Question

Read Horus's evaluation of an argument that claims that everyone should remain on daylight saving time all year long.

In her editorial today, Smith returns to the perennial issue of setting our clocks back as we return to standard time. Her reasons are compelling. Not only would it be more convenient if we didn't have to change our clocks twice a year, but it would prevent the confusion that results from states and countries in different time zones changing their clocks on different dates. Smith’s evidence is drawn from amusing commonplace experiences, such as arriving at church as the service is ending, and from pragmatic—sometimes serious—concerns about global business and communication, such as statistics on the economic impact of time mix-ups.

What should Horus add to his evaluation to make it more effective? Select two options.

a statement summarizing Smith's claim
examples of Smith's reasoning and evidence
an evaluation of Smith's reasoning and evidence
a sentence introducing the topic of the argument
a conclusion summarizing the claim and evaluation

Answer 1

- an evaluation of Smith's reasoning and evidence
- a conclusion summarizing the claim and evaluation

Rationale: Horus's piece lists Smith's reasons and examples and introduces the topic, but it needs a more specific assessment of how strong or weak that evidence is, and a closing sentence that ties together Smith's claim and Horus's judgment.