Argument Deconstruction Flashcards

An argument asserts: 'Students who eat breakfast score higher on tests, so schools should provide free breakfast.' Which is the most significant missing piece?

Answer: Whether the correlation between breakfast and scores is causal

A correlation between breakfast and scores does not prove that providing breakfast will raise scores.

An argument compares two dissimilar products to draw a conclusion. This is best identified as a:

Answer: False analogy

A false analogy draws conclusions by comparing things that differ in crucial ways.

Which of the following best describes 'begging the question' in an AWA argument?

Answer: Using the conclusion as a premise without independent support

Begging the question means the argument assumes what it is trying to prove.

An AWA passage argues: 'Most of our survey respondents rated our service highly, so customers are satisfied.' The weakest point is:

Answer: Dissatisfied customers may have been less likely to respond

Non-response bias means dissatisfied customers often skip surveys, skewing results positive.

If an argument provides evidence that is true but irrelevant to its conclusion, it commits the fallacy of:

Answer: Red herring

A red herring introduces irrelevant information to distract from the real issue.

An argument concludes that a medication is effective because patients reported feeling better. Which critique is strongest?

Answer: The placebo effect could explain the reported improvement

Without a control group, improvements might be due to the placebo effect rather than the medication.

Which technique is most effective when writing your AWA analysis of a flawed argument?

Answer: Identify specific assumptions and explain how their failure undermines the conclusion

High-scoring AWA responses focus on specific assumptions and explain their logical impact on the argument.