8TH GRADE RACE DAY- Rhetorical and Logical Analysis Quiz

Which rhetorical appeal is MOST used in this passage?

“Our school cafeteria should offer healthier meals. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, students who eat nutritious lunches perform better on tests. When I started bringing my own salad, I noticed my grades and energy improved. Imagine how much better we would all do if every student had access to healthy food at lunch!”

• Ethos (credibility)

• Pathos (emotion)

• Logos (logic)

• Ad hominem

Answer explanation

The passage primarily uses logos (logic) by presenting logical reasoning and evidence, such as USDA data and personal experience, to argue for healthier meals in the cafeteria.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

What is the author’s PRIMARY purpose?

“Our new recycling program will help save our community. Just last year, local experts confirmed that we sent over 1,000 pounds of plastic into landfills. If we continue this way, our beautiful parks and rivers will be filled with trash. Don’t let our community become a dumping ground — take action now!”

• To explain how recycling works

• To entertain readers with a story

• To persuade readers to participate in recycling

• To criticize landfill workers

Answer explanation

The author’s primary purpose is to persuade readers to participate in recycling, as they emphasize the negative impact of plastic waste on the community and urge immediate action to prevent environmental degradation.

Tags

CCSS.RI.2.6

CCSS.RI.3.6

CCSS.RL.3.6

CCSS.RL.4.6

CCSS.RL.5.6

Which logical fallacy is shown in this argument?

“Everyone in town agrees that Pine Street should remain open to traffic. Since all of my neighbors believe it, it must be the right choice.”

• Slippery slope

• Bandwagon

• Ad hominem

• Appeal to authority

Answer explanation

The argument commits the bandwagon fallacy by suggesting that because everyone in town agrees, it must be the correct choice. This relies on popularity rather than evidence or reasoning.

Tags

CCSS.RI.1.5

CCSS.RI.2.5

CCSS.RI.2.8

CCSS.RI.4.5

CCSS.RI.4.8

Which piece of evidence BEST supports the author’s claim?

“Cell phones should be banned during school hours. A recent study shows that students check their phones up to 100 times a day. That means they are missing important lessons. If we remove phones, students will pay attention and grades will rise.”

• Cell phones should be banned during school hours.

• Students check their phones up to 100 times a day.

• If we remove phones, students will pay attention.

• Grades will rise.

Answer explanation

The evidence that students check their phones up to 100 times a day directly supports the claim by illustrating how distractions lead to missed lessons, reinforcing the need to ban phones to improve focus and grades.

Tags

CCSS.RI.1.9

CCSS.RI.2.9

CCSS.RI.4.8

CCSS.RL.1.5

CCSS.RL.4.5

Which appeal is MOST emphasized in this passage?

“How can we expect students to succeed if we don’t give them the tools they need? Every classroom should have new textbooks and working computers. Teachers know what is best for their students, and we must listen to their voices.”

• Ethos (credibility of teachers)

• Logos (facts and reasoning)

• Pathos (emotional connection)

• Slippery slope fallacy

Answer explanation

The passage emphasizes ethos by highlighting the credibility of teachers. It asserts that teachers understand what students need, thus appealing to their authority and expertise in advocating for better resources.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

Which reasoning flaw weakens this argument?

“If we don’t stop using plastic water bottles today, then the oceans will be destroyed, and soon all sea animals will disappear. Once that happens, humans will not survive either.”

• Ad hominem

• Circular reasoning

• Slippery slope

• Bandwagon

Answer explanation

The argument presents a slippery slope fallacy by suggesting that not stopping plastic use will inevitably lead to the destruction of oceans and human extinction, without providing evidence for such extreme consequences.

Tags

CCSS.RI.1.9

CCSS.RI.2.9

CCSS.RI.4.8

CCSS.RL.1.5

CCSS.RL.4.5

Which TWO appeals are used in this passage?

“Our basketball team deserves a new gym. We’ve won three championships in a row, and the old gym leaks every time it rains. A new gym would not only reward the players for their hard work but also inspire younger students to join sports.”

• Ethos and Pathos

• Pathos and Logos

• Ethos and Logos

• Logos and Ad hominem

Answer explanation

The passage uses Pathos by appealing to emotions, highlighting the players' hard work and inspiring younger students. It also employs Logos by presenting logical reasons for needing a new gym, such as winning championships and the old gym's condition.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5