Anatomy of an Argument Quiz Questions

1.

(04.02 LC)

A claim (10 points)

	provides an argument’s opposing viewpoint
	interprets an argument’s reasons
	states an argument’s position
	explains an argument’s evidence

2.

(04.02 LC)

What is a counterclaim? (10 points)

	The example in an argument
	The evidence for an argument
	The opposition to an argument
	The purpose of an argument

3.

(04.02 LC)

A rebuttal (10 points)

	supports the position in the claim
	denies the truth of the claim
	reveals the logic of the counterclaim
	shows the counterclaim is flawed

4.

(04.02 LC)

Which audience is Michelle Obama most likely addressing in these remarks? (10 points)

Instead of just a few hours of cartoons on weekends, there are entire networks devoted to children’s programming. Instead of kickball and jump rope, kids sit motionless, unblinking for hours clicking, typing and texting away. Fresh fruits and vegetables have gotten more expensive, while convenience foods have gotten cheaper. And let’s be honest sometimes, as parents today, we are just plain tired. We’re working longer hours to make ends meet. We’re under more stress.

	Parents
	Children
	Teachers
	Doctors

5.

(04.02 HC)

In a speech delivered to parents on the launch anniversary of the Let’s Move program, Michelle Obama made this claim:

“The truth is that today, we have more choices than ever about how we live and eat, but so many of those choices simply aren’t good for our kids. And little by little sometimes without us even noticing those choices have started to add up.”

Which of these statements shows an acknowledgement of a counterclaim to her position? (15 points)

	“Just think about it for a minute. Think back to when we were growing up. Back then, our TVs had only a few channels and when those Saturday morning cartoons were finished, you were done with TV for the day. Once American Bandstand and Soul Train were over, you headed outside to play and you didn’t come home until dinner. “
	“We know that kids are like little sponges they soak up everything they see and hear, regardless of where it comes from. They want the gadget they saw at a friend’s house, the sugary snacks they saw on TV. So we know that if we truly want to solve the issue of childhood obesity, parents can’t shoulder this burden alone, and we shouldn’t have to.”
	“My brother and I got pizza a few times a year—as a reward for good grades when report cards came out. No one in my family believed in eating out especially not my grandmother. I will never forget the time when my brother and I begged her to get us takeout burgers and fries for lunch.”
	“The American Academy of Pediatrics is now urging doctors to not just screen kids for obesity, but to actually write out prescriptions for exercise and healthy eating. And under the Affordable Care Act—the health care law that Congress passed last year—these screenings will be fully covered by insurance so you won’t have to pay a penny out of pocket.”

6.

(04.02 HC)

Consider Michelle Obama’s comment in a speech at the PHA Building a Healthier Future Summit:

“We’re skipping the gym so that we can drive the kids to school in the morning. We’re eating fast food at lunch so that we have time afterwards to go to the store and pick up something decent for dinner. We are working so hard to keep our kids healthy that we’re neglecting ourselves.”

Which of these statements would provide a possible rebuttal to this statement? (15 points)

	“But we also know that at the end of the day, when it comes to the health of our kids, no one has a greater impact than each of us do as parents”
	“But as it turns out, one of the most important things we can do for our children’s health is to take care of our own health—and to make being healthy truly a family affair.”
	“But while we know we must make it easier for parents to access healthier foods, we also know that, at the end of the day, our kids actually need to eat that food.”
	“But we will solve this problem with a constant stream of efforts that continuously make real and meaningful change.”

7.

(04.02 MC)

Paraphrase the claim Michelle Obama is making in these remarks from the PHA Building a Healthier Future Summit: (15 points)

So I didn’t exactly have time to peruse the aisles, thoughtfully reading labels. And I know my experiences are not unique. I mean, every day, parents across this country are doing that same frantic grocery store sprint. So it’s not particularly helpful to bombard them with complex labels or vague messages to “eat healthy” and “make better choices” without clearly defining what that means.

What is helpful is to provide families with the information they need when they need it. And this is the first point I want to make. The fact is that we can give parents the most comprehensive pamphlets and the most up-to-date websites. But we cannot expect folks to remember everything they’ve read days or weeks later when they’re in that grocery store aisle, or opening that menu, or standing in front of the freezer pondering what to make for dinner. Instead, we need to offer parents clear information at the moment when they’re actually deciding what to buy, cook and order for their kids.

8.

(04.02 MC)

Write a short counterclaim for the claim Michelle Obama is making in these remarks to the Grocery Manufacturers Association. (15 points)

So this isn’t surprising when studies show that even a single commercial can impact a child’s brand preferences—and that kids who see foods advertised on TV are significantly more likely to ask for them at the store.

So whatever we believe about personal responsibility and self-determination, I think we can all agree that it doesn’t apply to kids.

I think we can all agree that parents need more control over the products and messages their kids are exposed to. Parents are working hard to provide a healthy diet and to teach healthy habits—and we’d like to know that our efforts won’t be undermined every time our children turn on the TV or see a flashy display in a store.