Question

comparing arguments from diverse perspectives
quiz complete
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read the passage.
the cost of health care is rising in america. the amount that an average family must pay for insurance is simply unaffordable. i know this because my family is an average american family—and we are worried. the people who make decisions about health care do not seem to think about the effect of the rising costs on hardworking people like my husband and me.
which statement best explains why the evidence provided in the text is a fallacy?
○ the writer uses an appeal to emotion by portraying her family as abandoned by policy makers.
○ the writer uses a bandwagon statement by claiming that her family is an \average american family.\
○ the writer uses an ad hominem argument by attacking those who make healthcare decisions.
○ the writer uses a false dilemma by stating that insurance is both necessary and unaffordable.

Explanation:

To determine the fallacy, analyze each option:

• Option 1: The writer portrays their family as worried and affected (abandoned by policymakers' decisions), using emotions (worry, impact on hardworking people) to appeal, which is an appeal to emotion.
• Option 2: A bandwagon statement would be "everyone is doing it", but here it's about being an average family, not bandwagon.
• Option 3: Ad hominem attacks the person, but here the writer criticizes the decision - makers' actions, not their character.
• Option 4: A false dilemma presents two extreme choices, but the text says insurance is necessary (implied) and unaffordable, not a false dilemma.

Answer:

The writer uses an appeal to emotion by portraying her family as abandoned by policy makers.