True or False. 1. Argumentation is a form of instrumental communication. Comm 104 Midterm 2. Argumentation relies on reasoning and proof to influence behavior. 3. The Elaboration Likelihood Model suggests we process all persuasive messages that we receive in the same way. 4. Argumentation and persuasion are two unrelated forms of communication. 5. Argumentation treats people as rational beings who can make decisions when given sufficient reasons. 6. Argumentation, like all forms of communication, is rule-governed. 7. One shortcoming of argumentation is that people who engage in it become less flexible in their attitudes, and less capable of coping with change. 8. When you engage in argumentation, you risk having your beliefs changed. 9. Arguers have an obligation to practice ethical communication. 10. In argumentation, probable truth may be found only on one side of a controversy. 11. One drawback of argumentation is that changing belief or behavior through the process of argument is time consuming. 12. You should define the terms of a proposition only if they are highly technical in nature. 13. However you choose to define a term, the definition should include all items which properly fall under the term being defined, and exclude all items which do not. 14. A vague term need not be defined since the listener or reader of argumentation will supply her own definition. 15. The advocate has the first opportunity to define the terms of a proposition. 16. Because policy argumentation is concerned with change for the future, analyzing the historical background of the topic is not important. 17. The purpose of value argumentation is to decide how to judge something. 18. Claims begin the process of argument by identifying the stand being taken. 19. It is morally wrong to sell grain to China, is a factual claim. 20. The United States will continue to sell grain to China, is a factual claim. 21. Examples, illustrations, and statistics are forms of factual evidence. 22. Evidence from opinion is accepted by an audience when they believe the expert is qualified to offer the opinion. 23. Statistical evidence need not meet the test of having come from a reliable source. 24. Hasty generalizations occur when there are insufficient cases presented to warrant the claim. 25. Begging the question occurs when the claim is supported by reasons that do nothing more than rephrase the claim itself. 26. If you have no response to the arguments of another, you should offer an ad hominem argument. 27. An argument from authority is fallacious if the source of opinion lacks expertise. 28. Because a word may have a number of legitimate meanings, you need to be careful not to commit errors or ambiguity or equivocation. 29. A good way to avoid committing a fallacy of language is to use as much of the technical terminology of the field of the proposition as possible. 30. The reasoning process in argumentation is most commonly found in the warrant step in the Toulmin model. 31. When we reason, we make inferences about the relationship between the grounds and the claim these grounds support. 32. Generalizations sample populations to draw conclusions that what is true of some is true of the whole.
Multiple Choice. 33. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of argumentation? a. It is a form of expressive communication. b. It is a form of instrumental communication. c. It relies on reasoning and proof to influence belief or behavior. d. It uses written and spoken media. 34. The goal of argumentation is to: a. Study rhetorical theory b. Sell goods and services. c. Change belief or behavior d. Get a candidate elected 35. Persuasion differs from argumentation in that: a. Argumentation focuses on how to appeal to the rational side of human nature. b. Some persuasive messages place more emphasis on emotional appeals. c. In persuasion receiver psychology is important in determining the outcome of the message d. All of the above 36. Which of the following is NOT a reason why argumentation is a reliable method for finding the truth of something? a. Argumentation makes a careful examination of facts and expert opinion. b. Argumentation utilizes emotions to add color and interest to ideas. c. Decisions made through the use of argumentation will stand up to the criticism of others d. Argumentation examines alternatives rather than relying on custom, tradition, or prejudice. 37. The term should most commonly appears in propositions of 38. Protecting the welfare of the American farmer is more important than balancing the Federal budget, is an example of a proposition of: 39. terms require clarification because they have two or more equally correct meanings. a. Vague c. New b. Technical d. Equivocal 40. Ultimately, the arguer s goal in analyzing the proposition is to: a. Determine how many arguments can be advanced. b. Raise questions about the field in which arguments exist. c. Suggest strategies for advocating or opposing the proposition. d. Determine the actual issues to be argued. 41. Once the advocate defines terms, the opponent is: a. Obligated to accept these definitions. b. Obligated to contest these definitions. c. Able to choose whether to accept or contest these definitions. d. Able to begin the process of analysis. 42. The provides specific information about how the arguer reasons. a. claim c. warrant b. grounds d. backing 43. The library is a better source of information than the internet because: a. it is better organized. b. it probably contains more accurate information. c. it has historical as well as current information d. all of the above. 44. Which of the following is NOT a fallacy in language use? a. Equivocation b. Ambiguity c. Emotionally loaded language d. Definition by negation
Comm 104 Midterm 45. Illegal immigration is the cause of high unemployment rates. 46. The U.S. putting limitations on any types of firearms will inevitably lead to a complete ban on all firearms. 47. Attacking the Affordable Care Act by calling it socialized medicine, then moving to attack socialized medicine. 48. No major studies have shown us why a six-year presidential term is a bad idea. 49. Poll data indicates that the majority of americans beieve public schools faila to do a good job at educating students. This is proof that public schools are failing. Read the following argument, and then answer multiple choice questions 48-50. This is an unsatisfactory place to live, because unemployment nationally is running at a lower rate than it is here. The U.S. Department of Labor announced an 8.5% national rate of unemployment while the State Employment Security Commission has said that the local unemployment rate is 11.5%. 50. Because unemployment nationally is running at a lower level than it is here functions as: 51. The U.S. Department of Labor announced an 8.5% national rate of unemployment while the State Employment Security Commission has said that the local unemployment rate is 11.5% functions as: 52. This is an unsatisfactory place to live functions as:
Read the following argument, and then answer multiple choice questions 51-53. Athletes receive preferential treatment in some class. Members of the football team are allowed to miss classes without incurring the penalties imposed on non-athletes who miss classes. These conditions suggest preferential treatment of the athlete over the non-athlete by some professors. 53. Athletes receive preferential treatment in some class. 54. Members of the football team are allowed to miss classes without incurring the penalties imposed on non-athletes who miss classes. 55. These conditions suggest preferential treatment of the athlete over the non-athlete by some professors. 56. The purpose of a Point of Information (POI) is to: a. create dialogue b. ask for clarification 57. Which step is NOT part of the Refutation Process? a. Focused Listening b. Anticipate the rest of the message c. heckle by banging on the desks d. analyze the resolution c. Formulating a response d. Presenting the response Examine the following propositions, and then identify the kinds of propositions represented. 58. Renewable energy sources are preferable to fossil fuels. 59. By 2030 the United States will run short of fossil fuels. 60. The present system of environmental protection creates toxic wastes dumps. 61. The United States should significantly improves its environmental protection policy. 62. United States foreign policy ought to reflect the American belief in the principle of democratic government. 63. The United States should substantially reduce foreign aid to nations which fail to protect the rights of their citizens. 64. The quality of education in American public schools ought to be the nation s first priority. 65. The Department of Education should create and maintain a core curriculum for all public schools.
Short Answer. Comm 104 Midterm 66. What is argumentation? 67. What is refutation? 68. How will the advantages of argumentation improve your ability to communicate your views in a controversy? 69. Explain the difference between hearing and listening. 70. Who is involved in parliamentary debate? Name the teams and members. 71. Read the excerpt below from the Editorial section of the LA Times titled, Why target pit bulls? a. In a single sentence, state the proposition for argument. b. Write an argument for the proposition. c. Refute the argument following the 4-step refutation. After several recent, highly publicized pit bull attacks on people in Southern California, two of which were fatal, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors this week unanimously passed legislation requiring all pit bulls in the unincorporated areas of the county to be sterilized. The ordinance applies to pit bulls older than 4 months. Dogs owned by licensed breeders, canines used by law enforcement and therapy dogs are among the animals exempted. The supervisors said they acted out of concern for public safety a Riverside County woman was hospitalized after being attacked by two pit bulls in August and because so many pit bulls languish unadopted in the county's public shelters. Riverside officials estimate that of the 4,000 pit bulls that were sheltered by the county last year, 3,000 were euthanized. About 30% of the dogs euthanized in their shelters each year are pit bulls and pit bull mixes, official say. For years there has been a debate over just how much danger these dogs present to the public and other animals. Pit bulls long enjoyed a reputation as loyal family dogs (despite the fact that they had historically been bred to fight other dogs but to obey their human handlers). Then criminals and gang members began using them and misusing them as guard and attack dogs. Plenty of pit bulls live quietly and without incident with their owners. Yet the tragic stories of fatal maulings underscore the damage these dogs are capable of inflicting with their powerful, tenacious bite. Riverside went with the "pit bulls are a danger" theory. But it didn't have to. What the county supervisors could and should have done was to pass a mandatory spay/neuter ordinance affecting pet dogs and cats of all breeds, as both the city and county of Los Angeles have done. The Riverside County Department of Animal Services already encourages its residents to spay or neuter their pets and offers low-cost sterilization surgeries for dogs and cats at two locations in the county.