Question

comparing arguments from diverse perspectives
quiz complete
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read the two passages.
passage 1
raising the minimum wage for workers will provide a significant boost to the economy. for example, changing the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour would add $22 billion to the economy by increasing people’s purchasing power. household spending would increase by $48 billion in one year with a similar minimum wage increase. increased earnings lead to increased spending and a greater demand for products and services. this phenomenon then leads to the need for more workers and, thereby, job growth.
passage 2
the current federal minimum wage for workers is $7.25. if the government increased that by $1.75, studies show that household spending would also increase—by $48 billion annually. an economic move like this makes too much sense to ignore. a rise in household spending would mean an expansion in the profits of many businesses, including small businesses. as a small - business owner, i would certainly welcome the extra income. the last time the minimum wage was increased, my profit margin increased substantially. my fellow small - business owners experienced a similar profit growth that year.
which passage provides more effective evidence, and why?
○ passage 1 is more effective because the evidence is logical and does not include fallacies.
○ passage 1 is more effective because the evidence is logical and cannot be opposed.
○ passage 2 is more effective because the evidence is emotional and includes two perspectives.
○ passage 2 is more effective because the evidence is logical and is supported by anecdotes.

Explanation:

To determine the more effective evidence, we analyze each option:

• Option 1: Passage 1 uses logical reasoning (shows how minimum wage increase boosts economy via spending and job growth) and avoids fallacies.
• Option 2: “Cannot be opposed” is incorrect as arguments can be opposed.
• Option 3: Passage 2’s evidence isn’t emotional; it has anecdotes but the option’s reasoning is wrong.
• Option 4: Passage 2’s evidence includes anecdotes (small - business owner’s experience) but the claim about it being more effective due to logical + anecdotes is wrong as Passage 1 is more logical. So Passage 1 is more effective for its logical, fallacy - free evidence.

Answer:

A. Passage 1 is more effective because the evidence is logical and does not include fallacies.