GED Reasoning Through Language ArtsExtended Response (Essay)Hard
A student is writing an essay arguing that standardized testing should be reformed. They have gathered two source texts. Source 1 presents statistics showing a correlation between high standardized test scores and student success in college. Source 2 offers qualitative data, including interviews with educators and students, highlighting the negative impact of high-stakes testing on student mental health and diverse learning styles. To construct a strong argument for reform, the student should primarily focus on:
- APresenting both sources as equally valid but not attempting to draw a conclusion about reform.
- BAcknowledging Source 1's findings but using Source 2 to argue for a more holistic approach to assessment.
- CDismissing Source 2 as anecdotal and relying solely on Source 1's quantitative data.
- DChallenging the validity of Source 1's statistics by claiming they are biased.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Acknowledging Source 1's findings but using Source 2 to argue for a more holistic approach to assessment.
To argue for reform, the student needs to address the perceived benefits of standardized testing (Source 1) but then use the counter-evidence (Source 2) to demonstrate the need for change. This approach acknowledges complexity while advocating for a specific solution.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Presenting sources without drawing a conclusion fails to build an argumentative essay for reform.
- C. Dismissing a source without justification weakens the argument and shows a lack of critical analysis.
- D. Challenging a source's validity without specific evidence to back the claim is an unsupported assertion.
Synthesizing for Argumentation
The process of integrating multiple source texts, especially those with differing viewpoints, to build a cohesive and persuasive argument that supports a specific thesis.
- Requires identifying how sources can be used to support or refute points.
- Often involves acknowledging counterarguments to strengthen one's own position.
- The goal is to use sources to advance a thesis, not just summarize them.
Memory trick: Diverse Data Drives Decisive Debates.