Question

select the correct answer.
read the excerpt from paragraph 2.
(2) mr. president, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. we are apt to shut our eyes against a
painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. is this the part of wise men,
engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? are we disposed to be of the number of those who,
having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal
salvation?
which statement correctly assesses whether henry uses valid reasoning to support his claim?
a. henry’s reasoning is valid because he describes a common - sense universal truth.
b. henry’s reasoning is not valid because he uses a bandwagon appeal to support his claim.
c. henry’s reasoning is not valid because he uses a hasty generalization to support his claim.
d. henry’s reasoning is valid because he uses pathos to ask compelling questions.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option A: Henry says "it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope" and questions ignoring truth, which is a common - sense universal truth (people often avoid painful truths, hope for better, etc.). This is valid reasoning.
• Option B: A bandwagon appeal is following the crowd, but Henry's reasoning is about human nature, not bandwagon. Eliminate B.
• Option C: A hasty generalization is a broad conclusion from little evidence. Henry's statement about human nature (indulging in hope, avoiding painful truth) is a common observation, not hasty. Eliminate C.
• Option D: Pathos is emotional appeal, but the question is about valid reasoning (logical, not just emotional). His reasoning is valid because of the common - sense truth, not just pathos. Eliminate D.

Answer:

A. Henry’s reasoning is valid because he describes a common - sense universal truth.