Question

A red herring is a rhetorical device. What is the purpose of using a red herring?(1 point)
Responses

It presents irrelevant information that allows the speaker to address something they prefer to address rather than the topic at hand.
It presents irrelevant information that allows the speaker to address something they prefer to address rather than the topic at hand.

It emphasizes something the speaker considers vital to their argument, often with comic or dramatic effect.
It emphasizes something the speaker considers vital to their argument, often with comic or dramatic effect.

It limits options to two opposite choices, implying that they are the only available solutions.
It limits options to two opposite choices, implying that they are the only available solutions.

It makes the speaker’s position seem rational by simplifying or distorting an argument.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

**It presents irrelevant information that allows the speaker to address something they prefer to address rather than the topic at hand.**

This defines the purpose of a red herring as it diverts attention away from the main issue.