Read the passage from a speech by President George W. Bush.We have other work to do on taxes. Unless Congress acts, most of the tax relief we've delivered over the past 7 years will be taken away. Some in Washington argue that letting tax relief expire is not a tax increase. Try explaining that to 116 million American taxpayers who would see their taxes rise by an average of $1,800. Others have said they would personally be happy to pay higher taxes. I welcome their enthusiasm. I'm pleased to report that the IRS accepts both checks and money orders.
Read the two passages.Passage 1Many people think that standardized testing is unnecessary; however, standardized testing is the only way to measure student achievement. Viewing student testing only from a student’s perspective is missing the point. If we think of it in practical terms, we can see that testing students gives us a baseline to assist those students in their areas of greatest need. Without standardized testing, that assistance would not be possible.Passage 2Students experience anxiety during standardized testing. Everyone knows this, and everyone should realize that no child deserves to feel unnecessary stress. Imagine one of your own children suffering through the rigors of a week—or more—of testing. Imagine that anxiety, even though there were clearly alternatives available to avoid it. This is just one of the many reasons to eliminate standardized testing in our schools.
Read the two passages about school uniforms.Passage 1School uniforms could alter students’ attitudes toward their education. If students wear the same clothing each day, they will not have to think about what to wear on a daily basis. In addition, having a uniform could boost students’ confidence and reduce envy or embarrassment. Conforming to one uniform might also help students fit in more easily.Passage 2School uniforms have no place in education, especially since we are trying to instill the principles of individuality and diversity in our children. School uniforms destroy students’ abilities to be themselves. I have seen schools where uniforms are required; the students’ faces tell the whole story. By enforcing uniforms in school, we are clearly not giving students a choice in what they wear. But when we take away choice, more than just choice is lost.
Read the claim.The overuse of social media has led to a decline in the academic performance of this country’s high school students.Which reasons are logically sound and could be used to support the claim? Select two options.
Read the two passages.Passage 1Raising the minimum wage for workers will provide a significant boost to the economy. For example, changing the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour would add $22 billion to the economy by increasing people’s purchasing power. Household spending would increase by $48 billion in one year with a similar minimum wage increase. Increased earnings lead to increased spending and a greater demand for products and services. This phenomenon then leads to the need for more workers and, thereby, job growth.Passage 2The current federal minimum wage for workers is $7.25. If the government increased that by $1.75, studies show that household spending would also increase—by $48 billion annually. An economic move like this makes too much sense to ignore. A rise in household spending would mean an expansion in the profits of many businesses, including small businesses. As a small-business owner, I would certainly welcome the extra income. The last time the minimum wage was increased, my profit margin increased substantially. My fellow small-business owners experienced a similar profit growth that year.
Which fallacies appear in this passage? Select three options.
What is the best definition of an argumentative text?
Read the passage from a speech by President Barack Obama.Good afternoon. Mr. Secretary General; Your Excellencies, we are here because, right now, in crowded camps and cities around the world, there are families—from Darfur in Chad, Palestinians in Lebanon, Afghans in Pakistan, Colombians in Ecuador—who’ve endured years—in some cases, decades—as refugees, surviving on rations and aid, and who dream of someday, somehow, having a home of their own.We’re here because, right now, there are young girls . . . like my daughters . . . who are just as precious and just as gifted—like the 16-year-old refugee from Myanmar that I met in Malaysia—who’ve suffered unspeakable abuse . . . girls who pray at night that someone might rescue them from their torment.
Read the passage from a speech by President Barack Obama.Mr. Secretary General; Your Excellencies, we are here because, right now, in crowded camps and cities around the world, there are families . . . who’ve endured years . . . as refugees, surviving on rations and aid, and who dream of someday, somehow, having a home of their own.We’re here because, right now, there are young girls . . . who’ve suffered unspeakable abuse . . . who pray at night that someone might rescue them from their torment. . . .We are here because, right now, there are mothers separated from their children—like the woman in a camp in Greece, who held on to her family photographs . . . and who said "my breath is my children . . . every day I am dying 10, 20, 30 times.”
Read the passage.The cost of health care is rising in America. The amount that an average family must pay for insurance is simply unaffordable. I know this because my family is an average American family—and we are worried. The people who make decisions about health care do not seem to think about the effect of the rising costs on hardworking people like my husband and me.
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