Question

read the passage.
the salaries of athletes who take part in professional sports are well earned and well deserved. these athletes benefit more than just fans like me. in a recent survey, 92 percent of children stated that they viewed at least one athlete as a role model. 75 percent of those that they learn about fair play and go on to state that they learn about fair play and go on to sportsmanship from professional athletes. while not all athletes exhibit sportsmanship, most kids focus on athletes with admirable traits, since 76 percent of children surveyed agree that it is never okay to taunt an opponent.
which statement best evaluates the evidence used in this argument?
○ the author presents empirical evidence, then uses logical evidence to highlight the connection between the data and the claim.
○ the author focuses on logical evidence, then uses anecdotal evidence to share children’s viewpoints.
○ the author uses primarily anecdotal evidence, as a fan of professional athletes, to provide support.
○ the author employs empirical, logical, and anecdotal evidence equally to support the claim with data, common sense, and a short narrative.

Explanation:

1. First, identify the evidence types:

• Empirical evidence: The survey data (92% of children, 75% learn fair play, 76% agree not to taunt) is empirical, data-driven evidence.
• Logical evidence: The argument connects the positive traits children learn from athletes to the claim that athletes' high salaries are deserved, using logical reasoning to link the data to the conclusion.
• Anecdotal evidence: The opening line "These athletes are more than just fans like me" is a brief personal/anecdotal perspective.

1. Match this to the options: Only the last option accounts for all three types of evidence used to support the claim.

Answer:

D. The author employs empirical, logical, and anecdotal evidence to support the claim with data, common sense, and a short narrative.