Classical Oration Answers

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Which of the following best describes Gladwell’s thesis in the excerpt from Outliers?

English speakers cannot remember as many numbers as speakers of Asian languages.

Asian languages use a counting system that differs from Western languages.

Asian languages give native speakers an advantage in learning math.

Asian languages are more transparent about numbering systems.

Children who are native English speakers lose interest in math at an early age.

Gladwell’s argument takes a rhetorical risk by

failing to credit his sources, which his audience of readers most likely expects.

relying on personal anecdotes that are not supported with secondhand evidence.

assuming that his audience is familiar with the structure of Asian languages.

relying on unfair and personal attacks on English speakers.

engaging with hasty generalizations and stereotypes.

What methods does Gladwell use to support his argument? Check all that apply.

expert opinion

personal observation

bandwagon appeal

direct comparison

pathos

In this passage, Gladwell speaks directly to readers primarily because he

assumes the audience is math oriented.

wants to earn their trust through qualitative evidence.

wants to begin his argument by stating his claim directly

anticipates that the audience lacks confidence in their math abilities.

wants to engage the audience by making them participants in the text.

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What role does Fuson play in Gladwell’s argument?

She helps Gladwell make the connection between language, attitude, and culture.

She supports Gladwell’s argument by using the same reasoning as Dehaene.

She provides a valuable counterargument to Gladwell’s thesis.

She helps show the nuances between specific languages and cultures.

She summarizes complex data in language that is easy to understand.

A critic of Gladwell’s argument would most likely point out that

he does not discuss any nuances within or between the cultures he analyzes.

he ignores widely available evidence that proves his thesis incorrect.

he relies solely on firsthand evidence to support his claim.

his argument lacks credible support from experts.

he lacks background and expertise in languages.

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