Question

mario is writing an argument supporting a proposed bike-helmet law. mario includes a personal example explaining that he once had a bike accident and avoided serious injury because he was wearing a helmet. if mario revises his argument, he should

remove the personal example because it weakens his argument.
learn more about how bike helmets help protect cyclists from impact injuries.
talk to other cyclists who have stories or experiences to back up his own.
balance his personal example with well-researched, factual examples.

Explanation:

Analyze the role of personal evidence in argumentation

Personal anecdotes can make an argument engaging and relatable, but relying solely on them weakens the objective strength of a policy-based argument (like a proposed law).

Evaluate the revision strategies

To strengthen a formal argument supporting a law, personal anecdotes must be supported by objective, verifiable data and research rather than being completely removed or simply supplemented with more anecdotes.

Select the optimal revision choice

Balancing the personal anecdote with well-researched, factual examples provides both emotional appeal (pathos) and logical, credible support (logos) necessary for a persuasive policy argument.

Answer:

• remove the personal example because it weakens his argument.
• learn more about how bike helmets help protect cyclists from impact injuries.
• talk to other cyclists who have stories or experiences to back up his own.
• balance his personal example with well-researched, factual examples. (Correct answer)