Question

comparing arguments from diverse perspectives
pre - test 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 which passage has more effective evidence, we analyze each option:

• Option 1: Passage 1's evidence (economic impact of minimum wage increase, logical flow) is sound. It uses examples (e.g., $22 billion, $48 billion) and explains the causal chain (increased earnings → spending → demand → job growth) without fallacies.
• Option 2: "Cannot be opposed" is an overstatement; all arguments can be critiqued.
• Option 3: Emotional evidence is less effective for logical argumentation, and Passage 2's anecdote is personal, not two perspectives.
• Option 4: Passage 2's evidence includes an anecdote (small - business owner's experience), but logical evidence with data (like Passage 1) is more effective. Also, "supported by anecdotes" is not as strong as logical, non - fallacious reasoning.

Answer:

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