Question

Read the following student perspective and then choose your answer.

Campbell claims that up-to-date information about elected officials and political events was not accessible to the American people before the advent of television. He concludes that the widespread distribution of televisions throughout the nation served to increase interest and awareness in American political life. He fails to consider, however, that just because numerous news outlets are available does not mean that Americans are interested or are actually watching. It is more likely that they are tuned into sitcoms, cartoons, and reality shows.

Which approach is the student taking to the argument essay? (5 points)


The student is defending the author's claim.

The student is challenging the author's claim.

The student is qualifying the author's claim.

The student's perspective is unclear.

Answer 1

A: The correct answer would be based on the the student challenging the author’s claim.

The reason why is that the student refers to what the author claims and concludes, but then the student gives their perspective by writing “he fails to consider…”

The phrase “he fails to consider…” suggests that the student is challenging the author by not agreeing with the claims and conclusion.