Which best describes the claim of a compare-and-contrast essay?

Question

an umbrella statement that establishes the parts of the argument
a statement that provides evidence for the main argument
a summary of all details, statistics, and relevant facts
an evaluation of the most important details and points

Which best defines the term empirical evidence?
evidence based on facts and figures
evidence based on emotions
evidence based on another person’s testimony
evidence based on experience and observation

Read the paragraph.

I have been a nurse for twenty years. In that time, I have seen a great number of patients suffer because they did not have health insurance. For example, I once saw a person who broke their hand in an accident. Because they could not afford treatment, they delayed coming to the hospital and developed a serious infection. By the time I saw them for the first time, the infection could be treated but there was a high risk of permanent disability. This sort of thing should not happen to anyone. A strong universal health care system could prevent instances like this from occurring.

Which of the following additions would make the paragraph more objective and effective?
the use of facts and statistics to support the anecdote
the use of more subjective words like “worst” and “best”
the use of another anecdote about a patient
the use of more figurative language when relating the anecdote

Read the paragraphs.

Uninsured people are less likely to receive medical care and more likely to have poor health status. The cost of poor health among uninsured people was almost $125 billion in 2004 (Hadley & Holahan, 2004).

The financial burden of medical care is also high for uninsured individuals; almost 50% of personal bankruptcy filings are due to medical expenses (Jacoby, et al., 2000). Uninsured individuals report more problems getting care, are diagnosed at later disease stages, and get less therapeutic care.

To support the claim that the lack of health insurance is a financial burden, the author uses
evidential support, such as facts, figures, and statistics.
anecdotes to illustrate how the problem affects people.
descriptive language to reveal the hardships of the uninsured.
reasons that directly address the counterclaim presented.

An essay that effectively compares two editorials must
assess the writing quality of both pieces.
evaluate the argument of each piece.
summarize a variety of experts’ opinions.
use all three rhetorical appeals.

Answer 1

Here are the answers to your questions based on the information provided:

1. Which best describes the claim of a compare-and-contrast essay?

   • An umbrella statement that establishes the parts of the argument.

2. Which best defines the term empirical evidence?

   • Evidence based on facts and figures.

3. Which of the following additions would make the paragraph more objective and effective?

   • The use of facts and statistics to support the anecdote.

4. To support the claim that the lack of health insurance is a financial burden, the author uses:

   • Evidential support, such as facts, figures, and statistics.

5. An essay that effectively compares two editorials must:

   • Evaluate the argument of each piece.

If you have any further questions or need additional clarification, feel free to ask!