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Passage Structure and Evidence
Paragraph Function
Every paragraph in a well-constructed passage serves a Paragraph Function — introduction, support, transition, or conclusion. Identifying that function is the key to understanding how the passage is organized.
Introduction Paragraphs: Set the context, present the Thesis, and outline the scope. They often open with a broad claim or hook before narrowing to the specific argument. The last sentence of an introduction frequently contains the thesis.
Supporting Paragraphs: Develop one sub-point of the thesis. Each typically opens with a Topic Sentence followed by evidence, examples, or analysis. The topic sentence acts as a mini-thesis for that paragraph alone.
Concluding Paragraphs: Restate the thesis in fresh language, synthesize key points, and sometimes introduce a broader implication or call to action. They should not introduce entirely new arguments.
Transitional Paragraphs: Some passages include short paragraphs that serve as bridges between two major ideas, summarizing the preceding point and previewing the next.
Topic Sentence Identification
The Topic Sentence is the sentence that expresses the main idea of a single paragraph. It is usually — but not always — the first sentence, and every other sentence in the paragraph should relate back to it.
First-Sentence Rule: In roughly 70% of academic passages, the topic sentence is the first sentence. Start there, then verify by checking if the rest of the paragraph supports it.
Last-Sentence Topic Sentences: Some paragraphs lead with evidence or an example and build to a concluding insight. In these, the last sentence is the topic sentence.
Implied Topic Sentences: Occasionally no single sentence states the paragraph's point explicitly. In this case, you must infer it by asking what all the sentences in the paragraph have in common.
Supporting vs. Topic: A detail that illustrates or proves a claim is a supporting sentence, not the topic sentence. If removing a sentence doesn't change the paragraph's main point, it was a supporting sentence.
Types of Evidence
Authors support their claims using Evidence — facts, statistics, expert opinion, examples, and logical reasoning. Recognizing the type of evidence used helps you evaluate how strong the argument is.
Factual Evidence: Objective, verifiable data — dates, names, places, scientific measurements. This is the strongest form of evidence because it is independently checkable.
Statistical Evidence: Numerical data (percentages, ratios, counts). Watch for Qualifiers — 'nearly 50%' is not the same as 'half', and 'a threefold increase' is not the same as 'tripled to 300%'.
Expert Opinion / Authority: Citing a recognized expert or institution ('According to the WHO...'). This is persuasive but only as strong as the source's credibility — always consider whether the passage identifies the expert's credentials.
Anecdotal Evidence: A single story or personal experience. It is illustrative but not generalizable. A passage that relies heavily on anecdotes without broader data has a weaker argument.
Analogical Evidence: Comparing the unfamiliar to the familiar to build understanding. Useful for explanation but not proof — two things can be alike in some ways but different in the way that matters.
Evidence Strength Hierarchy
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Strongest: Peer-reviewed data from multiple sources
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Strong: Statistical studies with cited sample sizes
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Moderate: Expert opinion from a credible authority
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Moderate: Factual evidence (verifiable facts)
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Weaker: Anecdotal evidence (single stories)
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Weakest: Unattributed claims or appeals to emotion
Evidence-Claim Relationships
The relationship between Evidence and a claim determines whether the argument holds. Strong arguments pair each claim with directly relevant evidence; weak arguments use irrelevant, insufficient, or circular reasoning.
Direct Support: The evidence explicitly proves the claim. Example: 'Sales rose 40% after the campaign' directly supports 'The campaign was effective.'
Cumulative Support: Multiple pieces of evidence together support a claim that no single piece could prove alone. Each study alone is suggestive; together they are convincing.
Irrelevant Evidence: The evidence is true but does not connect to the claim. Example: Citing a company's revenue growth to prove employee satisfaction — the two may be unrelated.
Insufficient Evidence: The evidence points in the right direction but is too limited to support the claim's scope. Example: One small study supporting a broad universal claim.
Circular Reasoning: The evidence restates the claim using different words without providing independent support. Example: 'The policy is fair because it treats everyone equally' — 'fair' and 'equally' mean the same thing in this context.
Comparison and Contrast Structure
A Comparison and Contrast structure presents two or more subjects side by side, highlighting similarities and differences. This is one of the most common passage organizations in reading comprehension.
Block Structure (Subject-by-Subject): The passage discusses Subject A completely, then Subject B. All points about A appear before any points about B. This is common when subjects are very different and need separate context.
Point-by-Point Structure: The passage alternates between subjects for each criterion. First, both subjects on cost; then both on quality; then both on convenience. This is common when comparing on specific dimensions.
Mixed Structure: The passage may use block structure for background and point-by-point for the key comparison. Many real passages blend both approaches.
Signal Words: 'Similarly', 'likewise', 'in contrast', 'on the other hand', 'while', 'whereas', 'unlike', 'differing', 'compared to' — these words flag comparison and contrast.
Comparison Signal Words
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Similarity: similarly, likewise, in the same way, just as, equally, comparable
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Difference: in contrast, on the other hand, conversely, however, whereas, unlike, differing
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Both: both, alike, share, correspond, parallel, resemble
Cause-and-Effect Structure
A Cause-and-Effect structure explains why something happened (cause) and what resulted from it (effect). These passages require careful attention to Causation vs. Correlation — a distinction that authors sometimes exploit to strengthen weak arguments.
Direct Cause: A clearly identifiable event produces a specific result. Example: 'The dam burst, flooding the valley.' The burst is the direct cause of the flood.
Chain of Causes: Multiple linked causes where A leads to B, which leads to C. Example: Deforestation → soil erosion → reduced farmland → food shortages. Each link is both an effect and a cause.
Multiple Causes, One Effect: Several independent factors produce the same result. Example: Poor diet, lack of exercise, and genetics can each independently contribute to heart disease.
Correlation vs. Causation: Two things happening together does not mean one caused the other. Ice cream sales and drowning rates both rise in summer — they are correlated through temperature, but ice cream does not cause drowning.
Contributing Factor: A cause that is part of the picture but not the sole or primary cause. Recognizing this prevents over-stated conclusions.
Causal Signal Words
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Cause: because, since, due to, caused by, leads to, results in, brings about, is responsible for
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Effect: therefore, consequently, as a result, thus, hence, accordingly, so
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Correlation warning: associated with, linked to, correlated with, tends to
Argument Flow and Logical Organization
Understanding Argument Flow means tracing how an author builds a case — from the initial claim through supporting evidence to the final conclusion. A well-structured argument follows a logical progression that you can map as a chain of reasoning.
Claim → Evidence → Warrant: The classical argument structure. The Claim is the position. The Evidence is the data supporting it. The Warrant is the reasoning that connects the evidence to the claim — the 'because' that makes the evidence relevant.
Counterargument and Rebuttal: Strong arguments acknowledge opposing views (a Counterargument) and then explain why those views are wrong or less convincing (a Rebuttal). This strengthens the original argument by showing the author has considered alternatives.
Concession: Unlike a rebuttal, a Concession admits that the opposing side has a valid point without abandoning the main argument. Example: 'While it is true that solar panels are expensive upfront, the long-term savings outweigh the initial investment.'
Logical Ordering: Arguments can be organized by importance (strongest point last), chronology (events in time order), or problem-solution (state the problem, then propose solutions). The organization reveals the author's priorities.
Identifying Logical Fallacies in Structure
A Logical Fallacy is a flaw in reasoning that weakens an argument. Spotting these in passage structure helps you identify weaknesses in the author's case and anticipate the correct answer in critical reasoning questions.
Ad Hominem: Attacking the person instead of the argument. Example: 'Dr. Smith's research is wrong because she was paid by the industry.' This attacks credibility but does not address the research itself.
Straw Man: Misrepresenting the opponent's argument to make it easier to attack. If the opponent says 'We should reduce military spending by 5%', the straw man version is 'They want to abolish the military entirely.'
False Dilemma: Presenting only two options when more exist. Example: 'Either we cut taxes or the economy collapses.' This ignores the possibility of moderate approaches.
Hasty Generalization: Drawing a broad conclusion from limited evidence. Example: 'My two friends loved the movie, so everyone will love it.'
Appeal to Authority (Weak): Citing an authority outside their field of expertise. A famous actor's opinion on climate science is not authoritative evidence.
Quick-Fallacy Identifier
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Ad Hominem: '...but they can't be trusted because...' (attacks the person, not the idea)
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Straw Man: '...which means they want to...' (distorts the opponent's position)
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False Dilemma: '...either X or Y, there is no other choice' (ignores middle ground)
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Hasty Generalization: '...clearly this proves that...' (big claim, small sample)
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Appeal to Authority: '...according to irrelevant expert...' (wrong field or unnamed source)
Application Strategy
Worked Examples
Problem Statement
A five-paragraph passage about renewable energy begins: 'Solar and wind power have grown rapidly in the past decade, yet they still supply less than 10% of global energy.' What is the function of this opening paragraph?
paragraph function
Step 1
Read the full opening paragraph
The first paragraph presents a fact about the growth of renewable energy but also introduces a limitation — they remain a small share of total energy. This sets up a tension that the rest of the passage will likely explore.
Step 2
Identify what the paragraph establishes
The paragraph provides background context and a data point, but more importantly it introduces a gap between rapid growth and small market share. This gap is the central tension the passage will address.
Step 3
Classify the function
The paragraph is introductory: it sets the topic, provides context, and previews the central issue. It does not yet offer the author's thesis — that will likely come at the end of the first paragraph or in the second.
Problem Statement
A passage claims: 'Urban green spaces improve mental health.' It supports this with one survey of 50 park visitors in a single city who reported feeling 'happier' after visiting. How strong is this evidence?
evidenceevidence-claim relationships
Step 1
Identify the type of evidence
The evidence is a survey — self-reported data from a small, specific group (50 park visitors in one city). This is weak statistical evidence with a very limited sample.
Step 2
Check for relevance
The evidence is relevant — park visitors feeling happier does relate to green spaces and mental health. Relevance is present, but relevance alone does not make evidence strong.
Step 3
Assess scope and generalizability
The sample of 50 visitors in one city cannot support a broad claim about 'urban green spaces' in general. The evidence is insufficient for the claim's scope — this is a hasty generalization.
Step 4
Check for bias
The survey only includes people who chose to visit the park — a selection bias. People who do not visit parks might report different mental health outcomes. This further weakens the evidence.
Problem Statement
A passage discusses two farming methods. Paragraphs 1–2 describe Method A's history, cost, and yield. Paragraphs 3–4 describe Method B's history, cost, and yield. Paragraph 5 compares their environmental impact. What structure does this passage use?
comparison and contrast structure
Step 1
Analyze the first four paragraphs
Paragraphs 1–2 cover one method entirely (history, cost, yield), then paragraphs 3–4 cover the other method entirely on the same dimensions. This is a classic block or subject-by-subject structure.
Step 2
Analyze the final paragraph
Paragraph 5 switches to point-by-point, comparing both methods on environmental impact. This is a direct comparison where both subjects are discussed on the same criterion.
Step 3
Identify the overall structure
The passage uses a mixed structure: block format for the general overview and point-by-point for the key comparison criterion. The environmental comparison in paragraph 5 is likely the passage's main argument or thesis.
Problem Statement
A study finds that students who eat breakfast score higher on tests. A news headline claims: 'Eating breakfast makes you smarter.' Is this headline justified by the evidence?
cause and effectcausationcorrelation
Step 1
Identify what the study actually shows
The study shows a correlation: breakfast-eaters tend to have higher test scores. Two variables occur together. This does not establish that one causes the other.
Step 2
Identify the headline's claim
The headline claims causation: 'Eating breakfast makes you smarter.' This is a much stronger statement than what the study supports — it asserts that breakfast directly causes improved intelligence.
Step 3
Consider alternative explanations
Several confounding factors could explain the correlation: students who eat breakfast may have more stable routines, better nutrition overall, or come from higher-income families — any of which could independently cause higher test scores.
Step 4
Evaluate the headline's accuracy
The headline overstates the evidence. The study shows correlation, not causation. A more accurate headline would be: 'Students who eat breakfast tend to score higher on tests.' This preserves the finding without claiming a causal relationship.
Problem Statement
A passage argues for banning single-use plastics. It presents data on ocean pollution, then says: 'Critics argue that bans hurt small businesses. However, a study in five cities found no significant job losses after bans were implemented, and several businesses reported increased sales of reusable alternatives.' What role does the critics' argument play?
argument flowcounterargumentrebuttal
Step 1
Identify the main claim
The author's main claim is that single-use plastics should be banned. The evidence supporting this is data on ocean pollution — showing the problem the ban would address.
Step 2
Identify the opposing view
'Critics argue that bans hurt small businesses' — this is a counterargument. The author introduces an objection to their own position to show they have considered alternatives.
Step 3
Identify the author's response
'However, a study in five cities found no significant job losses...' — this is the rebuttal. The author addresses the counterargument with evidence showing the critics' concern is unfounded.
Step 4
Map the complete argument flow
The argument follows a claim → evidence → counterargument → rebuttal structure. This is a strong organizational pattern because it anticipates and neutralizes objections, making the overall case more convincing.
Problem Statement
A politician argues: 'My opponent's plan to reduce taxes will lead to economic disaster. We saw what happened when taxes were cut in 2008 — the financial crisis followed shortly after.' What fallacy is present in this argument?
logical fallacycause and effect
Step 1
Identify the claim
The politician claims that the opponent's tax-cut plan will cause an economic disaster.
Step 2
Examine the evidence used
The evidence is that taxes were cut in 2008 and the financial crisis followed. The argument assumes that the tax cut caused the crisis because one happened before the other.
Step 3
Identify the reasoning flaw
This is a post hoc ergo propter hoc fallacy (after this, therefore because of this). The financial crisis had multiple complex causes (housing bubble, deregulation, subprime lending). The tax cut coincided with the crisis but was not its primary cause.
Step 4
Recognize the correlation-causation error
The argument treats temporal proximity as proof of causation — a classic correlation-causation error. Two events happening near each other in time does not mean one caused the other.
Problem Statement
A passage claims: 'Students who study music perform better in mathematics, so all schools should require music classes.' What unstated assumption (warrant) connects the evidence to the claim?
argument flowwarrant
Step 1
Separate claim and evidence
The evidence is: music students perform better in math. The claim is: all schools should require music classes. The warrant is the missing link between these two statements.
Step 2
Ask: what must be true for the evidence to support the claim?
For the evidence (music → better math) to support the claim (require music), the author must assume that better math performance is caused by music study, not merely correlated with it.
Step 3
State the warrant
The warrant is: studying music causes improved mathematical ability (not just that the two are associated). Without this causal assumption, the evidence cannot support the recommendation.
Step 4
Evaluate whether the warrant holds
If music and math performance are both caused by a third factor (like socioeconomic status or parental involvement), the warrant fails. The argument is only as strong as its warrant.
Problem Statement
A passage about electric vehicles states: 'While it is true that EV batteries require rare earth minerals whose mining has environmental costs, the total lifecycle emissions of an EV are still 50% lower than a gasoline car.' What is the author doing with the first clause?
argument flowconcession
Step 1
Identify the concession
'While it is true that EV batteries require rare earth minerals whose mining has environmental costs' — the author admits that EV production has a genuine environmental downside. This is a concession.
Step 2
Identify the author's main point
'The total lifecycle emissions of an EV are still 50% lower' — the author's actual claim is that EVs are better overall despite the conceded drawback.
Step 3
Explain the rhetorical purpose
The concession makes the argument more credible by showing the author has considered the counterpoint. By acknowledging a real weakness and then demonstrating it does not undermine the overall conclusion, the author preempts the most obvious objection.
Memorize formulas
No formulas for this topic.
Review
1
In a business report, the opening paragraph explains what the report will cover and why the topic matters to stakeholders. What is the primary function of this paragraph?
Ans
To introduce the topic and establish its significance
Review
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Identify the paragraph's content
The paragraph explains what the report covers and why it matters, which sets up the reader for what follows.
The paragraph sets the stage for the report
Match content to paragraph function
Introducing the topic and establishing significance is the defining purpose of an introductory paragraph.
Correct choice: To introduce the topic and establish its significance
2
Which of the following sentences best serves as a topic sentence for a paragraph about supply chain disruptions?
Ans
Global supply chain disruptions have increased operational costs by an average of 15% since 2020.
Review
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Apply the topic sentence test
A topic sentence must express a main idea that the rest of the paragraph can support, develop, or prove.
Need a sentence that makes a specific claim about supply chain disruptions
Select the option that invites evidence
The sentence about 15% increased costs is a precise claim that naturally leads to supporting data, examples, or analysis.
Correct choice: Global supply chain disruptions have increased operational costs by an average of 15% since 2020.
3
A manager writes in a quarterly report: 'Employee satisfaction dropped 12% after the new scheduling policy was introduced, according to our internal survey of 2,400 staff members.' What type of evidence is this?
Ans
Statistical evidence from a survey
Review
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Identify the source of the evidence
The evidence comes from an 'internal survey of 2,400 staff members,' which is a systematic data collection method.
Source: structured survey data
Classify by evidence type
Quantitative data (12% drop) collected through a survey is classified as statistical evidence from a survey.
Correct choice: Statistical evidence from a survey
4
Read this argument: 'Company X's profits fell 20% this quarter. The new tax policy is clearly responsible for this decline.' What is the main weakness in the evidence-claim relationship?
Ans
The evidence could support multiple causes besides the one claimed
Review
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Evaluate the link between evidence and claim
The evidence (profits fell 20%) is a single fact, but the claim assigns one specific cause (tax policy).
The jump from one data point to one cause is unjustified
Identify the logical flaw
Since many factors could explain a profit decline, the evidence does not uniquely support the claim. This is a weak evidence-claim relationship.
Correct choice: The evidence could support multiple causes besides the one claimed
5
Which transition word or phrase most clearly signals a comparison-and-contrast structure in a passage?
Ans
In contrast
Review
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Recall the purpose of each transition
Comparison-and-contrast transitions highlight how two things are different or similar.
Need a word that signals difference or opposition
Match the transition to its function
'In contrast' explicitly marks a difference, making it the clearest signal of comparison-and-contrast structure.
Correct choice: In contrast
6
A passage states: 'The new automated system reduced processing errors by 40%. However, employee training costs rose by 25% during the same period.' Which sentence best describes this passage's structure?
Ans
It presents a primary cause and its effects, including an unintended negative effect
Review
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Identify the cause in the passage
The cause is the introduction of 'the new automated system,' which triggers two distinct outcomes.
Cause: new automated system
Identify the effects and classify the structure
The effects are a 40% error reduction and a 25% training cost increase — a primary benefit and a secondary cost. This is cause-and-effect structure.
Correct choice: It presents a primary cause and its effects, including an unintended negative effect
7
In a debate about remote work, Speaker A argues that productivity increases when employees work from home. Speaker B acknowledges that some individual tasks benefit from remote work but notes that team collaboration and brainstorming suffer significantly. What rhetorical move has Speaker B made?
Ans
Counterargument with concession
Review
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Break down Speaker B's response
Speaker B first agrees with part of Speaker A's argument (concession) and then introduces an opposing point (counterargument).
Two moves: concession + counterargument
Name the combined rhetorical strategy
When a speaker grants a partial point while raising an opposing concern, the move is a counterargument with concession.
Correct choice: Counterargument with concession
8
An advertisement states: 'Nine out of ten successful entrepreneurs recommend our planning software, so it must be the best product on the market.' What logical fallacy is present in this argument?
Ans
Appeal to popularity (bandwagon)
Review
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Identify the reasoning pattern
The argument moves from 'many people endorse it' to 'it must be the best,' using popularity as proof of quality.
Pattern: popularity → quality
Match the pattern to the fallacy
Assuming something is true or good because many people believe it is the appeal to popularity fallacy, also called the bandwagon fallacy.
Correct choice: Appeal to popularity (bandwagon)
9
In a persuasive essay about renewable energy investment, which sentence most likely represents the thesis?
Ans
Renewable energy sources offer a sustainable and economically viable alternative to fossil fuels, and governments should increase investment in them.
Review
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Apply the thesis test
A thesis must be a debatable, comprehensive claim that encompasses the main argument of the entire passage.
Need a sentence that states the overall argument
Identify the comprehensive claim
The sentence about sustainability, economic viability, and government investment covers the full scope of a persuasive essay's argument.
Correct choice: Renewable energy sources offer a sustainable and economically viable alternative to fossil fuels, and governments should increase investment in them.
10
A study finds that companies with larger marketing budgets tend to have higher annual revenue. A business journalist concludes that increasing the marketing budget directly causes higher revenue. What error has the journalist made?
Ans
Confusing correlation with causation
Review
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Analyze the study's finding
The study shows that two things tend to occur together (larger budgets and higher revenue).
This is a correlation, not a proven cause
Identify the journalist's leap
The journalist assumes that because two things are related, one must cause the other — without ruling out third variables or reverse causation.
Correct choice: Confusing correlation with causation
11
An argument states: 'Employees who work more than 50 hours a week should receive additional health benefits, because sustained overwork increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.' What is the unstated warrant connecting the evidence to the claim?
Ans
Employers have a responsibility to protect employees from work-related health risks
Review
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Separate the evidence and the claim
Evidence: overwork increases cardiovascular risk. Claim: employers should provide additional health benefits for overworked employees.
There is a logical gap between the evidence and the claim
Identify the connecting assumption
The argument only works if we assume employers are responsible for addressing health risks caused by work conditions.
Correct choice: Employers have a responsibility to protect employees from work-related health risks
12
A writer argues for raising the minimum wage. In one paragraph, she writes: 'Critics correctly point out that a sudden, large wage increase could strain small businesses operating on thin profit margins.' What rhetorical move is this?
Ans
Concession
Review
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Analyze the writer's tone
The phrase 'correctly point out' shows the writer is agreeing with the critics on this specific point.
The writer grants validity to the opposing view
Name the rhetorical move
When a writer acknowledges a legitimate point from the opposition, this is a concession — it strengthens credibility by showing fair-mindedness.
Correct choice: Concession
13
A company wants to prove that its new training program improved sales performance. Which of the following would provide the strongest evidence?
Ans
A controlled study comparing sales figures before and after training across 50 regional offices
Review
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Evaluate each option as evidence
Strong evidence for a performance claim must be quantitative, systematic, and directly measure the outcome in question.
Need data that directly links the program to sales results
Select the strongest evidence type
A controlled before-and-after study across 50 offices eliminates many confounding variables and provides hard numbers.
Correct choice: A controlled study comparing sales figures before and after training across 50 regional offices
14
A CEO argues at a board meeting: 'If we reduce employee benefits even slightly, our competitors will follow suit, and within five years no company in this industry will offer any benefits at all.' What logical fallacy is committed?
Ans
Slippery slope
Review
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Map the claimed chain of events
Reduce benefits → competitors follow → benefits eliminated entirely. Each step is assumed without justification.
The argument relies on an unsupported causal chain
Identify the fallacy
Assuming one action will trigger an extreme, inevitable chain of events without evidence is the slippery slope fallacy.
Correct choice: Slippery slope
15
In a business proposal submitted to a board of directors, the final paragraph summarizes the key benefits of the proposed strategy and urges the board to approve the initiative before the next quarter begins. What is this paragraph's function?
Ans
To conclude and include a call to action
Review
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Identify what the paragraph does
It summarizes the argument and asks the reader to act — these are concluding behaviors.
The paragraph wraps up the proposal
Match to the paragraph function
A concluding paragraph that urges action serves the function of conclusion with a call to action.
Correct choice: To conclude and include a call to action
16
A passage compares two inventory management systems. System A has lower upfront costs but requires expensive annual maintenance. System B has higher upfront costs but includes free upgrades and support for five years. The author weighs both options and ultimately recommends System B for mid-sized businesses. Which organizational structure does the passage use?
Ans
Point-by-point comparison leading to a conclusion
Review
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Identify how the passage organizes information
The passage presents two alternatives and evaluates them across shared criteria before making a judgment.
Structure: systematic comparison of two options
Classify the organizational pattern
Evaluating multiple dimensions of two alternatives and reaching a conclusion is the hallmark of point-by-point comparison structure.
Correct choice: Point-by-point comparison leading to a conclusion
17
An argument reads: 'All companies that invest in employee wellness programs see a 10% reduction in sick days. Wellness Corp. invests in employee wellness. Therefore, Wellness Corp. should expand its wellness program.' What is the logical gap in this argument?
Ans
The argument assumes a 10% reduction justifies expansion without demonstrating that the benefits outweigh the costs
Review
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Map the argument's logic
Premise: wellness programs reduce sick days by 10%. Claim: the program should be expanded.
The argument jumps from showing a benefit to recommending action
Identify the missing link
Expanding a program incurs additional costs. The argument never addresses whether the 10% benefit justifies those costs — this is the gap.
Correct choice: The argument assumes a 10% reduction justifies expansion without demonstrating that the benefits outweigh the costs
18
A market analyst writes: 'When interest rates dropped by 1.5% in 2023, home loan applications surged 22% within three months. This demonstrates that lower borrowing costs directly drive housing demand.' How could this argument be strengthened?
Ans
By ruling out other factors that could have influenced housing demand during that period
Review
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Identify the argument's weakness
The argument asserts a direct cause (rate drop) and effect (application surge) but does not consider other possible causes.
Weakness: alternative explanations not ruled out
Determine the best strengthening method
The most direct way to strengthen a causal claim is to eliminate competing explanations for the observed effect.
Correct choice: By ruling out other factors that could have influenced housing demand during that period
19
A debater argues in favor of a four-day work week. She begins her rebuttal with: 'While it is true that a shorter week could create scheduling challenges for client-facing teams...' and then continues with her argument for the policy. What is the purpose of this opening clause?
Ans
To acknowledge a potential weakness in her own position before addressing it, thereby building credibility
Review
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Analyze the rhetorical purpose of the clause
'While it is true that...' signals agreement with a point that could undermine the debater's own position.
The debater is conceding a potential weakness
Identify why a speaker would do this
Acknowledging a weakness before arguing your case shows fairness and builds trust with the audience, making your overall argument more persuasive.
Correct choice: To acknowledge a potential weakness in her own position before addressing it, thereby building credibility
20
Which sentence contains a qualifier that limits the scope of its claim?
Ans
In most cases, diversifying suppliers reduces supply chain risk.
Review
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Understand what a qualifier does
A qualifier limits the scope or certainty of a claim, using words like 'most,' 'some,' 'often,' or 'generally.'
Look for limiting language
Identify the sentence with limiting language
'In most cases' explicitly restricts the claim to a majority but not all instances, which is the function of a qualifier.
Correct choice: In most cases, diversifying suppliers reduces supply chain risk.
Question 1 of 20
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1
In a business report, the opening paragraph explains what the report will cover and why the topic matters to stakeholders. What is the primary function of this paragraph?