the claim and why it matters. Correct answer.
  3. To provide additional evidence that repeats the same point.
  4. To introduce a new claim that is unrelated to the thesis.

Explanation

Analysis connects the evidence to the claim by explaining its significance and relevance. Without analysis, evidence may seem disconnected from the argument. The other options either introduce irrelevant material or fail to advance the argument.

Question 28Ideas and Analysis

A student is writing an essay arguing that high schools should start later. Which thesis statement is the most effective for this argument?

  1. High schools should start later for various reasons that I will explain in this essay.
  2. Many people have different opinions about what time high schools should start.
  3. Starting school later is a topic that has been debated for many years.
  4. High schools should start later because later start times improve student attendance and academic performance. Correct answer.

Explanation

An effective thesis states a clear position and previews the main reasons supporting it. This option does both, giving the essay a focused direction. The other options are vague or merely announce the topic.

Question 29Ideas and Analysis

A writer claims that a new recycling program will reduce waste. Which piece of evidence would most directly support this claim?

  1. A survey of residents' opinions about the importance of recycling.
  2. A quote from the mayor expressing support for the recycling program.
  3. A description of the recycling program's operating hours and locations.
  4. A comparison of waste tonnage before and after the program's implementation in a similar city. Correct answer.

Explanation

Direct support for a causal claim requires data showing the claimed effect. Comparing waste tonnage before and after implementation provides that evidence. The other options offer opinions or descriptions that do not measure waste reduction.

Question 30Ideas and Analysis

A writer argues that a proposed policy will hurt small businesses. In the essay, the writer includes a paragraph about the history of small businesses in the town. How does this paragraph affect the argument?

  1. It has no effect on the argument because background information is always irrelevant.
  2. It strengthens the argument by showing that small businesses have a long history in the town.
  3. It strengthens the argument by providing statistical evidence of the policy's effects.
  4. It weakens the argument because it provides background that does not support the claim about the policy's impact. Correct answer.

Explanation

Background information that does not directly support the claim can distract from the argument and weaken its focus. The history of small businesses does not address how the policy will affect them. Therefore, it does not strengthen the argument.

Question 31Ideas and Analysis

A writer wants to argue that a city should invest in public transportation. Which sentence best presents a clear and debatable claim?

  1. Public transportation includes buses, trains, and subways.
  2. Some people like public transportation, while others do not.
  3. The city should invest in public transportation to reduce traffic congestion and lower emissions. Correct answer.
  4. Public transportation is a topic that many cities are discussing.

Explanation

A debatable claim takes a position that reasonable people could dispute and provides reasons. This sentence asserts a specific action and benefits. The other options are factual statements or vague observations.

Question 32Ideas and Analysis

When a writer uses a statistic in an argument, what should the writer do to make the statistic effective?

  1. Use as many statistics as possible to overwhelm the reader.
  2. Only use statistics that are easy to understand.
  3. Explain the source and relevance of the statistic to the claim. Correct answer.
  4. Present the statistic without any context to avoid bias.

Explanation

A statistic is more persuasive when the writer identifies its source and explains how it supports the claim. Context helps readers assess credibility and relevance. The other options either neglect context or promote ineffective strategies.

Question 33Ideas and Analysis

A writer's essay argues that year-round schooling would benefit students. The writer includes a paragraph about the history of the traditional school calendar. How does this paragraph most likely affect the argument?

  1. It provides necessary background but does not directly support the claim about benefits. Correct answer.
  2. It provides statistical evidence that year-round schooling improves learning.
  3. It directly supports the claim by showing that the traditional calendar is outdated.
  4. It weakens the claim by suggesting that the traditional calendar is effective.

Explanation

Historical background can inform readers but does not by itself prove that year-round schooling benefits students. The paragraph sets context rather than offering direct support. Therefore, it does not strengthen the specific claim.

Question 34Ideas and Analysis

A writer is analyzing an argument that claims a new study proves a certain diet is unhealthy. Which question is most important for the writer to ask when evaluating the study's evidence?

  1. Does the study include colorful graphs?
  2. Is the diet popular among celebrities?
  3. Was the study conducted on a representative sample and peer-reviewed? Correct answer.
  4. Did the study's author have a pleasant writing style?

Explanation

The credibility of a study depends on its methodology, including sample representativeness and peer review. These factors affect whether the evidence supports the claim. The other questions are irrelevant to the study's validity.

Question 35Ideas and Analysis

A student's essay argues that online learning is as effective as in-person learning. The student writes: "Online learning is just as good because it is more convenient." Which logical flaw is most evident in this reasoning?

  1. It provides too much statistical evidence.
  2. It assumes that convenience is the same as effectiveness. Correct answer.
  3. It relies on an expert opinion.
  4. It uses a circular argument.

Explanation

The argument equates convenience with effectiveness without justifying that connection. Convenience is a separate quality from educational effectiveness. Thus, the reasoning contains a flaw in assuming equivalence.

Question 36Ideas and Analysis

A writer is evaluating two sources about the effects of a new drug. Source A is a peer-reviewed study with a large sample size. Source B is a personal blog post describing one person's experience. Which source is more credible for an academic argument, and why?

  1. Both are equally credible because they both discuss the drug.
  2. Source B, because personal experience is always more convincing.
  3. Source A, because it is peer-reviewed and has a large sample size, which increases reliability. Correct answer.
  4. Source B, because it is more recent.

Explanation

Peer review and large sample sizes are indicators of credibility in academic research. A personal blog post lacks these safeguards and generalizability. Therefore, Source A is more credible for an academic argument.

Question 37Ideas and Analysis

Read this argument: "If we allow students to use calculators in math class, they will forget how to do basic arithmetic. Therefore, calculators should be banned." Which assumption is necessary for the argument to be valid?

  1. Calculators are expensive for schools to provide.
  2. Basic arithmetic is no longer important.
  3. Using calculators inevitably leads to forgetting basic arithmetic. Correct answer.
  4. Students enjoy using calculators.

Explanation

The argument relies on the causal assumption that calculator use causes students to forget arithmetic. If that assumption is false, the conclusion does not follow. The other options are irrelevant to the logical link.

Question 38Ideas and Analysis

A writer's essay claims that a new park will increase property values. The writer includes a study showing that parks increase property values in other cities. How should the writer best use this evidence?

  1. Conclude that the study proves the claim without further discussion.
  2. Present the study without mentioning that it is from other cities.
  3. Dismiss the study because it is not from the same city.
  4. Acknowledge that the study is from other cities and explain why the same effect is likely here. Correct answer.

Explanation

Evidence from other contexts can support a claim if the writer addresses potential differences. Acknowledging the limitation and explaining its applicability strengthens the argument. The other options either ignore a weakness or dismiss useful evidence.

Question 39Ideas and Analysis

An essay argues that a company should adopt a four-day workweek. The writer includes a paragraph describing how the four-day workweek has improved employee morale in several other companies. Which element of the argument does this paragraph primarily serve?

  1. It introduces a counterargument.
  2. It provides a call to action.
  3. It provides evidence to support the claim. Correct answer.
  4. It states the thesis.

Explanation

The paragraph offers examples of improved morale, which is evidence supporting the claim that the company should adopt the policy. It does not present an opposing view, state the thesis, or call for action. Thus, it functions as evidence.

Question 40Ideas and Analysis

A writer is responding to an argument that a city should ban cars in the downtown area. The writer wants to strengthen the argument by addressing a counterargument. Which sentence best addresses a counterargument?

  1. Many cities have successfully banned cars in downtown areas.
  2. Some might argue that banning cars will hurt local businesses, but pedestrian-friendly areas often see increased foot traffic and sales. Correct answer.
  3. Banning cars will definitely reduce pollution and traffic.
  4. Cars are a major source of pollution in downtown areas.

Explanation

Addressing a counterargument involves acknowledging an opposing view and then rebutting it. This sentence does both by mentioning the business concern and providing a reason it may not hold. The other options only support the claim.

Question 41Ideas and Analysis

A student is writing an essay arguing that schools should teach financial literacy. Which sentence best demonstrates analysis of evidence rather than just presenting it?

  1. Many schools do not currently offer financial literacy courses.
  2. Financial literacy is important for everyone.
  3. A 2020 study found that students who took financial literacy courses were more likely to save money, which suggests that such courses can instill lasting habits. Correct answer.
  4. A 2020 study found that students who took financial literacy courses were more likely to save money.

Explanation

Analysis goes beyond stating evidence by explaining what it implies for the argument. This sentence interprets the study's finding to suggest lasting habits, connecting it to the claim. The other options either present evidence without interpretation or make general statements.

Question 42Ideas and Analysis

A writer's essay argues that a proposed law will reduce crime. The writer cites a study that found a correlation between increased police presence and lower crime rates. Which additional information would most strengthen the writer's argument?

  1. A statistic about the number of police officers in the city.
  2. An explanation of how the proposed law would increase police presence in high-crime areas. Correct answer.
  3. A description of the writer's personal feelings about crime.
  4. A quote from a friend who feels safer with more police.

Explanation

To link the study to the proposed law, the writer must show that the law would cause the condition (increased police presence) associated with lower crime. Explaining that mechanism strengthens the causal argument. The other options are irrelevant or anecdotal.

Question 43Ideas and Analysis

An essay argues that a university should divest from fossil fuels. The writer includes a paragraph about the university's history of environmental activism. How does this paragraph most likely affect the argument?

  1. It introduces a counterargument that the writer will rebut.
  2. It provides statistical evidence that divestment will be effective.
  3. It provides background that may appeal to the audience's values but does not directly support the claim. Correct answer.
  4. It serves as the thesis statement of the essay.

Explanation

Historical context about activism can engage readers but does not by itself prove that divestment is justified. It functions as background rather than direct evidence. Therefore, it does not strengthen the specific claim about divestment.

Question 44Ideas and Analysis

Read this argument: "All students who study abroad become more culturally aware. Maria studied abroad. Therefore, Maria is more culturally aware." Which statement best evaluates the reasoning?

  1. The reasoning is valid because it follows a logical syllogism. Correct answer.
  2. The reasoning is invalid because it assumes that all students who study abroad become culturally aware.
  3. The reasoning is strong because it uses a specific example.
  4. The reasoning is weak because it relies on a personal anecdote.

Explanation

The argument follows the valid form: All A are B; Maria is A; therefore Maria is B. The reasoning is logically valid, even if the premise may be questionable. Validity concerns the form, not the truth of the premises.

Question 45Ideas and Analysis

A writer is analyzing an argument that claims a new standardized test will improve student learning. The writer wants to know if the evidence is sufficient. Which question is most relevant?

  1. Do teachers like the test?
  2. Is the test multiple-choice or essay-based?
  3. Is the test easy to administer?
  4. Does the evidence show that the test actually leads to improved learning outcomes? Correct answer.

Explanation

Sufficiency of evidence depends on whether it directly supports the claim. The key question is whether the test causes improved learning. The other questions concern logistics or preferences, not the claim's truth.

Question 46Ideas and Analysis

A student's essay argues that volunteer programs should be mandatory in high schools. The student writes: "Mandatory volunteering is not forced labor because students can choose where to volunteer." Which type of reasoning does this sentence use?

  1. It provides statistical evidence about volunteer programs.
  2. It distinguishes between forced labor and mandatory volunteering by highlighting choice. Correct answer.
  3. It introduces a counterargument against mandatory volunteering.
  4. It appeals to emotion to persuade the reader.

Explanation

The sentence draws a distinction between forced labor and mandatory volunteering based on the element of choice. This is a form of definitional or conceptual reasoning. It does not offer statistics, emotional appeals, or a counterargument.

Question 47Ideas and Analysis

A writer's essay argues that a new highway will reduce commute times. The writer cites a study showing that a similar highway in another state reduced commute times by 15%. Which additional consideration would most weaken the writer's argument?

  1. The study was conducted by a reputable transportation institute.
  2. The other state's highway reduced commute times for many drivers.
  3. The other state's highway was built in a less congested area with different traffic patterns. Correct answer.
  4. The new highway is expected to cost less than the other state's highway.

Explanation

If the contexts differ significantly, the study's findings may not apply to the new highway. This consideration weakens the argument by challenging the generalizability of the evidence. The other options either support the argument or are irrelevant.

Question 48Ideas and Analysis

An essay argues that a city should implement congestion pricing to reduce traffic. The writer acknowledges that congestion pricing may disproportionately affect low-income drivers, but then argues that revenue from the pricing can fund public transit improvements that benefit those same drivers. What is the primary function of this acknowledgment and response?

  1. It weakens the argument by admitting a flaw without resolution.
  2. It introduces a new claim that is unrelated to the thesis.
  3. It addresses a potential objection and strengthens the argument by showing a mitigating benefit. Correct answer.
  4. It provides statistical evidence for the effectiveness of congestion pricing.

Explanation

By acknowledging a concern and offering a counterbalancing benefit, the writer preempts criticism and reinforces the argument. This strategy is known as addressing counterarguments. It does not weaken the argument but rather strengthens it through rebuttal.

Question 49Ideas and Analysis

A writer is evaluating an argument that claims a new drug is effective based on a study. The study was funded by the drug's manufacturer and had no control group. Which conclusion about the evidence is most justified?

  1. The evidence is irrelevant because the study was funded by the manufacturer.
  2. The evidence is strong because the study was conducted by the manufacturer.
  3. The evidence is weak due to potential bias and lack of a control group, so the claim requires further independent research. Correct answer.
  4. The evidence is strong because the study tested the drug on patients.

Explanation

Funding by an interested party and absence of a control group are significant limitations that reduce the credibility of the study. Therefore, the evidence is weak and the claim needs independent verification. The other options either overstate or dismiss the evidence entirely.

Question 50Ideas and Analysis

Read this argument: "We should not listen to Dr. Smith's opinion on climate change because she is not a climate scientist; she is a geologist." Which type of fallacy does this argument commit?

  1. Appeal to authority
  2. False dilemma
  3. Slippery slope
  4. Ad hominem Correct answer.

Explanation

The argument attacks Dr. Smith's credibility based on her profession rather than addressing her actual opinion, which is an ad hominem fallacy. It dismisses her view without engaging with the evidence. The other fallacies involve different logical errors.