Our already-overtaxed public university systems would be flooded with new students, many of whom would be underprepared. [___]

The phrase “already-overtaxed” and the image of campuses being “flooded” with underprepared students are meant to stir worry about the consequences. An appeal that persuades by evoking feelings is pathos, so the correct choice is pathos.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.