Question

Resolution: Higher education should be available at no cost in the US.


Affirmative claim: All students should have access to a free college education. Within the last twenty years, the average cost of college has nearly tripled, making a college degree unobtainable for many. One report states that a four-year bachelor’s degree from a public university costs over $100,000—and this does not include any student loan interest.

Which statement best describes the persuasive technique used in the affirmative claim?

The claim uses data and research to appeal to logic.
The claim uses strong word choice to create pathos.
The claim uses a personal anecdote to create ethos.
The claim uses quotations from experts to appeal to credibility.

Answer 1

The claim uses data and research to appeal to logic.

Explanation: It cites statistics (“average cost… nearly tripled”) and a report (“one report states… over $100,000”), which are appeals to evidence and reasoning (logos), not a personal anecdote, expert quotation, or primarily emotive language.