Question

comparing arguments from diverse perspectives
pre - test complete
1 2
read the two passages about school uniforms.
passage 1
school 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 2
school 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.
which statement best compares how the authors
develop their arguments?
○ passage 1 uses a logical approach, while passage 2
contains appeals to emotion.
○ passage 1 uses an emotional appeal, while passage
2 uses mainly understatement.
○ passage 1 uses empirical evidence, while passage
2 relies on logical evidence.
○ passage 1 uses an ad hominem attack, while
passage 2 has a bandwagon appeal.

Explanation:

To determine the best comparison, analyze each passage's argumentation:

• Passage 1: Presents logical reasons (e.g., no daily clothing decisions, confidence boost, fitting in) to support school uniforms.
• Passage 2: Appeals to emotion (e.g., "destroy students’ abilities to be themselves," "faces tell the whole story," "more than just choice is lost") to argue against uniforms.

Other options are incorrect:

• "Emotional appeal" for Passage 1 is wrong (it’s logical).
• "Understatement" for Passage 2 is incorrect (it uses emotional appeals, not understatement).
• "Empirical evidence" for Passage 1 is wrong (no data/studies, just logical claims); "Logical evidence" for Passage 2 is wrong (it’s emotional).
• "Ad hominem" (Passage 1) and "bandwagon" (Passage 2) are irrelevant (no personal attacks or popularity appeals).

Answer:

A. Passage 1 uses a logical approach, while passage 2 contains appeals to emotion.